CHAPTER XVH, 
ITALIAN BEES. 
Te Italian bee is a native of the Alps, and was first 
imported to this country about the year 1860. 
The Italian being a native of mountainous regions and a 
high latitude, they were reported to be extremely hardy 
and vigorous. Those who were first to obtain them, were 
unanimous in their praise of the Italian bee, and fully 
agreed that it was superior to our native or black bee in 
very many respects. The good reputation which pre- 
ceded the introduction of the bee to this country, by time 
and experience in their care, has been fully vindicated. 
The pure Italian bees are superior to the natives in the 
following characteristics: They are more hardy and 
vigorous, withstanding our severe winters, with ordinary 
care, better than the natives; they are more industrious 
than the native bee, being very active in storing honey 
