NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL INCREASE. 155 
The bee-keeper who thinks much of his bees will, of 
course, Wish to see and hive his swarms as they issue. If 
neglected, for even a short time after they cluster, they 
will often relieve themselves from such protection, and 
seek the shelter of some old tree in the woods. Without 
some knowledge of the indications of swarms, we often 
watch vainly for weeks, remaining at home, and perhaps 
neglecting important business in the fruitless expectation 
that the ‘‘ bees will swarm.” External appearances are 
not to be depended on. Very early swarms often issue 
before clustering out; also, they very often cluster out 
without swarming. It is necessary to look inside the 
hive for reliable indications. 
INDICATIONS OF SWARMING. 
To a novice, this operation is apparently formidable. 
But with protection for the face, and the aid of a smoker, 
the magnitude of the performance is greatly diminished, 
and will grow less with every repetition. The hives 
should be examined in the middle of the day. Lift out 
the frames, and look for queen-cells. If there are none 
containing eggs or larve, or none with thin, smooth 
walls, evidently just begun, there is not much prospect 
of a swarm for several days. But if any cells contain eggs, 
or larvz nearly ready to seal over, or are actually enclosed, 
we know at once what to expect. When sealed over, the 
swarm will probably issue the next day. This is at the 
beginning of the swarming season. If at or near the 
close we examine again, and find the queen-cells de- 
stroyed, we conclude that they are done swarming. 
I have found the requisites for all regular swarms to 
be something like this. The combs must be crowded 
with bees ; they must contain a numerous brood advanc- 
ing from the egg to maturity, and the bees must be ob- 
taining honey either from flowers or artificial- sources. * 
*To these I would add scarcity of room for brood. 
‘ 
