BOOK IX 



PREFACE 



I now come to the care of wild cattle and the Preface. 

 rearing of bees, which also, Publius Silvinus, I can 

 j ustly place among creatures which are fed on the farm, 

 since ancient custom placed parks for young hares, 

 wild goats and wild boars near the farm, generally 

 within the view of the owner's dwelling-place, so that 

 the sight of their being hunted within an inclosure 

 might delight the eyes of the proprietor and that 

 when the custom of giving feasts called for game, it 

 might be produced as it were out of store. Also 

 within our own memory accommodation for bees was 

 provided either in holes cut in the actual walls of the 

 farm-building or in sheltered galleries and orchards. 

 So, since we have assigned a reason for the title 

 which we have prefixed to this discourse, let us now 

 proceed to deal, one by one, with the topics which we 

 have proposed. 



I. Wild creatures, such as roebucks, chamois and wild 

 also various kinds of antelopes, deer and wild boars creatures. 

 sometimes serve to enhance the splendour and 

 pleasure of their owners, and sometimes to bring 

 profit and revenue. Those who keep game shut up 

 for their own pleasure are content to construct a 

 park, on any suitable site in the neighbourhood of 



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