85 
repens ,) yields its pellucid syrups that vie with the 
crystal dew-drops, that like sentinels dot their ambrosial 
chambers, while its aroma is only excelled by the 
famed honey of Hymettus, which derives its flavor 
from the wild thyme that so luxuriantly grows on this 
celebrated mountain. This honey now ranks as No. 1 , 
and the clover from which it is taken may be considered 
the basis of honey-producing plants in the United 
States, unless the anticipations of agriculturists are 
fully realized in the Italian bee. Should this be the 
case, the red clover will outstrip every Other plant, or 
all combined, for the production of honey. In quality 
it ranks as No. 1, except in color, which is of a beauti- 
ful straw tint ; but its flavor and richness so far excels 
the white clover honey that it may win a preference. 
It blossoms from June until October ; will grow well 
on most of soils ; and makes good pasturage, passable 
hay, and possesses valuable fertilizing qualities ; thus 
combining more valuable properties than any other 
honey-producing plant on this continent. Buckwheat 
furnishes a fair pasturage, but is of short duration, 
unless sowed from time to time, varying from one to 
two weeks, from May until about the middle of July. 
In this way buckwheat may be made quite useful for 
bees ; but the honey is of an inferior quality in both 
taste, color and smell ; its taste is strong and somewhat 
pungent; its color dark, resembling some grades of 
cane syrups. It is said to improve in flavor with age. 
Next in order comes the common mustard; that 
yields a profusion of flowers, that furnish a large 
quantity of honey and of good quality, but it is not cul- 
tivated to any extent ; therefore it must be ranked at 
present with those transient flowers that till up little 
