The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-01-13
DOMESTIC.
From the Pennsylvania keystone.
The Honey Bee.
BY DIR. DRAPER.

Sacred writings e-.vnga. Spa,amerdam. -
Herrey-A adison: Miss Amne c. Lynch = Sonnet
I TSSyhiag b $,l,, n Qs,sa-Hasasy
Wates.-Importance Of bees IA eorkiag classes
In the whole variety of the organic world, there is
perhaps no department which is more inviting, instruct
ing, and Interesting, than the economy of bees
The wonderful nature of their mechanism and struc
ture. the elegant and mathematical construction Of their
cells Their poverblal industry and more than instructive
intelligence, together with the sweets which they collect
forming so large portion Of our domestic Injuries, have
in all ages supplied themes for the poet and the
moalst which to expatate, and deservedly render
from thinking and intellectual minds The subject is
extensive and interesting The sacred writings, the most
ancient OF which we have any, knowledge. show in
many places how strongly the fathers Of the Jewish peo
pie had been impressed BY the peculaes in the natural
history Of the bee; and we know that Aristotle and
many other philosophers OF old Greece deemed the sub
ject worthy OF years OF patient investigation, Virgil,
also, and many other Roman writers. dwell os X with
enthusiasm in their writings; while in much later times,
Swammerdam and other distinguished cultivators of
science have pursued the track with undminshed
ardOr.
II is rather surprising that in the works Of Virgil, who
has made bees the subject of his fourth and most interest
ing George, should be contained almost much infor-
nation in those of any writer since his time, each be-
ing equally deficient IN accommodating the form and
rangements of their hive to the habits of the insect
This distinguished and celebrated classical poet appears to
have been particularly delighted when he got amongst
his bees and the elegant Addison says that will not be
wondered at we consider the various and interesting
objects which they offer our view. While the phos
opher examines the laws and government OF the hive,
the division of their labor, their almost human sgacty
providing for of dearth and necessity, the poet
is delighted to observe them the bright and genial days
OF spring and summer rowing from flower to flower and
to indulge his fancy in the many pleasing associations
that are suggested by their habits and pursuits
Hervey, in his Medtations thus dscoursch "Bees,
industrious wOrkmen! that sweep with busy wing the
fowery garden that search the blooming heath, and sip
the mellinuous dews; strangers TO aleness that ply
with incessan assduity your pleasing task and suffer no
opening blossom to pass uncxploredne sunny CLEAN to
Sip away unmproved Most ingenious artiicers that
cling to the fragrant buds drain them OF their treasured
and plants and flowers You, when you have completed
the ambrosa stores when you might reasonably expect
the peaceful ruon of your acquisitions YOU alas
barbarousy destroyed and leave your boarded deicaces
to otherseave them to be enjoyed by your very
derersr'
Thanks however, to modern inventions, the lament of
Hervey will not apply at the present day, for by the
adoption of Martins hive the bee live to enjoy
the fruits OF his abors and also furnish ample supply
for those who manage for him.
That the honey bee has at all times been considered
object OF particular interest, will repeat what was said
in former epste, that there have been seventy
ancient and four hundred and forty -four modern authors
comprising philosophers, poets and natusts who have
written the habits, instructive faculties and
production of this wonderful little ANIMAL the bee The
last poetic efuson this subject is from the pen Of
Anne c. Lynch, and it breathes the true spirit of heart
poetry Isubjoin il, know that will be acceptable
10 all the fair readers OF the Peoples Journal;