308 THE ITALIAN OE LIGTTEIAN BEE. 



you should remember that one early swarm is worth two 

 late ones, and that their condition in spring often determines 

 which you shall have. Like a team of cattle or horses, when 

 well wintered, they are ready for the season's work, but 

 if neglected, they need a long time in which to recruit, 

 before they are able to make themselves useful. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



THE ITALIAN OR LIGURIAN BEE. 

 KEPUTATION. 



Much attention has recently been attracted to this new 

 variety. The reputation given it by extensive and intel- 

 ligent apiarians in Germany and other places, induced 

 some of our citizens to import a few colonies some time 

 in '59 or '60. As to who took the lead-in this enterprise, 

 there are variotis conflicting claims, which I shall not be 

 able to reconcile. 



IMPOKTBIIS. 



Mr. Mahan of Philadelphia, and Mr. Parsons of Flush 

 ing, N. Y., were among the first to disseminate theni 

 from the imported stock. Afterwards, Mr. Rose of New 

 York, obtained these bees directly from their native Alps, 

 and sent out large numbers. . Those, to whom the first 

 were sent, soon spoke in the highest terms of their supe- 

 rior qualities ; representing them as ftiUy sustaining the 

 reputation they had gained before their arrival. 



SUPERIORITY. 



It was said that they were larger, more beautiful and 

 hardy, more prolific, and more industrious than the com- 



