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 darling darlings, We salute you all to-day; For your life is our enjoyment-- Winter's sleep has pass'd away. Grant prosperity, O Heaven! To the new-born honey-year-- Give thy favour--give thy blessing-- To these objects of our care. Now let each attentive guardian In devoted service strive For the proud, the matron-monarch-- Sov'reign of the honey-hive. So that we may learn by watching Who that in the noon-tide glance, Or in midnight's darkest moments, Summons her to Hymen's dance.[29] Ev'ry bee-hive calls for patience, Whilst great Haller's lessons teach Without patience Nature's secrets None successfully can reach. T. W. Woodbury, _Mount Radford, Exeter_. [Footnote 29: This point cannot now be considered doubtful, but it must be remembered that Herr Braun's verses were written twenty years ago.] In conclusion, we would remind all bee-keepers who earnestly desire success, and who hope to draw pecuniary profit from their pursuit, of the golden rule in bee-keeping:--"Keep your stocks strong." In exercising the assiduous attention and persevering effort which that maxim enjoins, they will not only be regarded as, _bee-keepers_, but, as Mr. Langstroth says, will acquire a right to the title of _bee-masters_. [Illustration] [Illustration] APPENDIX. TESTIMONIALS OF THE PRESS. * * * * * GREAT EXHIBITION, 1851. The "Working Apiary" in the Great Exhibition of 1851 will long live in the remembrance of the many thousand visitors who witnessed with much interest the matchless industry of its busy occupants.