76 PHYSIOLOGY OP THE HONEY-BEE. 



in their cells, since there had been no nurses there to do this 

 work. ("L'Apiculteur." Paris, 1870.) As these were al- 

 ready full-grown larvae, when the hive was deprived of its 

 bees, they must have been twenty-seven days old when hatch- 

 ing. In this experiment, the heat produced by the larvse, 

 coupled with that of the atmosphere, had been sufficient to 

 keep them alive and help their slow development. 



We have often noticed the brood of swarms, that had de- 

 serted their hives, still alive after a cold night, but in each 

 case its development was delayed. 



172. A newly hatched worker, like a newly hatched queen, 

 is easily recognized by her small size, her pale gray color, and 

 her weak appearance. After a few days, she has grown con- 

 siderably larger. She is then in the bloom of health; her 

 color is bright, she has not yet lost a single hair of the down 

 which covers her body. These hairs fall gradually from age 

 and work, and sometimes disappear almost entirely. 



173. The first excursion of the young bee out of the hive 

 takes place when she is about eight days old (160.) The dis- 

 turbing of the colony, or the lack of old bees may cause them 

 to go out earlier. 



The first fiight of young worker-bees is easily remembered 

 when once seen. It usually takes place in the afternoon of a 

 sunny day. They first walk about on' the platform in a hesi- 

 tating manner and then take flight. Their humming, and 

 joyous and peaceable circles to reconnoitre the location of 

 their home, recalls to memory the gay playing of children 

 in front of the school-house door. Their second trip is made 

 about a week after the first; it is then that they brmg in 

 their first load. A yoimg bee coming home is readily recog- 

 nized by the small size of the pollen pellets she carries, when 

 compared with those of older bees, and by the turns she makes 

 before alighting. 



174. The Apiarist should become acquainted with the 

 behavior of young bees, so as not to mistake their pleasant 

 flight for the restless motions of robber-bees. (664.) 



IT'S. Although the workers are females, they are incapable 



