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CHAPTER V. 
IMPORTED BEES AND (,)UEEN RAISING. 
ITALIAN BEES. 
This variety — also called Ligurian bee, or “ Golden 
Bee of Italy” — is found in the vicinity of the Ligo di 
Como and Maggiore, and the small district surround- 
ing them. Although they have been known there for 
centuries, it is only since the year 1843 th at they h ave 
become known outside of that district. The surround- 
ing Alps, covered with perpetual snow, made it im- 
possible for them to cross on their wings, or for the 
black bees to enter and produce a mixed variety. 
The first step toward spreading this superior variety, 
was made by Captain Baldenstein, who had the first 
colony carried across the Alps in the year 1843. 
Dzierzon, of Carlmarkt, in Silicia, (a province of Prus- 
sia), introduced them into Germany in 1853. Al- 
though this variety had been successfully introduced 
