launching forth into the air, though with a low timid flight, and roaming from bush to bush in search of some plant that may yield a modicum of farina—for the Queen has already begun to lay the eggs of workers; and although there is always a certain quantity of this kind of food in the hive, (the product of the preceding year's gathering) for the coming brood, the provident insects are aware that an additional supply will be required, and rouse themselves accordingly from the winter's inactivity. The collection of farina, however, is, at this early period, very scanty. The few bees that are seen, during the month of February, entering their domiciles with their yellow loads, derive them almost solely from the snow-drop, the crocus, and the furze-blossom. Some other early flowering plants are sometimes to be met with—such as laurustinus, hellebore, and spring flowering heath, but these are not common, and in fact are found only or chiefly in spots where they have been planted for the special benefit of the apiary. At this early period, therefore, the owner cannot help them, however anxious to do so, as far as farina is concerned. In other respects, however, equally important, he has it in his power to minister essentially to their welfare, namely, by supplying them plentifully with honey or syrup of sugar. In the article of honey, none of the insect families of a judicious bee-master will be deficient; he has, it is to be presumed, kept none as stock-hives which did not possess stores sufficient, and more than sufficient,
