heir Nature and Properties. 13 
ine fo great a number and variety of inferior creatures, 
-{beafts, birds, fithes, &c.) not only for neceflary ufes, but 
alfo for pleafure and delight. 
In this number the fubjeéts of the following Hiftory, 
in many refpedts ferviceable to mankind, may very juft- 
ly be included. 
- Their nature, and furpaffing excellencies, are the fub- 
ject of the prefent enquiry. ) 
How mean foever they may appear to the major part 
of mankind, I hope to make it evident, toevery attentive 
and ingenious reader, that they are in reality the moft 
noble and excellent, moft charming and valuable of all 
infe&ts, 
As fuch, they have for feveral fucceflive centuries em- 
ployed many learned pens, both of philofophers, phy- 
ficians, divines, and others, though of very different fen- 
timents; who have favoured the world with their va~ 
rious remarks, and ufeful reflections ; but in my humble 
opinion very defective in one point of great importance; 
fince I find not any of thefe authors, (ancient or mo~ 
dern,) have given directions to the owners of thefe ad- 
mirable infects, how moft effectually to preferve the lives 
of fuch profitable collectors, while they appropriate 
their treafure to their own ufe. 
Thus at once to defpoil them of their riches, and fa- 
crifice their lives, is barbarous indeed ! 
* Dr. Butler mentions other things, befides fulphur, 
to lay Bees afleep ; yet not with any defign to preferve 
their lives, but only to poflefs their treafure. ; 
t 
* Butler's Foem, Monar, pag IFT. 
