24 THE APIARY. 



But when all is ready, a scene of the most violent agita- 

 tion takes place; the bees rush out in vast numbers, 

 forming quite a dark cloud as they traverse the air. 



The time selected for the departure of the emigrants 

 is generally between lo a.m. and 3 p.m. ; most swarms 

 come off within an hour of noon. It is a very general 

 remark that bees choose a Sunday for swarming, and 

 probably this is because then greater stillness reigns 

 around. It will not be difficult to imagine that the care- 

 ful bee-keeper is anxious to keep a strict watch, lest he 

 should lose such a treasure when once it takes wing. 

 The exciting scene at a bee-swarming has been well 

 described by the apiarian laureate : — 



" Up mounts the chief, and, to the cheated eye. 

 Ten thousand shuttles dart along the sky ; 

 As swift through aether rise the rushing swarms. 

 Gay dancing to the beam their sunbright forms ; 

 And each thin form, still lingering on the sight. 

 Trails, as it shoots, a line of sil,ver light. 

 High poised on buoyant wing, the thoughtful queen, 



-In gaze attentive, views the varied scene. 

 And soon her far-fetched ken discerns below 

 The light laburnum lift her polished brow. 

 Wave her green leafy ringlets o'er the glade. 

 Swift as .the falcon's sweep the monarch bends 

 Her flight abrupt : the following host descends ; 

 Round the fine twig, like clustered grapes they close 

 In thickening wreaths, and court a short repose." 



In many country districts it is a time-honoured custom 



