ons and Observations
on the Natural History and Habits of Bees: first introduced to public
notice in 1657._ By SAMUEL PURCHASE, M.A. pp. 176.--Bagster.

The worthy editor of these volumes has, we think, exercised a sound
discretion in publishing them separately. To the initiated in apiarian
research, "The Management of Bees" cannot fail to be highly interesting.
For our own part, we must confess that, if certain minute descriptions
which may possibly offend a refined moral sensibility, could have been
omitted, we should have considered the work more valuable on that
account. Perhaps our hint may prove available for a future edition.
With this exception, we would most cordially recommend this production
to the perusal of our readers generally; and to those who are engaged
in the study of that part of natural history to which it refers,
especially. The engravings are exceedingly creditable to the talent
of the artist.

As to the "Meditations" contained in the other volume, they are
altogether above our praise. They are eminently instructive and pious,
admirably calculated to secure the attention even of the thoughtless,
and to promote, in a very high degree, the pleasure and the profit of
the considerate. In confirmation, we present our readers with the
following specimen:

"If the bee lights upon a flower where there is no honey
(being wasted or gathered before), she quickly gets off, and
flies away to another that will furnish her. Let us not lose
ourselves and forget our errand: our father, Adam, lost our
happiness, and we are sent to seek it; seek it where it is, and
go handsomely to work; say, I am not for riches, they are made
for me; I am not for creatures, they are made for me, and I am
their master; therefore these cannot make me happy: I am made
for eternity, for everlasting life and happiness; therefore,
let me study that; mind that end beyond inferior ends. Why do
men seek wealth, but to be happy? Why pleasures, why honours,
but because they would be happy? If these things cannot bless
and enhappy me, why should I burn daylight? why should I not
off them, as the bee gets off the plants that yield her no
honey, and once, at last, see where my happiness lies, in
pursuing happiness, and where my happiness lies, in God's ways;
the first step whereof is poverty of spirit?" p. 22.

We hope these valuable reflections will be oft