PHYSIOLOGY AND BREEDING. '-^5 



WHEN THE EGGS HATCH. 



After the egg has been in "the cell about three days, a 

 small white worm may be seen coiled in the bottom, sui-- 

 ronnded by a milk-like substance, which, without doubt, 

 is its food. How this food is prepared is mere conjecture. 

 The supposition is that is chiefly composed of pollen ; this 

 is strongly indicated by the quantity which accumulates 

 in hives that lose their queen and rear no brood — that is, 

 when a requisite number of workers is left. The workers 

 may be seen entering the cell every few minutes, probably 

 to supply this food. When the comb in the glass hive is 

 new and white, these operations can be seen more distinct- 

 ly than when it is old and dark. 



In about sRc days after the worm hatches, it is sealed 

 . over with a convex waxen lid. It is now hidden from our 

 sight for about twelve days, when it bites off the cover, 

 and comes forth a perfect bee. The period from the egg 

 to the perfect bee varies from twenty to twenty-four days, 

 averaging about twenty-one for workers, and twenty-four 

 for drones. The temperature of the hive will vary some- 

 what with the atmosphere ; it is also governed by the 

 number of bees. A low temperature probably retards 

 the development, while a high one facilitates it. 



EOUGH TREATMENT OF THE YOUKG BEES. 



There have been some amusing accounts of the assiduous 

 attentions given to the young bee when it first emerges 

 from the cell. It is said that " they lick it all over, feed 

 it with honey," etc., as if wonderfully pleased with their 

 acquisition. If any one expects to see any thing of this 

 kind, he must watch a little closer than I have. I have 

 seen hundreds when biting their way out, and instead of 

 care or attention, they often receive rather rough treat- 

 ment. The workers intent on other matters, will some- 

 • times come in contact with one part way out of the cell, 

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