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OHAPTEE X. 



BIOGRAPHY OF BEE-KEEPERS. 



Believing it a subject of interest to most bee-keepers, we devote this 

 chapter to a brief sketch of several persons whose labors have helped to 

 advance the cause of apistic science in modern times. 



Foremost of all stands Francis Huber, who was born at Geneva, in 

 1750. He is noted for many wonderful experiments and discoveries in 

 the natural history, physical economy, and habits of the honey bee. By 

 nature a clear and close observer, he was so assiduous in his duties that 

 he lost his eye sight in early life. But nothing daunted, with wonderful 

 perseverance, he continued his researches, using the eyes of his faithful 

 servant, Francis Bernens, for making observations. In 1795 he invent- 

 ed and used his Leaf Hive, which consisted of eight close fitting sections 

 or frames, opening out on hinges, like the leaves of a book. (Doubtless 

 his idea of combs in sections was derived from the observation hives 

 used by naturalists in his day, and improvements on the Grecian hive 

 having top bars and comb guides as described by Abbe Delia Recca, in 

 his publication, in Paris, in 1790). 



The results of Huber's experiments may be summed up under four 

 heads: 



First. As to Eggs. —That the queen lays two kinds of eggs. One kind 



