The Young Queens 
account of the weather unexpectedly be- 
coming less favourable, or for some other 
reason we cannot divine, they will suddenly 
change their mind, renounce the cast that 
they had decreed, and destroy the royal 
progeny they had so carefully preserved. 
But at present we will suppose that they 
have determined to dispense with a second 
swarm, and that they accept the risks 
of the nuptial flight.- Our young queen 
hastens towards the large cradles, urged 
on by her great desire, and the guard 
make way before her. Listening only to 
her furious jealousy, she will fling herself 
on to the first cell she comes across, 
madly strip off the wax with her teeth 
and claws, tear away the cocoon that car- 
pets the cell, and divest the sleeping 
princess of every covering. If her rival 
should be already recognisable, the queen 
will turn so that her sting may enter the 
capsule, and will frantically stab it with 
253 
