2l2 



NATURAL SWARMING. 



exhibiting tlie appearance of natural swarming', tiiey leave, 

 not because the population is so crowded that they wish t& 

 form new colonies, but because it is either so small, or the 

 hive so destitute of supplies, that they are dri^•en to desper- 

 ation. Seeming to have a presentiment that they must perish 

 if they stay, instead of awaiting the sure approach of famine, 

 they sally out to see if they cannot better their condition. 



FIG. 95. 

 GATHEIIING A SWARM. 



From Mont-Jovet, Savole, France. 



Such desertions should not be mistaken for natural swarming., 

 ■1-08. The time, when new swarms may be expected, de- 

 pends, of course, upon the climate, the forwardness of the 

 season, and the strength of the colonies. In our Northern, 

 and Middle States, they seldom issue before the latter part, 

 of May ; and June may there be considered as the great 



