iv INTEODtrCTION. 



making these most industrious, interestmg, and useful of 

 insect-communities, work in habitations both comfortable 

 to themselves and wonderfully convenient for their aggre- 

 gation, division, and rapid increase ; and aU this without 

 diminishing then- productive labor, or resorting to the 

 cruel measure of destroying them. 



Mr. Langsteoth teaches us in his book, how bees can 

 be taken care of without great labor, and without the risk 

 of suffering from the weapon which the Creator has given 

 them for self-defence. Even a delicate lady need not 

 fear to undertake the task of cultivating this fascinating 

 branch of Rural Economy. Nothing is easier for any 

 family that resides in a favorable situation, than to have' 

 a number of colonies, and this at but little expense. I 

 sincerely hope that many wiH avail themselves of the 

 facilities now placed before them for prosecuting this 

 easy branch oT industry, not only for the sake of the 

 large profit in proportion to its expense, which it may be 

 made to yield, but also for the substantial pleasure which 

 they may find in observing the habits of these wonderful 

 Httle creatures. How remarkably does their entire econ- 

 omy illustrate the wisdom and skill of the Gkbat Author 

 of aU things. 



I cannot but believe that many Ministers of the Gospel, 

 residing in rural districts, will accept of Mr. Langsteoth's 

 generous offer to give them the free use of his Invention. 

 With very httle labor or expense, they can derive from 

 bee-keeping considerable profit, as well as much pleasure. 



