I HAVE selected a few of the countless letters addressed to me by those who read my letters in The Times, and I have appended such replies as seemed to me expedient. I have not printed several anonymous and very acrimonious letters. One writer of two anonymous letters says, his connection with the press is very great, and that in the Saturday Review and other periodicals he will write "scorching critiques;" that he will warn the publishers that they will earn a loss; and that he will influence The Times to receive no more communications. One letter has the post-mark "Ampthill;" but I suppose its real date ought to be Colney Hatch or Hanwell.
I cannot otherwise explain the extraordinary language.
But I am able to add, that the letters of the Bee-master in The Times have done good service; and I hope this little work will survive these threats of one or two irritable hornets.
I once thought quarrels and angry controversies were confined to ecclesiastical denominations—churches and chapels. But I have learned what I did not expect, that not a few apiarians so devoutly believe each his own patent hive to be the only way to a honey harvest, that if you do not notice it, you are denounced as ignorant of the progress of science, and if you disapprove of it, you must know nothing about bees.
I hope they will all improve in temper as they advance in experience, and agree to differ while they cease to quarrel. I have made up my mind on two or three subjects, from thought and reading, and personal observation; and though open to argument, evidence, and facts, I am not in the least to be moved by intemperate criticism or ill-natured ridicule.
August 1st.
The "Bee-master" is respectfully requested to publish his letters to The Times in a pamphlet by themselves.
It is suggested that the paragraph about "Brother Ignatius" be omitted.