FARMER'S ASSISTANT. S3 



On the Nile, they are sent up, in boats constructed for 

 the purpose, to where the flowers are earlier in bloom; 

 and return again in two or three months, sloping frequently 

 where the feeding is best. Along the shore of Asia Minor, 

 they are carried in boats, from one island to another, in. 

 search of food. In France, they are transported, both by 

 land and water, for the same purpose. 



A case is mentioned by M. Reaumur^ of a M. Protaut, 

 who kept about six hundred hives, which he moved, by 

 land, twenty miles or more from home, in search of the 

 best feeding. From thirty to forty eight were carried in 

 one cart, made for the purpose; the hives being properly 

 arranged in tiers, and standing on strong cloths, fastened 

 te springs. They traveled slowly, and on the smoothest 

 soads; and frequently halted where the feeding was good. 



But we shall not further enlarge this article, with rela- 

 tions of what is done in old settled Countries, where, labor 

 being cheaper than it is here, the Cultivator of Bees is ena- 

 bled to make that profitable which, perhaps, might ot be 

 found equally so in this Country. 



Bees are certainly very profitable, if properly managed, 

 and attended to. They> however, require more attentioa 

 than is usually bestowed on them here. We have endea- 

 vored to give the general outlines of their natural history, 

 and of what is considered to be good management of them, 

 without entering too minutely into details, which are incon- 

 sistent with the intended brevity of this Work. 



Our Country is probably not calculated to support so 

 many Bees, as one that has less of woodland, and more 

 land that is cultivated. The forests yield but little food for 

 the Bee, except the honey-dew, as it is called, which at 

 times is found very plentifully on the leaves of trees. This, 

 however, affords but indifferent honey ; and probably, when 

 this dew abounds in the forest, the leaves of the plants of 

 the cultivated fields are not wholly destitute of it. 



There can be no doubt, however, that almost every part 

 of our Country, where it is cultivated, is capable of feeding 

 six times the number of Bees with which it at present 

 abounds. 



BEET (Beta.) There are varieties of beets ; but the 

 best are the red, and the reder the sweeter. Sow them ear- 

 ly, if the soil be not very rich ; but they may be sown later, 

 where it is strong. The soil should be well mellowed to a 

 good depth. A soil naturally mellow is best for them. The 

 larger they grow the farther they should be set apart, even 

 to the distance of twelve inches. The seeds generally 

 come up double, but should be separated while young, 

 otherwise both roots will be smfill, and sometimes twisted 



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