240 MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL EXPHRIMENT STATION. 
The eggs (fig. 3.) as laid by the queen are deposited on end at the 
bottom of the cell. In about three days the larve (fig. 3.) hatch, and 
are fed by being surrounded with liquid nourishment for about six 
days, when the cells are sealed over and the larve spin a cocoon and 
undergo a metamorphosis in which they are transformed into the 
adult bees, which emerge in about 21 days from the time the eggs are 
laid. The time of emergence varies for queens and drones. The 
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Fig. 3.—Hgg larvae and pupae. 
period of the former is about 16 days, and of the latter about 24 days. 
The greatest number of eggs are laid by the queen during the season 
when nectar is being brought in, when all bee activity is at its height. 
Towards fall the queen lays fewer and fewer eggs, until in the months 
of September or October, often few eggs or little brood can be found 
in the combs. After a more of less inactive condition, including di- 
minished brood-rearing through the cold of winter, the bees begin 
preparation for spring activity. Just at what time the queen begins 
active laying in the spring, varies considerably according to strength of 
colony, amount of stores, protection of the hive, etc. 
With the advent of the warm days of spring, and the opening of 
fruit bloom and other flowers, the colony rapidly increases in number 
of inhabitants, until the hive will no longer accommodate the increase 
and swarming is the result. The first swarm of the season, is accom- 
panied by the old queen and a share of the worker bees, Previous to 
swarming, preparations are made by the bees for a new queen for the 
parent colony. This provision for the old parent colony consists in build- 
ing queen cells, (fig. 4.) These are developed from young female larv 
by feeding them a specially prepared food. Normally the young queen 
does not emerge for several days after the swarm has issued with the 
old queen. If, however, the weather should be unfavorable, the young 
queen may emerge from the cell before the swarm with the old queen 
issues. Besides this first swarm accompanied by the old queen, there are 
often several smaller swarms, which issue after the first one. These after 
swarms are accompanied by one or more of the young virgin queens. 
