SWARMING OF BEES. And here are other objects: "Waked by his warmer ray, the reptile young Ten thousand forms, ten thousand different tribes, The breeding of young bees commences as early as February, and a hive, however thinned by the previous winter, becomes, when circumstances are commonly favourable, crowded to excess in Midsummer. Besides the developed bees, eggs abound, and young ones not matured. What then occurs to relieve the pressure? Guided by an admirable instinct, the queen bee, the proper mother of at least the great body of the hive, re solves on departure with a THE QUEEN BEE swarm. Various causes contribute to this result, all of which are worthy of an observer's consideration. A period of from seven to nine days elapses from the time of the first colony being led forth by the old queen, until the next swarm is conducted by the first young queen who is set at liberty. The interval between the second and third is still shorter; and the fourth sometimes departs the day after the third. In hives left to themselves, fifteen or eighteen days are usually sufficient for throwing off the four swarms, if the weather continues favourable. A swarm is never seen except when the sun shines, and the air is calm. There may be in the hive agitation and disorder, in fact, all the precursors of swarming, but should a cloud pass over the sun, all is still and the attempt is deferred. If, however, the sun again appears, even an hour afterwards, the tumult is renewed, it is rapidly augmented, and the swarm departs. When a swarm has settled on some bush or tree, the first step towards lodging a swarm in a new hive, is the capture of the queen. As bees are less disposed to sting at this than other times, they may be handled if a strong glove be worn. But should they settle on any person who may be near, presence of mind is absolutely necessary to the preservation of life. The first object of the bees is to clear out the new hive thoroughly, if not before done, to block up all its chinks, to smooth any projecting parts, and to ROSE-LEAF-CUTTER BEE. lay a stable foundation for the future works of the interior. As we look, we are reminded of the poet's words : "For me, 'tis time to pray, that men regard Whate'er may soothe distress and raise the fallen." "As we have opportunity, then, let us do good unto all men, especially to them that are of the household of faith." Other insects are busily at work. Look on the leaves of brambles and dandelions, and various zig-zag lines may be perceived; what, then, are they? They are the work of insects which remove the pulpy substance of the leaf, and thus make labyrinths in which to dwell. Convenient habitations are also formed of the leaves of different plants brought into a proper state by means of silken cords. One of these may be found in our hedge-rows, resembling in shape a small roll. How skilfully does the rose-leaf-cutter bee cut out the materials of her nest! Tents are also formed, composed of silk, which the inmate spins, almost as soon as it issues from the egg, and enlarges by splitting it in two, and inserting a strip of new materials. It is kept erect by fastening silken threads from a swelling at the base to the surrounding surface of the leaf, and further steadied by the air being drawn out, by the little creature hastily retreating, if alarmed, up his warm case, which it completely fills. A volume might be filled with facts of this kind; but an insect of a different kind must not pass without notice. The gall-fly pierces the tender leaves of the oak, and quickly a commodious dwelling springs up. Such are the substances called galls, of which there are many kinds, SHEEP-WASHING. Now the grazier shows his care for his sheep, and clears the ground of thorns, furze, and briars. Sheep washing has already taken place. No description of the process can be more graphic than that of Thomson: "By men, and boys, and dogs, Compell'd, to where that mazy-running brook |