But while conceding to Germany an unquestioned first position in the theoretical department, we do _not_ admit the accuracy of Von Berlepsch's assertion that "in all other countries bee-keeping is almost throughout a mere plaything and amusement." If the Baron would honour our island with a visit, we could show him, from one end of it to the other, a goodly number of very different cases; and though we have much to learn, and have not long gone systematically to work to learn it, there are not wanting clear and increasing signs that the right course is entered, upon, and must in time secure corresponding results. In the year 1874 was established the British Bee-keepers' Association, with one of the first entomologists of the day, Sir John Lubbock, at its head; and under its auspices there have since been held annual shows at the Crystal and Alexandra Palaces, at which bees themselves, their dwellings and paraphernalia, and their products, have been submitted to the awards of judges as well as to the popular inspection. Several periodicals are either wholly or in part devoted to apiculture, and altogether appearances are healthy and hopeful. While therefore we still do look for amusement from our bees, we claim to experience a more solid satisfaction as well. [Illustration] [Illustration] CHAPTER I. THE BEE AS AN INSECT. § I. CLASSIFICATION. THERE is a self-complacency in commencing a subject scientifically, so let us devote our first half-page to defining the place of the bee in the animal kingdom. The common English honey bee, sometimes called the black bee, is known by the name of _Apis mellifica_; while the new favourite, the Italian or Ligurian bee, has obtained the specific name of _ligustica_, though naturalists are now satisfied that the two are only varieties of a single species. The genus Apis belongs to the order Hymenoptera, or membrane-winged insects, which some entomologists have subdivided into families and sections: of these, one family will comprise the honey bees, humble bees, etc.; another the wasps, of which the hornet is one; and others respectively the ants, the gall insects, the saw-flies, and certain parasites and other winged creatures of little familiarity. The entire order belongs to the class Insecta, and that to the grand division Articulata, or conjointed animals. In England alone there are 250 native species of bee.