INTRODUCTION. 
THE HONEY BEE. 
The industrious bee has ever been viewed by intelli- 
gent naturalists, with a great degree of interest. The 
intelligent mind is never weary of its study ; as it con- 
templates the mysterious operations of nature, and traces 
its wonderful phenomena up to nature’s God. Philoso- 
phers, divines, moralists, and the inquisitive minds of all 
denominations of men, have had their attention arrested 
by this subject. The cultivation of this branch of hus- 
bandry furnishes for our table an innocent luxury, that 
cannot be excelled ; and it is calculated to raise our 
contemplation to that divine wisdom, which creates and 
sustains the infinite variety in the animal world. 
In treating of bees, it is proper to describe their in- 
stinctive powers, form of government, their combination 
into communities, and each in its individual capacity. 
The natural instinct of bees is truly wonderful ; nature 
has taught them to roam abroad several miles distant in 
search of food, through numberless windings, and after 
collecting their fill, rise high into the air, and in a direct 
