98 AN EASY METHOD 



sect agency, (when away from the influence of all others of 

 its kind.) Its seed is the stone of the matron fruit. So, 

 also, with the potato. But when many varieties are reared 

 in close proximity with each other, an almost endless variety 

 is produced by the influence of the wind and insect agency, 

 from the same seed. As a further illustration of Divine 

 ' wisdom in this matter, we find insects of different genera, 

 and varying greatly in size, adapted to all the varieties of 

 honey-bearing plants. The honey-bee can rest upon the 

 white clover, and reach with its proboscis to the farther ex- 

 tremity of the blossom, so as to extract the honey. So 

 also in most, if not all, the blossoms of fruit and forest trees, 

 as well as plants producing flowers much sma;ller than the 

 white clover ; but for plants too small for the honey-bee to 

 rest upon, smaller insects are provided. So, likewise, in 

 regard to larger and deeper blossoms ; for instance, the red 

 clover, lilac, and others, which contain much honey ; but the 

 honey-bee is unable to reach it with its short proboscis. So 

 the humble-bee is provided, and the lady-bird is occasionally 

 observed seeking for her share. Then, again, the hollyhock, 

 honeysuckle, and perhaps other plants that secrete honey in 

 great abundance ; yet it lies so deep at the base of the fila- 

 ments, or honey cups, that no winged insect can reach it; 

 t'hen the humming-bird is provided to do this important 

 service. 



We cannot take leave of the cultivator of bees who has 

 adopted this system as his guide, without impressing upon 

 him the necessity of fully understanding the rules and the 

 principles upon which they are founded. No rule can be 

 made perfectly absolute ; contingencies must be provided 

 for : yet in nearly every case they will be found to be safe 

 and unfailing in their application. 



