BEE-KEEPING. 39 



similar tastes ; and should the Bee-keeper, who is 

 desirous of learning more, find himself in the neighbour- 

 hood of a scientific Apiarian, let me counsel him to pay 

 the latter a visit ; he will, I am sure, be truly welcome to 

 a sight of the Apiary and a friendly chat, which must be 

 barren indeed if both parties do not part wiser men. 

 Many years ago, as an entomologist, I collected insects of 

 another order. Whenever I found myself in a strange 

 locality my first inquiry was for others of a similar taste 

 on whom I made a point of calling — need I say I never 

 met with a rebuff, but, on the contrary, made many 

 pleasant friends. 



One of the principal writers on the Bee was Francis 

 Huber, an eminent naturalist of the last and present 

 century. He was totally blind ; yet even this great 

 deprivation did not hinder him from becoming the 

 greatest and most accurate observer of Bees that had 

 ever then lived. His observations were made with the 

 eyes and assistance of his servant, Francis Burnens, v^ho, 

 although a peasant, was a man of great talent, possessing 

 indefatigable energy and enthusiasm ; Huber was also 

 assisted by his wife. His observations and deductions 

 made, although many of them have since been proved 

 incorrect, gave to the world a wonderful store of facts 

 hitherto unsuspected, and laid the foundation for the 

 labours of many naturalists of later times. His "leaf 

 hive " was the first frame hive ; it was very valuable for 

 observation purposes, and is yet often used, although 

 not so convenient as some newer inventions. 



Wise little creatures are Bees ! — for they seem to be 

 warned of the approach of bad weather by some parti- 

 cular instinct; it sometimes happens when multitudes are 

 abroad very busy, they will on a sudden cease from their 

 work; not a single one stirs out, and those that are away 



