326 
A MIGRATION TO A COLONY. 
little further away, describing in the air the most fantastic and incre¬ 
dible flights. The air is darkened with 
them. At length some settle upon the 
branch of a neighbouring tree, then 
numerous others take their places, along 
with the queen. They cling to one 
another, and droop downwards in a large 
cluster. Tranquillity is re-established. 
The other bee communities having taken 
the alarm, and fearing the invasion of 
the fugitives, have guarded their gates, 
and reinforced their ordinary posts; but 
now, seeing them settled, they breathe 
freely, and return to their occupations. 
Meanwhile some prudent and faithful 
messengers are despatched from the cluster 
to examine the neighbouring localities best 
adapted for a new establishment. M. 
Debeauvoys was the first to observe this 
act of prudence, this special and prudent 
mission of inspection for the information 
and guidance of the new colony. A hollow 
tree, or a cavity in the rock, protected 
from the north wind, and near a brook 
where they can conveniently drink, are 
the conditions which weigh most with our 
prudent emigrants. A hive fully prepared 
and already furnished with honey they 
do not regard with indifference. They are 
very decisive in their movements, being- 
directed b}^ an excellent sense. 
Shall we affirm that they have quitted 
without regret the native land where they 
toiled so successfully ? And that, having 
once forsaken it, they think of it no more ? By no means. The 
