206 NATURAL SWARMINtt. 



CHAPTER VI. 



KATDKAL SWARMING. 



406. In the Spring, as soon as the combs of a hive, 

 well filled, can no longer accommodate its teeming popula- 

 tion, the bees prepare for emigration, or in other words, for 

 departing with their queen, b}' building a number of royal- 

 cells (104). These cells are begun about the time that 

 the drones make their appearance in the open air ; and when 

 the young queens arrive at maturity, the males are usuallj' 

 verj' numerous (186). 



The swarming of bees is one of the most beautiful sights 

 in the whole compass of rural economy. Although those 

 who use movable-comb hives prefer the artificial multiplica- 

 tion of colonies, it being more profitable, all Apiarists 

 delight in the pleasing excitement of natural swarming. 



" Up mounts the chief, and to the cheated eye 

 Ten thousand shuttles dart along the sky ; 

 As swift through jether rise the rushing swarms. 

 Gay dancing to the beam their sun-bright forms ; 

 And each thin form, still ling'ring on the sight, 

 Trails, as it shoots, a line of silver light. 

 High pois'd on buoyant wing, the thoughtful queen. 

 In gaze attentive, views the varied scene. 

 And soon her far-fetch'd ken discerns below 

 The light laburnum lift her polish'd brow, 

 Wave her green leafy ringlets o'er the glade, 

 And seem to beckon to her friendly shade. 

 •Swift as the falcon's sweep, the monarch bends 

 Her flight abrupt ; the following host descends. 

 Round the fine twig, like cluster'd grapes, they close 

 In thickening wreaths, and court a short repose." 



Evans. 



