CHAPTER XX. 



SWARMING, ETC. 



The primary causes of swarming may be said to be 

 an instinct natural to the bee, which teaches her to ex- 

 tend and propagate her species. This is a wise and 

 universal influence of nature, that pervades all animate 

 creation. 



In order to insure this desired result, nature has had 

 recourse to harmonious causes and effects, that produce 

 the ends desired. The only way in which the honey- 

 bee can increase and propagate her species by multiply- 

 ing families or colonies, is by sending off families as pio- 

 neers, to find shelter and protection for themselves ; and 

 to insure this, there must be certain causes that operate 

 to force out swarms, even against their wishes. 



In order that the reader may arrive at a proper in- 

 sight of this subject, I will make a few remarks on the 

 general features of breeding, and the particular influ- 

 ences brought to bear on the queen of every family, in 

 the spring of the year, when all measures tending to- 

 produce emigration are put in operation. 



In the first place the queen commences her great laying 



