22(3 
SUMMER. 
by any one not actually deaf, and not the least 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 notes can prob- 
ably never be heard except when the hive contains a 
plurality of queens. 
MAT 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 ! 
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 your ear against 
the hive it may be heard even in the middle of the 
day, or at any time before issuing. The length of 
time it may be heard beforehand seems to be govern- 
ed again by the yield of honey ; when abundant it is 
common for them to issue the next day ; but when 
somewhat scarce, they will be much longer — very often 
three or four days. In these cases third swarms sel- 
dom occur. 
