INTEODUGTION. 



THE PEOGEESS OP BEE-GULTUEE. 



In writings dating from the earliest times of which 

 we have any record, frequent allusion is made to bees 

 and honey. As a food honey stands unrivalled for its 

 deUeate aroma, and it is also recognised as a valuable 

 force producer. Early British History abounds in 

 references to the keeping of bees, and to the value of 

 the honey and wax they produce ; and it may be 

 inferred that even in those times bee-culture had 

 assumed sufficient importance to rank as a rural 

 industry. 



The seventeenth century was very prolific in writers 

 on bee-culture, and from that time onwards great 

 attention has been paid to the culture of the honey- 

 bee in rural districts. Very little real progress, how- 

 ever, in the art was made until the movable-comb 

 hive was invented nearly fifty years ago. To the 

 Rev. L. L. Langstroth in America, and Baron Von 



