SWARMING. 281 



the night may be often found on the floor-board in the 

 morning. I have found a dozen by one stock. Should 

 the stock send out but one swarm, they may be found 

 about the time, or a little before you would listen for 

 the piping. But should after swarm's come out, they 

 ■will, or may be found the next morning after it is 

 decided that no more are to issue. It is very sddom 

 that, all the queens reared are needed. They make 

 it a rule, as far as they have control, to go on safe 

 principles, by having a little more than just enough. 

 When several such bodies are thrown out, arid no 

 piping is heard, no further swarming need be ex- 

 pected. But should' you hear the piping a day or 

 two after finding a dead queen, you may yet Ibok for 

 the swarm. 



THEORY DOUBTED. 



It is stated that when the bees decide an after 

 swarm shall issue, the first queen matured is not al- 

 lowed to leave her cell, but kept a prisoner there, a;nd 

 fed imtH. wanted to go forth with the swarm. This 

 may be true in some cases (though not satisfactorily 

 proved), but I am quite sure it is not in all. 



When she is confined to her cell, how does she as- 

 certain the presence of others ? By leaving the cell, 

 this knowledge is easily obtained. Huber says she 

 does, and is " enraged at the existence of others, and 

 endeavors to destroy them while yet in the cell, which 

 the workers will not allow ; this is so irritating to her 

 majesty that she utters this peculiar sound." Also 

 second and third swarms may contain several queens. 



