CHAPTER VI. 



NATURAL SWARMING. 



406. In the Spring, as soon as the combs of a hive, well 

 filled, can no longer accommodate its teeming population, the 

 bees prepare for emigration, or in other words, for depart- 

 ing with their queen, by building a number of royal-cells 

 (104). These cells are begun about the time that the drones 

 make their appearance in the open air; and when the young 

 queens arrive at maturity, the males are usually very numer- 

 ous (186). 



The swarming of bees is one of the most beautiful sights 

 in the whole compass of rural economy. Although those 

 who use movable-comb hives prefer the artificial multiplica- 

 tion of colonies, it being more profitable, all Apiarists de- 

 light in the pleasing excitement of natural swarming. 



"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 sun-bright forms; 

 And each thin form, still ling 'ring on the sight, 

 Trails, as it shoots, a line of silver light. 

 High pois'd on buoyant wing, the thoughtful queen, 

 In gaze attentive, views the varied scene. 

 And soon her far-fetch 'd ken discerns below 

 The light laburnum lift her polish 'd brow, 

 "Wave her green leafy ringlets o'er the glade. 

 And seem to beckon to her friendly shade. 

 Swift as the falcon's sweep, the monarch bands 

 Her flight abrupt; the following host descends. 

 Eound the fine twig, like cluster 'd grapes, they close 

 In thickening wreaths, and court a short repose. ' ' 



— Evans. 



407. Bees sometimes abandon their hives very early in 

 Spring, or even late in Summer or Fall (264). Although 



211 



