There is not much doubt that many people would engage in bee-keeping but for one thing - viz.: the little bee's weapon of defence - its sting. Some people do not much care whether they are stung or not, but with others it is not so, and in certain conditions of the blood a sting cannot altogether be despised. Under these circumstances, it seems desirable to inquire whether some bees are more peacably disposed than others. The ordinary English bee is generally tolerably well-behaved, but not always so, and is occasionally perfectly furious, especially if the wind is "beasterly." The Italian or Li-gurian bee is good-tempered if kept pure, but that is very difficult, and when they are crossed with English bees they become perfect little demons, and will fly, not only at the intruder, but oftener still at innocent people at a distance. Moreover - and here I am aware I am treading on delicate ground - I do not feel sure that the Italian bees are altogether innocent about the introduction of foul brood and other bee diseases into this country.

But I will pursue this part of the subject no further, out of deference to our most noted beekeepers, many of whom hold the contrary opinion.

It is now generally conceded that the Carniolan bee is the best bee for this country, and therefore it seems to be the ladies' bee. This bee is an importation from Carniola, in Austria. It is a most amiable bee, and nothing seems to put it out of temper. Almost anything can be done with them, and this without smoke or veil. Moreover, if they become crossed with ours, as they are sure to be, the queen bee not being at all particular about the nationality of her husband, the good qualities seem to be increased rather than diminished. In a pure state, their only fault seems to be a perpetual desire to swarm, and that quality seems to be restrained somewhat when crossed with ours, while the amiable qualities are retained. They are very energetic, and collect a large amount of honey, and our climate seems to suit them well; but the Italians appear to want a warmer climate than ours, and are more adapted for sunny Italy.

Many other races of bees have been introduced, and as close breeding is not good, they may, and probably have, improved the blood of our bees generally, but they are much too fierce for general use. Especially may this be said of the Cyprian, Syrian, and Holy Land bees. I have many times wondered how King Solomon (who said, "My son, eat thou honey, for it is good") managed to get his, and whether he ever was stung. - Agnes, in Gardeners Chronicle.