day, which could not have been the case had the leader been a virgin-queen. The reason for the departure of the old Queen with the first swarm is to be found in the fact, that a plurality of queens cannot exist in a hive. Were no swarm to depart, therefore, until a young Queen could put herself at the head of it, this plurality must exist for a time, and the danger arise of a combat between the two sovereigns; and the death of one, at least, and probably of the younger and weaker, would be the consequence. By this means swarming would be prevented altogether.
A swarm, especially a first one, never departs but in fine weather, and at the warmest time of the day. The passing of a cloud over the face of the sun, causing a sudden diminution of the light, is sufficient to stop the emigration for a time, although all is in perfect readiness. The same effect is produced, if, at the moment of rushing out, there is a sudden change of weather; a shower of rain, however slight, or a gust of wind, will restore quiet instantaneously. No sooner, however, does the wind lull, and the sun shine out, though only for a second or two, than all the symptoms of restlessness and agitation are renewed, and the impatient emigrants rush out in myriads.
If suffered to remain any considerable time on the spot where they have alighted in swarming, the bees are apt to rise again, and take a new flight. But their flight now has a different aspect from what it had on first leaving the hive. They do not now hover
