116 THE apiaey; ok, 



underaeath straw supers, as it facilitates their removal. These 

 boards are made of mahogany half an inch thick, with a hole in the 

 centre corresponding with that in the stock hive. We do not 

 consider it necessary to fix cross sticks in the straw stock hives, 

 as is frequently done; but if the apiarian prefers to have his 

 hives so furnished, there is no serious objection to it. These 

 observations refer to our Cottager's hive (page 34). 



There is another little matter of detail that should be named 

 here; that is, the necessity of the bee-keeper always having a 

 common hive in readiness near the bees, so as to be able to 

 secure any swarm which may unexpectedly start. 



Here our pleasant task must close. We trust that all informa- 

 tion has been given that is needful to enable the practical bee- 

 keeper to begin business, and the scientific apiarian to commence 

 his observations. By way of illustrating the two characters com- 

 bined, we will conclude by quoting another simple idyl by the 

 German bee-keeper, Herr Braun, whose winter musings we have 

 already presented to the reader. 



\I'rom " Tlie Journal of horticulture '''\ 

 ON THE EIRST FLIGHT OP BEES IN SPRING. 

 By Adalbem Bbaun, Translated by "A DEVONSHiiffl Bee-keeper." 

 Hark ! what is so gaUy humming 



la the little garden there ? 

 Hark ! what is so briskly whizzing 

 Through the still and sUent 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 — 



Faithful Watchman He, and true. 



Of my own are none departed, 



AH as yet unhurt remain ; 

 Though no longer rich in honey. 



Yet is Spring returned again ! 



Come, and let us view them nearer — 



Enter hy the garden gate ; — 

 So^stand still, and watch their doings — 



Light your pipe, and patient wait. 



