Page:Jardine Naturalist's library Bees.djvu/140

136 to seek for a new one elsewhere. A crowded population may not be the sole cause of this periodical emigration of the bees; but it seems consonant to the usual course of nature that it should be the principal cause, and that others which may be alleged are but subservient to it. No royal brood is reared, unless the population fill the hive almost to overflowing. This takes place sooner or later, according to the size of the domicile; and hence we find that, generally speaking, small hives swarm sooner than those of larger dimensions. The heat in a full hive is excessive—the thermometer often rising above 100 degrees,—and may doubtless have its effect in hastening the swarming; and we have oftener than once succeeded in bringing off a swarm, when apparently undetermined, by the artificial application of heat. But this increased temperature is the consequence of the overgrown population in relation to the size of their dwelling. The uneasiness of the Queen is usually stated as one of the causes of swarming, arising from the sight of so many royal cells, each containing, as a sure instinct teaches her, a future rival. However this may hold true in after-swarms, it seems at least doubtful whether it be applicable to the first. In respect to after-swarms, the then Queen, prompted by jealousy, is desirous to destroy her rivals; and being prevented by the bees from doing so, she becomes agitated and restless, and finally forsakes a hive where she meets with so much to annoy her. But in the case of a first swarm, the Queen-mother meets with nothing but respect and