SWARMS. 77 



quate ftore for the winter, nor rear a brood 

 in time : befide which, their emigration di- 

 minifhes the parent Jlock fo much as to en- 

 danger its being ftarved during the next 

 fpring. The prevention is, to encourage 

 timely fwarms by warmth, and by a trough 

 of fugared ale now and then, in February 

 and March. But whether the fwarms are 

 early or late, is a matter of no confequence 

 in the ftory method, by which they are re- 

 turned to the flocks. 



In a good ' feafon for early honey-gathering, 

 the flocks will not be forward to fwarm, 

 though they have a princefs ready ; being 

 then wholly intent to collecl: the precious 

 fweets, and almofl deferting the hive: the 

 few left, finding fuch fpacious room, and full 

 employment, have no temptation to rife, and 

 quit fuch treafure for an empty hive. 



Though a fpring ihoukl be cold, and other- 

 wife unfavourable, a fwarm may rife the firft 

 or fecond fine funny day, if a princefs is 

 impregnated, notwithstanding the hive may 

 be very thin of bees. The fwarm, of courfe, 

 will be fmall. New fwarms will gradually 

 defert their hive on a continuance of bad 



weather, 



