PROGRAMME OF A SWARM. 173 



swarms appear the latter end of April. It is therefore evi- 

 dent that the departure of the swarms depends on the 

 greater or less mildness in the temperature of the climate, 

 and on the particular state of the weather. 



The following may be considered as the programme of a 

 swarm. The young bees or the brood having emerged from 

 the cells in which they were bred, the old ones commence 

 immediately to clean them, divesting them of all extraneous 

 matter which they may have brought with them from their 

 cells, and supplying them at the same time with some honey 

 by means of their proboscis. The young bees then descend 

 to the pedestal of the hive, in order to accustom themselves 

 by degrees to the air ; afterwards they venture to the out- 

 side of the hive, enjoying themselves in the sun, and appear- 

 ing to welcome home their brethren from their labours. A 

 young bee is always known by the manner in which he 

 takes his first flight from the hive. An old bee rushes out of 

 the hive, and darts off immediately, whereas a young bee 

 always turns his head to the entrance of the hive, takes to its 

 wings, and hovers about for some time before it takes its 

 departure. In proportion as the young bees gather strength 

 and confidence, they extend their flights into the fields, 

 begin to collect honey and pollen, and after having served a 

 kind of apprenticeship, they become as skilful labourers as 

 their elder brethren. The young bees may now be considered 

 in a condition to depart with the first young queen, who 

 may be ready to place herself at their head ; and on her 

 appearance from the royal cradle, they appear as if to delibe- 

 rate on their approaching separation from the mother hive, 

 and to become the subjects of a newly founded monarchy. 



The following is an extraordinary trait in the character of 

 these insects, exhibiting the power of instinct in an astonish- 

 ing light, and showing a power of foresight scarcely con- 

 ceivable in so small a creature. Let an individual weigh 

 five hundred bees, which have just left the hive, as the part 



