220 
SUMMER. 
by any one not actually deaf, and not the )/Mt danger 
of its being taken for any humming; in fact, it is not 
to be mistaken for anything else but piping, even when 
you hear it for the first time. These noLes can prob- 
ably never be heard except when the hive contains a 
plurality of queens. 
MAY ALWAYS BE HEARD BEFORE AND AFTER SWARM. 
I never failed to hear it, previous to a Second swarm, 
or any after the first, whenever I listened ; and when- 
ever I have listened and not heard it at the proper 
time, I never knew a second swarm to issue 1 
TIME OF CONTINUANCE VARIES. 
The time of commencing will be later than this rule 
in some stocks, if the weather is cool, or not many 
bees left ; it may be ten or twelve days. I once found 
it fourteen before I heard it. Also the swarm may 
not issue in two or three days after you hear it. The 
longer the swarm delays, the louder will be the piping ; 
I have heard it distinctly twenty feet, by listening 
attentively when I knew one was thus engaged ; but 
at first it is rather faint.. By putting yoqr ear against 
the hive it may be bear'd even in the middle of the 
day, or-at any time before issuing. The length of 
time it may be heard beforehand seem^to be govern- 
ed again by the yield of honey ; when abundant it is 
common for them to issue the next day ; but when 
6omewhatscarce, they will be much longer — very often 
three or four days. In these cases third swarms sel- 
dom occur. 
