THE HONEY-BEE. 165 



able supply of farina, and also a small portion of 

 iioney early in spring. The whole cabbage-tribe 

 also may be made to contribute their share; and 

 mustard-seed, when sown in successive crops, will 

 continue blossoming for many weeks. 



We cannot conclude these observations on the situa- 

 tion of the Apiary, without reminding the classical 

 reader of the admirable directions on the same subject 

 by Virgil. In fact, there is not a precept given by 

 the Roman Poet on the practical treatment of Bees, 

 particularly as respects the situation of the Apiary, 

 which is not found at this day, and after the experience 

 of so many centuries, to be the result of an accurate 

 knowledge of the habits of these insects, and highly 

 conducive to their prosperity. While we smile at 

 the fable of Aristaeus, and plume ourselves on our 

 more correct understanding of their natural history, 

 the most skilful Apiarian among us will do well to 

 listen to his practical directions. 



Principio, sedes apibus, statioque petenda 



Quo neque sit ventis aditus (nam pabula venti 



Ferre domum prohibent) * * 



Absint et picti squalentia terga lacerti 



Pinguibus a stabulis, meropesque, aliaeque volucres ; 



Neu propius tectis Taxum sine ; * 



altae neu crede paludi, 

 \\t ubi odor cceni gravis ; 

 At lic.uidi fontes, et stagna viventia musco 

 Adsint, et tenuis fugiens per gramma rivus ; 

 Palmaque vestibulum, aut ingens oleaster inumbret ; 

 Obviaque hospitiis teneat frondentibus arbos. 

 In medium, seu stabit iners, seu profluet humor. 



