SWARMS, 73 



CHAP. XL 



THE NATURE OF SWARMS. 



UURING the winter, flocks that are po- 

 pulous in the fummer become reduced by 

 age and accidents to the fmall quantity of a 

 quart, and the weaker flocks fuflain a propor- 

 tional diminution. The repeopling the hives, 

 therefore, depends on the amazing fecun- 

 dity of the queen, which furnifhes 

 thofe new-born multitudes that conflitute 

 the fwarms. 



In confequence of a continued great in- 

 creafe, the bees feel a natural impulfe to 

 fwarm. This law they are impatient to 

 obey, in defiance of all the obftacles that 

 the ingenuity of man has contrived to its 

 taking place. A fwarm does not confifl of 

 all young bees, but of old and young- promifcu- 

 oufly. 



The breeding of young bees is begun 

 fooner or later, in proportion to the fruitful 



nefs 



