190 BEES AND BEE-KEEPING. 



CAUSE OF SWARMING. 



Authors do not agree as to the cause of bees 

 swarming. Some suppose it to be for want of room, 

 others think they swarm to avoid the conflicts of 

 the queen, whilst yet others advocate still different 

 theories ; but all such theories, I apprehend, are at 

 fault. I have ever believed swarming to be in strict 

 accordance with the fiat of the Almighty maker of 

 the universe, who said, " Go forth and multiply, and 

 replenish the earth." I am far from supposing it to 

 be the result of any forced or unnatural cause, but as 

 simply the instinct given them as a means of extend- 

 ing and perpetuating their species ; in fact, in a state 

 of nature it could not possibly be dispensed with ; 

 without this means of reproduction the species would 

 soon become extinct. 



CONDITION OP THINGS NECESSARY FOR SWARMING. 



When stocks are strong, the bees cluster to the 

 bottom of the combs, and sometimes on the outside. 

 It is necessary there should be a good supply of honey 

 abroad in the fields. A top swarm need never be 

 expected when there is a scarcity of honey. Nature 

 has taught them the danger and folly of attempting 

 to emigrate, and set up house-keeping in a new place, 

 without the assurance of obtaining a fair supply of 

 provision ; indeed, so generally do they observe this 

 precautions, that it almost amounts to the power of 

 reasoning. Warm weather is also necessary for their 

 coming forth. I have frequently know T n them to 

 swarm when the sun was partially obscured by clouds, 



