6 INTRODUCTION. 



admit the accuracy of Von Berlepsch's assertion that 

 " in all other countries bee-keeping is almost throughout 

 a mere plaything and amusement." If the Baron would 

 honour our island with a visit, we could show him, from 

 one end of it to the other, a goodly number of very 

 different cases ; and though we have much to learn, and 

 have not long gone systematically to work to learn it, there 

 are not wanting clear and increasing signs that the right 

 course is entered, upon, and must in time secure corre- 

 sponding results. In the year 1874 was established the 

 British Bee-keepers' Association, with one of the first 

 entomologists of the day, Sir John Lubbock, at its head ; 

 and under its auspices there have since been held annual 

 shows at the Crystal and Alexandra Palaces, at which 

 bees themselves, their dwellings and paraphernalia, and 

 their products, have been submitted to the awards of 

 •judges as well as to the popular inspection. Several 

 periodicals are either wholly or in part devoted to 

 apiculture, and altogether appearances are healthy and 

 hopeful. While therefore we still do look for amuse- 

 ment from our bees, we claim to experience a more solid 

 satisfaction as well. 



