bee-keeper's manual. 21 



Who that has witnessed this class of bees, during the 

 height of .their harvest, has not been forcibly impressed 

 with their indefatigable industry ! They sally forth be- 

 fore the rising of the sun, and return when evening twi- 

 light has cast her sombre mantle over the face of nature, 

 laden with sweets, which but for this industrious insect, 

 would be lost on the desert air. Neither the scorching 

 rays of a vertical sun, nor the peltings of the storm, can 

 restrain their zeal in securing to themselves life and 

 prosperity, by availing themselves of every moment that 

 can possibly be employed, when the fields are decked 

 with the flowers that most invite them. 



They do, indeed, afford a theme worthy the attention 

 ^ of the philosopher and moralist. Man is here taught a 

 lesson that should never be forgotten ; but ever be in- 

 delibly impressed on his mind. The improvident and 

 lazy may here learn, from the book of nature, truths that 

 would lead them to fortune and prosperity, were not 

 their consciences seared and callous to all lessons of 

 wisdom. 



The little bee, aware that the days of her harvest are 

 few, " makes hay while the sun shines," and that Divine 

 injunction, " Whatsoever thy hands find to do, do with 

 all thy might," is here acted upon, and carried out to 

 the letter, to the shame of man, for whose especial bene- 

 fit it was given. 



To the bee, no written law can be given by their Cre- 

 ator ; consequently, an instinct is given them to guide 

 them in their labors ; and when the flowers are faded 

 and gone, and the bleak blasts of winter flit around, she 



