INTRODUCTION. 19 



number of the hives, and noticing the internal arrangement of 

 the parts. The result was, that I came away convinced that 

 though your system was based on the same principles as 

 Dzierzon's, yet that your hive was almost totally difTerenl 

 from his, in construction and arrangement ; that while the 

 same objects siibstantially are attained by each, your hive is 

 more simple, more convenient, and much better adapted for 

 general introduction and use, since the mode of using it can 

 be more easily taught. Of its ultimate and triumphant suc- 

 cess I have no doubt. I sincerely believe that when it comes 

 under the notice of Mr. Dzierzon, he will himself prefer it 

 to his own. It in fact combines all the good properties 

 which a hive ought to possess, while it is free from the com- 

 plication, clumsiness, vain whims, and decidedly objectiona- 

 ble features, which characterize most of the inventions which 

 profess to be at all superior to the simple box, or the com- 

 mon chamber hive. 



You may certainly claim equal credit with Dzierzon for 

 originality in observation and discovery in the natural history 

 of the honey hee, and for success in deducing principles 

 and devising a most valuable system of management from 

 observed facts. But in invention, as far as neatness, com- 

 pactness, and adaptation of means to ends are concerned, 

 the sturdy German must yield the palm to you. You will 

 find a case of similar coincidence detailed in the Westmin- 

 ster Review for October, 1852, page 267, et seq. 



I send you herewith some interesting statements respect- 

 ing Dzierzon, and the estimate in which his system is held 

 in Germany. 



Very truly yours, 



SAMUEL WAGNER. 



Rev. L. L. Langsteoth. 



