INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. 
Ir gives me pleasure to find that increased attention is bestowed 
upon the subject of the following pages. Bee-culture, it must be 
admitted, has not received in this country that degree of attention 
which its importance demands. Investigations the most thorough have 
been made in almost every department of rural industry. With us 
agriculture is not what it was half a century since. Science has been 
made tributary to art. Chemistry has been made to lend its aid to the 
agriculturalist. Light has been shed upon almost every topic which is 
connected with a tillage of the soil. The formation of Agricultural 
Associations — discussions — addresses —and the periodical press — 
have each contributed to this end. ‘There has been a great increase in 
the amount of practical knowledge which is possessed by the agricul- 
turalist, and an approximation at least towards the best and most 
desirable results. In these circumstances it is reasonable to expect 
some advance towards the best methods of Bee-management. Yet the 
fact is not to be concealed, that very little has been done, comparatively, 
to extend our knowledge of the peculiar habits and economy of the 
Honey-bee. While Germany is able to report annually the most 
thorough and minute investigations, and the most extended operations 
and consequent profits in the line of Bee-culture, and the existence 
and success of two Bee-Journals which are well sustained, we have to 
confess, that in each of these particulars we are deficient. With the 
