8o THE BEE AS AN INSECT. [Ch. i. 



that a second swanii issues, as so much depends on the 

 strength of the stock, the weather, and other causes ; but 

 should the bees determine to throw out another, the first 

 hatched queen in the stock hive is prevented by her 

 subjects from destroying the other royal princesses, as 

 she would do if left to her own will. She in conse- 

 quence becomes highly indignant ; and, when thwarted 

 in her purpose, utters, in quick succession, shrill angry 

 sounds, much resembling Peep, peep* commonly called 

 " piping," but which more courtly apiarians have styled 

 the vox regalis. The princesses answer her in a some- 

 what different note — these being, it must be understood, 

 by this time perfectly developed queens, but afraid to 

 quit their cells, where accordingly the brood bees feed 

 them. 



This royal wailing continues during the evening, and 

 is sometimes so loud as to be distinctly audible many 

 yards from the hive. When this is the case, a swarm 

 may usually be expected either on the next day or at 

 latest within three days, unless the weather causes a 

 longer postponement. This sound, when persevered in, 

 is a sure sign of the issuing of an after-swarm, but it is 

 in such case almost the only sign, and it must be noted 

 that even when the bees do not intend to swarm it may 

 sometimes be heard a day or two after a second swarm 



* So all English writers. Bees in Germany evidently speak a 

 different language, for there the reigning queen cries, Tiih, tuh, while 

 her imprisoned rival answers, Quah, quah. 



