FORMATION OF SWARMS. 
31 
When the 'larvae hatched from the 
eggs laid hy the old queen in the royal 
cells are ready to transform into nymphs* 
this queen leaves the hive conducting 
a swarm along with her $ and the 
first swarm that proceeds from the 
hive is uniformly conducted by the 
old queen'". Her belly is extremely 
turgid before she begins laying the 
eggs of’ drones** but it sensibly de¬ 
creases as she advances* and when the 
laying is terminated, it is very small. 
Thus* she is in a state to undertake 
a journey, which circumstances may 
prolong. 
# Huber professes bis ignorance of the real 
cause of departure; but may It not be similar 
to that which influences hersuccessors:— Cam?. 
E 
