vi PREFACE 



interest shown by one's friends and neighbours 

 when the subject of bees is introduced, a plain 

 account of the life and death of the busy occupants 

 of the darksome hive would be more readily 

 welcome. 



Inspired by strong affection for these wonderful 

 little creatures, I have endeavoured to supply 

 such an account. 



Herbert Mace. 



