INTRODUCTION^. 
V 
No industrial or material employment can be more inno¬ 
cent, or less inconsistent with their proper work. 
There are few portions of our country which are not 
admirably adapted to the culture of the Honey-Bee. The 
wealth of the nation might be increased by millions of 
dollars, if every family favorably situated for bee-keeping 
would keep a few hives. No other branch of industry 
can be named, in ivhich there need be so little loss on 
the material that is employed, or which so completely 
derives its profits from the vast and exhaustless domains 
of Nature. 
I trust that Mr. Langstroth’s labors will contribute 
greatly to promote a department of Rural Economy, which 
in this country has hitherto received so little scientific 
attention. He well deserves the name of Benefactor; 
infinitely more so than many who in all countries .and in 
all ages have received that honorable title. Not many 
years will pass away wdthout seeing his important inven¬ 
tion brought into extensive use, both in the Old and New 
World. Its great merits need only to be known; and 
this. Time will certainly bring about. 
ROBERT BAIRD. 
