352 THE APIARY.' 



illustrating the two characters combined, we will quote 

 another simple idyll, by the German bee-keeper, Herr 

 Braun, whose winter musings we have already presented 

 to the reader : — 



ON THE FIRST FLIGHT OF BEES IN SPRING. 



\From the German of Adalbert Braun ] 

 By "A Devonshire Bee-keeper." 



Hark ! what is so gaily hamming 



In the little garden there ? 

 Hark ! what is so briskly whizzing 



Through the still and silent air ? 



Friend, it is our bees — the darlings — 



Now enliven'd by the spring ; 

 Yes, the winter is departed. 



And once more they're on the wing. 



Happy he, who winter's perils 



All his stocks brings safely through ; 



Thank Him, of all good the Giver — 

 Faithfiil Watchman He, and true.- 



Of my own are none departed. 



All as yet unhurt remain ; 

 Though no longer rich in honey. 



Yet is spring returned again ! 



Come, and let us view them nearer — 



Enter by the garden gate ; — 

 So — stand still and watch their doings — 



Light your pipe, and patient wait. 



