RURAL RECREATIONS;

OR THE

GARDENER'S INSTRUCTOR ;

EXHIBITING

In a clear and perspicuous Manner,

ALL THE OPERATIONS NECESSARY

IN THE

Kitchen, Flower, and Fruit Garden, &c. &c.

FOR EVERY MONTH IN THE YEAR:

WITH

A TREATISE

On the Management of Bees, &c.

To which is subjoined a complete Catalogue of

USEFUL & ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS & PLANTS,

With their Varieties, and Parts used,

FOR MEDICINAL AND CULINARY PURPOSES.

By a Society of Practical Gardeners.

LONDON:

Printed by E. Hodson, Crois street, Hatton Garden;

FOR VERNOR AND HOOD IN THE POULTRY;

T. HURST, PATERNOSTER-ROW; AND R. BENT, COVENTRY

STREET, HAYMARKET.

229

GARDENER'S INSTRUCTOR.

[Sept.

ON THE MANAGEMENT OF BEES.

THE culture of Bees, as a branch of Rural Economy, has, until very lately, been considered only as an object of trifling concern; consequently improvements in the management of these useful insects have not been hitherto so much diffused, as the importance of the subject would seem to require. Few farmers in this island deem them an object worthy their notice, although they might certainly be rendered a source of considerable profit; besides, as most of the operations they require, are performed in the evening, or early in the morning, they could not interfere with more important business. While, however, we by no means wish that their culture should be wholly neglected by the Farmer, yet, for a variety of obvious reasons, we would still more particularly recommend them as deserving the attention of the Gardener. To the Country Gentleman, the admirable economy of these insects will afford a diversity of amusement, as well as prove a source of high gratification to the philosophic enquirer.

From these united considerations, the Editors would have deemed the present work defective, had not a few it been dedicated to this interesting subject.

pages of

The Mellifica, or domestic Honey-Bec, is furnished with downy hairs; has a dusky-coloured breast, and brownish belly: the tibia of the hind legs are ciliated, and transversely streaked on the inside. Each foot terminates in two

hooks,