For young beginners the results reflect great credit. [Footnote E: Vide, plate at the head of this chapter.] "I am not able to speak much regarding the progress of the inverted-hives, of which his lordship possesses two; the one being at the top of the tower and the other situate on the lawn, at the back of the house; the former containing twenty-three glasses and the latter thirty-three. The latter is really a magnificent construction--an ornamental appendage such as the gardens of few noblemen can boast. The Bees had, in each, filled all the intermediate parts betwixt the hive and the glasses, and were just then commencing their labours in the latter. Next summer his lordship will, I anticipate, reap a glorious harvest both from these, and his collateral-hives, which are getting into prime condition for the winter. "I have troubled you with these details because they relate to facts, and a publication of such facts is all that is required to introduce this admirable system of Bee-management into universal practice. To what extension it may be brought, it is impossible to state, but these results most strongly impress upon others of the nobility to 'Go and do likewise.' The mantle of the warrior has indeed fallen upon the philanthropist in the person of the heir to the title and fortunes of a Marlborough; and let the example but be extended, and the practice inculcated amongst our rural population, and, whilst it will greatly conduce to their advantage, we need no longer look to France or Italy for a supply of treasures, which our own country and peasantry can so efficiently produce. Nothing could possibly more advance these objects, than the formation of an Apiarian Society, which should offer premiums and prizes to the most successful competitors; and I do hope that for the sake of humanity as well as philanthropy, and when I see the long and noble list of names which dignify Mr. Nutt's patronage, I shall not be deceived in my anticipations of the speedy formation of a society, established for such laudable purposes. Yours, &c. Abraham Booth, Lecturer on Chemistry. "Reading, July 22d, 1833." To the above very able and explicit description, and which is to me the more interesting because not written by a _practical_ apiarian, I have nothing to add, but that it has met the cordial approbation of his Lordship, whose still more recent and continuous success has confirmed him in the practicability and value of my system. The sketch which precedes this account was taken for the purpose by his amiable Countess, whose kind solicitude for the welfare of the industrious and valuable little insects, to which so much of my attention has been devoted, and approbation of my exertions, have not been amongst the least valued of my rewards and consolations. CHAPTER XI. HONEY-BEES.