328 
TtTK HTYK AND HONEY-BEE. 
made to hold only one comb, which ought to be old and 
very securely fastened. Into such a hive, suitably pro- 
visioned, an Italian queen may be introduced, with a few 
hundred bees to keep her company, and, if sufficient ven- 
tilation is given, with a little water daily, they will bear a 
journey of many days. If received at a season unsuit- 
able for rearing new queens, she may be given to some 
strong colony and reserved for future operations. 
It is hardly necessary to say, that a species of the 
honey-bee so much more productive than the common 
kind, and so much less sensitive to cold, will be of very great 
value to all sections of our country.* Its superior docility 
would make it worthy of high regard, even if in other 
respects it had no peculiar merits. Its introduction into 
this country will, it is confidently believed, constitute a 
new era in bee-keeping, and impart an interest to its pur- 
suit which will enable us, ere long, to vie with any part 
of the world in the production of honey. 
* An attempt was made, in 1S55, by Mr. Wagner, to import the Italian bees, but, 
unfortunately, the colonies perished on the voyage. Mr. Richard Colvin, of Balti- 
more, Mr. Wagner, and myself, have made arrangements to have them brought to 
this country this Spring (1S59). 
