152 
FAJ^ THENOGENESIS, 
to them from the first, as experience has taught us 
that such queens are much more prolific and vigorous. 
The explanation we have now given shows us the 
reason why this is so. Sometimes bees will start 
queen cells with larvae over three days old ; but these 
never can be so good, because weaning has com- 
menced and the development of the ovaries has been 
retarded. 
