Some bee-keepers find an adapting board convenient for placing underneath straw supers, as it facilitates their removal. These boards are made of mahogany half an inch thick, with a hole in the centre corresponding with that in the stock hive. We do not consider it necessary to fix cross sticks in the straw stock hives, as is frequently done; but if the apiarian prefers to have his hives so furnished, there is no serious objection to it. These observations refer to our Cottager's hive (page 34). There is another little matter of detail that should be named here; that is, the necessity of the bee-keeper always having a common hive in readiness near the bees, so as to be able to secure any swarm which may unexpectedly start. Here our pleasant task must close. We trust that all information has been given that is needful to enable the practical bee-keeper to begin business, and the scientific apiarian to commence his observations. By way of illustrating the two characters combined, we will conclude by quoting another simple idyl by the German bee-keeper, Herr Braun, whose winter musings we have already presented to the reader. [_From "The Journal of Horticulture."_] ON THE FIRST FLIGHT OF BEES IN SPRING. _By_ Adalbert Braun, _Translated by_ "A Devonshire Bee-keeper." Hark! what is so gaily humming In the little garden there? Hark! what is so briskly whizzing Through the still and silent air? Friend, it is our bees--the darlings-- Now enliven'd by the Spring; Yes, the winter is departed. And once more they're on the wing. Happy he, who winter's perils All his stocks brings safely through; Thank Him, of all good the Giver-- Faithful Watchman He, and true. Of my own are none departed. All as yet unhurt remain; Though no longer rich in honey. Yet is Spring returned again! Come, and let us view them nearer-- Enter by the garden gate;-- So--stand still, and watch their doings-- Light your pipe, and patient wait. See how busily they traverse To their pasturage and back, That they may by toil unwearied Save the commonwealth from wrack. Look, O look! what loads of pollen, Bring they in with heedful care. Nurslings, fear not; for your cravings Here's sufficient and to spare. How they dart and how they hurtle Through the genial balmy air! To the mountains--to the meadows-- 'Tis the scent attracts them there! There they dexterously rifle Nectar from each flow'r in bloom; Toil they for our honey harvest, For us fill the honey-room. Yes, our bees, our precious darlings. We salute you all to-day; For your life is our enjoyment-- Winter's sleep has pass'd away. Grant prosperity, Heaven! To the new-born honey-year-- Give thy favour--give thy blessing-- To these objects of our care.