VI PREFACE. 



We are under many obligations for the advice and 

 assistance that we have on many occasions received 

 from Mr. T. W. Woodbury, of Exeter, whose apiarian 

 skill is unrivalled in this country. Our acknowledg- 

 ments are also due to Mr. Henry Taylor, author of an 

 excellent "Bee-keeper's Manual," for his help and 

 counsel during the earlier years of our apiarian expe- 

 rience. Both the before-mentioned gentlemen have fre- 

 quently communicated to us their contrivances and 

 suggestions, without thought of fee or reward for them. 

 In common with most recent writers on bee-culture, we 

 are necessarily largely indebted to the standard works 

 of Huber and succeeding apiarians. From the more 

 recent volume of the Rev. L. L> Langstroth we have 

 also obtained useful information. But having ourselves, 

 of later years, had considerable experience in the mani- 

 pulation and practical management of bees, we are 

 enabled to confirm or qualify the statement of others, as 

 well as to summarize information gleaned from many 

 various sources. 



Let it be understood, that we have no patented devices 



the surprising fecundity of the genuine Italian ones, whilst the 

 English stocks in course of time become strengthened by the 

 infusion of foreign blood. 



