SPRING MANAGEMENT. 287 
experienced apiculturists are sometimes deccived. 
But observation of the interior of the hive shows 
the usual time (accidents as to weather not inter- 
fering) to be that in which the larve of the royal 
cells are about to be transformed into nymphs, and 
therein sealed up; viz., six or eight days before the 
young queens are matured; for it is to be re- 
membered that on the occasion of a first swarm it 
is always the old queen that accompanies it. The 
issue of a swarm is frequently to be expected when 
the bees have remained for some time previously in 
a state of seeming inertness, followed by an unusual 
commotion among the drones; and more especially 
if these make their appearance in the morning, 
hanging out with a cluster of bees; conjointly with 
a disinclination among the workers to foraging 
abroad. If, in addition, the honey previously stored 
in a super is observed to disappear suddenly, 
swarming may be anticipated, as the bees are then 
loading themselves before leaving home. But mere 
clustering at the mouth of the hive is not invari- 
ably the precursor of a swarm (though it will be a 
very strong indication if the cluster is formed in the 
morning and continues steadily enlarging in spite of 
the sun); for the bees frequently continue to 
congregate in unmeaning idleness on the outside, 
even though honey may be abundant. ‘In this 
case,” says Dr. Bevan, ‘“‘the cluster may be swept 
into an empty hive towards dusk, and carried to a 
short distance from the apiary, when they will 
gradually return, and generally join the family.” 
This, however, is often only a temporary expedient ; 
