On the Management of Bees. 33 1 



in few parts of the kingdom where I have been. And that pas- 

 tures are to be sought for, other than those which surround the 

 apiary in the beginning of the season, and before their numbers 

 have been increased by swarms, is demonstrably proved bv what 

 is mentioned in some authors on the subject; that in Piedmont 

 and Savoy, the bee-masters bring their hives down tlie rivers on 

 rafts, anchoring in different places where flowers are found in 

 abundance for their food. Is this necessary from any other cause 

 than from the want of sufficient food at home ? 



In a treatise of this description, intended for the perusal and 

 information only of persons of common minds, who have no ca- 

 pacity for experiment, nor means of trying its effects ; who are 

 satisfied with the animal as they find it, as well worthy of their 

 care and attention for the value of its productions, as conducive 

 to health and many of the most useful purposes, I put by all the 

 systems which speculation has raised, and the theories in which 

 ingenuity has indulged itself. Used to bees from my childhood, 

 and for the last eighteen years the proprietor of a large stock, 

 which I have watched, observed, and studied, and having directed 

 my observations onlv to increase tliem as far as they could be 

 kept, and having protected them from every thing that could 

 injure them, I address the observations contained here, to enable 

 those who have none, and who may be disposed to keep them, to 

 have the benefit of my experience, and those who have to in- 

 crease their produce. This object I propose through the me- 

 dium of this honourable Society. 



I am aware that many of my observations will be found to be 

 not entirely new, and equally so, that I shall have to controvert 

 many received opinions; but I vvilj state nothing which I have not 

 tried, and for the effect apd success of which I will not answer. 



Tt requires no argument to establish the position, that where 

 there is the greatest quantity of flowers, that is the situation best 

 adapted for keeping bees, but there are few where nature has not 

 thrown out abundance. My house is situated in the village of 

 Bexley in Kent: it is in the vale of Cray: Dartford heath is 

 within a mile of it to the east, and Bexley heath two miles and 

 a half to the north-west. I mention these matters with respect 

 to situation, as heaths are supposed to be peculiarly productive 

 of pabulum for the bees, as affording in abundance the blossoms 

 of the heath, furze, and wild thyme. The situation in that re- 

 spect is a matter of primary consideration. Those who are un- 

 acquainted with the insect suppose that he possesses the fee 

 simple of every flower, and that the whole regions of that de- 

 scription are devoted to his use. It is very far otherwise; and 

 when poetry makes it light upon a rose and inhale its sweets, 

 the truth is, that it never sucks it at all, or many other flowers ; 



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