Vlll PREFACE. 



of them, however, has he displayed himself more clearly 

 than in the economy of the Honey-Bee : 



" What well-appointed commonwealths ! where each 

 Adds to the stock of happiness for all; 

 Wisdom's own forums ! whose professors teach 

 Eloquent lessons in their vaulted hall ! 

 Galleries of art ! and schools of industry ! 

 Stores of rich fragrance ! Orchestras of song ! 

 What marvellous gfeats of hidden alchemy ! 

 How oft, when wandering far and erring long, 

 Man might learn truth and virtue from the BEE ! 



BOWRINO. 



The attention of Ministers of the Gospel is particularly 

 invited to this branch of Natural History. An intimate 

 acquaintance with the wonders of the Bee-Hive, while 

 beneficial to them in many ways, might lead them, in 

 their preaching, to imitate more closely the example of 

 Him who illustrated his teachings by " the birds of the 

 air, and the lilies of the field," as well as the common 

 walks of life, and the busy pursuits of men. 



It affords me sincere pleasure to acknowledge my obli- 

 gations to Mr. SAMUEL WAGNER, of York, Pennsylvania, 

 for material assistance in the preparation of this Treatise. 

 To his extensive and accurate acquaintance with Bee- 

 keeping in Germany, my readers will find themselves 

 indebted for much exceedingly valuable information. 



L. L. LANGSTROTH. 



OXFORD, BUTLER COUNTY, Ouio, March, 1859. 



