328 THE HIVE AND HONEY-BEE. 



made to hold only one comb, which ought to be old and 

 very securely fastened. Into such a hive, suitably pro- 

 visioned, an Italian queen may be introduced, with a few 

 hundred bees to keep her company, and, if sufficient ven- 

 tilation is given, with a little water daily, they will bear a 

 journey of many days. If received at a season unsuit- 

 able for rearing new queens,- she maybe given to some 

 strong colony and reserved for future operations. 



It is hardly necessary to say, that a species of the 

 honey-bee so much more productive than the common 

 kind, and so much less sensitive to cold, will be of very great 

 value to all sections of our country.* Its superior docility 

 would make it worthy of high regard, even if in other 

 respects it had no peculiar merits. Its introduction into 

 this country will, it is confidently believed, constitute a 

 new era in bee-keeping, and impart an interest to its pur- 

 suit which will enable us, ere long, to vie with any part 

 of the world in the production of honey. 



* An attempt was made, in 1855, by Mr. Wagner, to import the Italian bees, but, 

 unfortunately, the colonies perished on the voyage. Mr. Kichard Colvin, of Balti- 

 more, Mr. Wagner, and myself, have made arrangements to have them brought to 

 this country this Spring (1859). 



