78 AN EASY METHOD 



GENERAL OBSERYATIONS. 



In the preceding part of this work, we have by no means 

 attempted to give a complete history of the nature, instincts, 

 and habits of bees. Every thing which had not some bear- 

 ing upon their successful culture has been purposely omitted. 

 The reader who is curious in such matters is referred to 

 writers more speculative and voluminous. But a few general 

 remarks may give connection to the facts which have been 

 necessarily detailed under separate chapters, and render the 

 principles inculcated more easily understood. 



The wonderful economy of the honey-bee early attracted 

 the attention of mankind. Other insects, as, for instance, the 

 ant and hornet, possess instincts which equally excite our 

 admiration. But the delicious luxury afforded by the labor 

 of the honey-bee at a very early period rendered it the pecu- 

 liar care of man, who cultivates the inferior creatures only 

 that they may minister to his wants or his pleasures. The 

 first cultivation of bees is unknown. Very many of their 

 habits were known to the ancients, but their knowledge was 

 combined with many fanciful and superstitious notions. 



Modem naturalists have added much to our stock of in- 

 formation on this subject, but many things are now assumed 

 without sufficient proof by observation ; and the great mass 

 of persons who cultivate bees still adhere to many supersti- 

 tious notions taught by ancient writers, and traditions of our 

 forefathers. Many things are yet, witho(jt doubt, to be learned. 

 We have not discontinued our experiments, and whatever 

 observations we may make, we shall communicate to the 



