192 SUMMER. 



tlie summer. The first time it was the last of May, 

 the next in July. 



REMARKS. 



The failure of honey was the cause, without any 

 doubt. And who shall say, these bees were not wise 

 in their conduct ? Wh at prudent man would emigrate 

 with a family, if the prospect of a famine was plainly 

 indicated, when, by remaining at home, there was 

 enough, at least for the present ? "Who can help but 

 admire this wise and beautiful arrangement? The 

 combs must contain brood ; the bees must find honey 

 during the rearing of the queens. If a swarm were 

 to issue the moment of obtaining honey, the conse- 

 quence might be fatal, as there would not be a nume- 

 rous brood to hatch out, and replenish the old stock 

 with bees sufficient to keep out the worms. Were 

 they to issue at any time, as soon as the bees had in- 

 creased enough in numbers to spare a swarm, without 

 regard to the yield of honey, they might starve. 



CONLFICimG THKORIES. 



I find many theories conflicting with these views, 

 which appear to call for some remarks. It is generally 

 supposed that a young queen must be matured to is- 

 sue with the swarms, and the old one with the old 

 bees are permanent residents of the old hive. 



BOTH OLD AND YOUNG LEAVE WITH SWARMS. 



It is probable thatno rule governs the issue of work- 

 ers. Old and young come out promiscuously. That 

 old bees come out may be known sometimes, by so 

 many leaving, that not a quarter as many will be left, 



