THE SWARM 31 



generation to come. The bee-keeper has only to destroy 

 in their cells the young queens that still are inert, and, 

 at the same time, if nymphs and larvae abound, to enlarge 

 the storehouses and dormitories of the nation, for this 

 unprofitable tumult instantaneously to subside, work to be 

 at once resumed, and the flowers revisited ; while the old 

 queen, who now is essential again, having no successor to 

 hope for, or perhaps to fear, will renounce for this year her 

 desire for the light of the sun. Reassured as to the future 

 of the activity that will soon spring into life, she will tranquilly 

 ~ resume her maternal work, which consists in the laying of 

 two or three thousand eggs a day, as she passes, in methodical 

 spirals, from cell to cell, omitting none, and never pausing 

 to rest. 



Where is the fatality here, save in the love of the race ot 

 to-day for the race of to-morrow ? This fatality exists in 

 the human species also, but its extent and power seem infinitely 

 less. Among men it never gives rise to sacrifices as great, 

 as unanimous, or as complete. What far-seeing fatality, taking 

 the place of this one, do we ourselves obey ? We know not ; 

 as we know not the being who watches us as we watch 

 the bees. 



15 

 But the hive that we have selected is disturbed in its 

 history by no interference of man ; and as the beautiful day 

 advances with radiant and tranquil steps beneath the trees, 

 its ardour, still moist with the dew, makes the appointed 

 hour seem laggard. Over the whole surface of the golden 



