Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1852-08-27

| these Islands, and have the satisfaction t.
state that by letters from New Zealand, re
ceived on the 10th Of last month, am prom
ised three hives, by the first vessel direct t.
Honolulu. most sincerely hope they viii
arrive free from injury, and secure all tht
beneficial results which are anticipated from
their introduction. But in inviting those in
teresting guests to these Islands, something
should be done for their reception, and some
pains should be taken to raise plants of which
the flowers yield the greatest quantity and
best description of wax and honey. Ofthese
none are greater favorites with the dainty
bee than that sweet little flower, the Mignon-
cite, which grows so well here, Lemon
Thyme, and Garden Thyme which latter
makes beautiful borders TO flower beds, and
if properly attended, blossoms almost perpe-
tually. They are also fond Of the flowers OF
the cabbage, turnip, and mustard, and par
tlcularly so of those of the different sorts OF
edible beans-the broad bean being a great
favorite. Ofaromatics there is none so bene-
fcial to the bee as Rosemary, which thrives
well in hot countries The fame of the
honey of Harbourne is due to this valuable
plant. The honey of Majorca and Minorca
from the orange and lemon blossom. The
Jassamine and the Heliotrope, which grow so
well and blossom so profusely on these Is
lands, are much sought by the bee. Indeed
there is scarcely flower, however small and
unpresuming, but from which it derives food
The cultivation of every description of flower
bearing plants should be distributed amongst
the natives, to whom necessary information
on their cultivation should be imparted.-
From the strawberry and the rasberry, from
the Hollyhock and. the tree mallow, much
excellent honey is derived, as from every sort
of melon and pumpkin. Who that has tra-
yelled in England and the United States has
not noticed the villa of the affluent and the
cottage Of the sober and industrious with the
honey bearing Woodbine overhanging the
neat porch-the white and yellow Jasmine
and the passion flower, covering the white
walls, and the garden filled with many well
cultivated and lovely fowers-in the corner
sheltered from the bleak winds, are the hives,
with their busy colonies in active employ
ment, formerly doomed to destruction for
their honey, hut now by the modern improve
ments in the construction of hives easily re-
moved without the sacrifice of their valuable
hives.
The bee from slipping the sweets of flowers
takes nothing from their beauty, and if we
should benefit neighbor who has bees,
whilst we have none, we know that even in so
small degree we are contributing to the
welfare of our fellow creature. The culti-
vation of flowers promotes domestic happi-
ness, soothes the mind, and richly repays for
the trouble bestowed upon them. The veal
thiest, accustomed to the glare and glitter of
state, are prouder Of fine nosegay than of
their massive plate and costly silks, and the
mightiest of Queens would scarce appear in
festive attire without boquet in her hand or
rose in her bosom, emblematical of the
purity of her mind, and homage to the ex-
quiste words ola greater Being above. But,
whilst the palace and the cottagc-the dwell
ings of the richest and the poorest, are so
eminently improved by this most attractive of
natures vegetable works the ndefatigable
bee collects tribute from every flower, and
boards its treasure with equal fidelity for the
cotter as for the magnate, adding to the COM
fort and profit of both by its unceasing indus
try The little stranger, perhaps at this mo-
ment on her way, will be the means Of be-
slowing upon you an important and inexpen-
sve article of export, and in return for such
a service, and for the additional comfort
which families will derive from that healthful
article of diet, and the wax which she so
produces, trust that some exer-
tions will be made to raise flowers for her
support.