XIV PKEFACE, 



very limited degree ; but npoe the subject matter of the work 

 he invites the most thorough criticism 1 . 



Having been compelled to write in the midst of other ab- 

 sorbing labors, freedom from errors cannot be anticipated ; if, 

 however, one of these errors should be found in a failure to 

 give due credit to authors whose works have assisted me, I beg 

 pardon in advance ; for I have, in all cases, intended to gfve 

 such credit ; and in this connection, my sincere thanks are due 

 to the authors of " The Honey Bee," by Betao, Quimby's 

 " Mysteries of Bee-Keeping Explained," Langstroth's " Hive 

 and Honey Bee," Jaeger's " Life of North American Insects," 

 and many individuals of practical experience, for facts and 

 information ; in the latter connection, I am especially indebted 

 to 0. C. WHEELER, Corresponding Secretary of the California 

 State Agricultural Society. 



Hoping that the reader may find as much profit in the pe- 

 rusal, as the author has in the preparation of the work, it is 

 cordially submitted to a generous public, by 



J. S. HARBISON. 



