THE ITALIAN BEE. 457 



It is hardly necessary for me to say, that a species of the 

 honey-bee so much more productive than the common kind, 

 and so much less sensitive to cold, will be of very great 

 value to all sections of our country. Its superior docility 

 would make it worthy of high regard, even if in other re- 

 spects it had no peculiar merits. Its introduction into this 

 country, will, it is confidently believed, constitute a new era 

 in bee-keeping, and impart an interest in its pursuit which 

 will enable us ere long to vie with any part of the world in 

 the production of honey. 



If an intelligent farmer passing through a fertile district, 

 should see vast fields of grass and grain rotting on the 

 ground for want of gatherers, the sight would awaken the 

 most painful emotions. To the well-informed Apiarian it is 

 almost as painful a sight, to behold countless millions of 

 blossoms, which if they do not " waste their sweetness on 

 the desert air," exhale their luscious juices with but little 

 benefit to man. Why should our land be deprived of the 

 happy murmurs of these insect laborers, gathering up every 

 wholesome * sweet, so that nothing may go to waste which the 

 Bountiful Creator has made for the good of his creatures ? 



" Bees work for man, and yet they never bruise 

 Their master's flower, but leave it, having done, 

 As fair as ever and as fit for use." 



Herbert. 

 the depth of the frames ; these are fastened together with strings, in 

 pairs, so as just to slide over the top and bottom of a frame, to hold 

 the comb in its place. Two pairs will be needed on each frame, and 

 they may easily be removed after the bees have made the proper at- 

 tachments. 



* The Ancients, we know, set a high value upon honey, recom- 

 mending it, in moderation, as one of the most wholesome articles of 

 food, and ascribing to it eitraordinary medicinal virtues. The wi.se 

 king has seen fit, in his book of Proverbs, to recommend its use by a 

 special injunction ! " My son. eal thou honey, for it is good." 

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