Chapter X: Conclusion

In the foregoing pages I have given an outline of my own experience in the general management of bees, freely availing myself of such further information, derived from the most trustworthy sources, as seemed most likely to interest and instruct the reader. My aim, however, has been restricted primarily to matters of a _practical_ bearing, passing over the obsolete speculations of by-gone periods, and relying on the superior intelligence of a later day. Those who wish to enter more fully into the natural history and physiology of the bee may consult a variety of works, at the head of which it is usual to place that of Huber; followed by the later comprehensive and highly satisfactory one, 'The Honey Bee,' of the late Dr. Bevan; both publications to which we have often had occasion to refer. That portion of the subject relating to the structure and arrangement of their combs and cells is treated of at considerable length by Lord Brougham, in his 'Dissertations on Subjects of Science connected with Natural Theology.' Perhaps the accurate observations and elaborate mathematical demonstrations of the noble author have left little more to be desired in the particular department to which he has devoted the energies of his powerful mind. With his summary of the progress of apiarian knowledge, we may not inappropriately close the 'Bee-keeper's Manual.'

"The attention," says Lord Brougham,[AE] "which has been paid at various times to the structure and habits of the bee is one of the most remarkable circumstances in the history of science. The ancients studied it with unusual minuteness, although being, generally speaking, indifferent observers of fact, they made but little progress in discovering the singular economy of this insect. Of the observations of Aristomachus, who spent sixty years, it is said, in studying the subject, we know nothing; nor of those which were made by Philissus, who passed his life in the woods, for the purpose of examining this insect's habits; but Pliny informs us that both of them wrote works upon it. Aristotle's three chapters on bees and wasps[AF] contain little more than the ordinary observations, mixed up with an unusual portion of vulgar and even gross errors. How much he attended to the subject is, however, manifest from the extent of the first of these chapters, which is of great length. Some mathematical writers, particularly Pappus, studied the form of the cells, and established one or two of the fundamental propositions respecting the economy of labour and wax resulting from the plan of the structure. The application of modern naturalists to the inquiry is to be dated from the beginning of the eighteenth century, when Maraldi examined it with his accustomed care; and Reaumur afterwards, as we have seen, carried his investigations much farther. The interest of the subject seemed to increase with the progress made in their inquiries; and about the year 1765 a society was formed at Little Bautzen in Upper Lusatia, whose sole object was the study of bees. It was formed under the patronage of the Elector of Saxony. The celebrated Schirach was one of its original members; and soon after its establishment he made his famous discovery of the power which the bees have to supply the loss of their Queen, by forming a large cell out of three common ones, and feeding the grub of a worker upon royal jelly; a discovery so startling to naturalists, that Bonnet, in 1769, earnestly urged the society not to lower its credit by countenancing such a wild error, which he regarded as repugnant to all we know of the habits of insects; admitting, however, that he should not be so incredulous of any observations tending to prove the propagation of the race of the Queen-bee, without any co-operation of a male,[AG] a notion since shown by Huber to be wholly chimerical. In 1771 a second institution, with the same limited object, was founded at Lauter, under the Elector Palantine's patronage, and of this Riem, scarcely less known in this branch of science than Schirach, was a member.

[AE] Vol. i, pp. 333-36.

[AF] Hist. An., lib. ix, cap. 40, 41, 42.

[AG] Oeuvres, x, 100, 104.

"The greatest progress, however, was afterwards made by Huber, whose discoveries, especially of the Queen-bee's mode of impregnation, the slaughter of the drones or males, and the mode of working, have justly gained him a very high place among naturalists. Nor are his discoveries of the secretion of wax from saccharine matter, the nature of propolis, and the preparation of wax, for building, to be reckoned less important. To these truths the way had been led by John Hunter, whose vigorous and original genius never was directed to the cultivation of any subject without reaping a harvest of discovery."

* * * * *

In conclusion, whatever may be the degree of ignorance or doubt in which on certain points respecting the Honey-bee we are still involved (and these are probably not often practically important), there are few but may receive instruction and example from these wonderful little creatures, in the duties of persevering industry, prudence, economy, and peaceful subordination; whilst all may be taught, by their perfect organization and faultless adaptation of means to an end, a lesson of humility; and, finally, by the contemplation of their beautiful works, "to look from Nature up to Nature's God."

INDEX

Adapter, 31.
After-swarms, 186, 188, 190, 195.
Ancient bee observers, 213.
Apiarian authors, 212.
societies, 214.
Apiary, management in summer, 106.
autumn, 124.
winter, 157.
spring, 166.
Apiary, plan of, 94, 95.
position and aspect, 97.
repairs of, 170.
size of, 103.
to commence, 106, 152, 166.
Apis Ligustica, 1.
Mellifica, 1.
Artificial food, 172.
swarming, 199, 204, 206.
Aspect, 97.
Authors on Bees, 212.
Autumnal management, 124.
feeding, 132.
unions, 140.

Bar hive, 54,
advantages of, 55, 69, 195.
dividing, 204.
double, 66.
glass or observatory, 72.
single, 66.
straw, 73.
wooden box, 54.
Bar system, 54.
Bars, size of, 57, 58.
Bee, Queen, or mother, 3, 4, 170, 181, 184, 186, 190, 214.
common or working, 3, 11.
drone or male, 3, 15, 16, 180.
authors, 212.
boxes, size of, 52.
duration of life, 14, 151.
eggs, 6, 10, 12, 16.
flowers, 102.
food, 137, 172.
ligurian, 1.
pasturage, and number of hives, 101, 156.
protector, 208.
sex of, 12, 17.
sheds and houses, 94.
sting, 4, 12, 210.
Bees, confinement of, 148, 158.
destruction of, 28, 149.
driving of, 152, 201.
enemies of, 116, 175.
fighting, 131.
flight of, 103.
fortification of, 117.
fuming of, 140.
humming of, 177.
increase of, 10.
longevity of, 14, 150.
number of, 11.
removal of, 100, 107, 167, 198.
to hive, 196.
to unite, 140, 192.
various occupations of, 13.
weather-wise, 178.
working, 11.
Bell-glasses, 120.
Blocks, 43, 44, 96, 160.
Box hive, 51.
Brood, 12, 126, 151, 168.

Cells, common, 13, 111.
drone, 15, 112.
royal, 4, 180, 182, 187, 195, 200, 201, 208.
Cement, 38.
Circular wooden hives, 75.
Cleaning or changing hive-boards, 165, 167.
Cocoons, 12.
Collateral system, 24, 78.
hive, White's, 81.
Nutt's, 82.
Colony of bees, 106, 152.
Comb-knives, 130.
pruning, 147, 167, 189.
Combs, 5, 29, 109, 147.
and wax, 109.
and cells, construction of, 109.
Common, or working bees, 3, 11.
straw hives, 27.
Condensing trough, 161.
Confinement of bees, 148, 158.
Covers to hives, 37.
Crown-boards, 35.

Damp, 157.
Deprivation, 23, 125, 148.
Depriving hives, 30, 51.
system, 21, 23.
Destroying of bees, 28, 149.
Directions on swarming, 196.
Disease, 159.
Dividers, 36.
Dividing bar-hive, 204.
Doubling-board, 78.
Driving, 152, 201.
Drone, or male bee, 3, 15, 180, 181, 183.
cells, 16, 112.
Drones, destroying of, 18, 19.
expulsion of, 18.
number of, 20.
office of, 17.
Duplet, 24.
Dysentery, 159.

Eggs, 8, 9, 10, 16, 151.
Eke, 25, 122.
Enemies of bees, 116, 175.
Evaporation, 161.

Farina, or pollen, 113, 168.
substitute for, 169.
Feeding in autumn, 132, 137.
in spring, 170.
swarms, 108, 199.
Feeding troughs, 133.
Flight of bees, 103.
Floor- or hive-boards, 42.
to clean or change, 165, 167.
Food, artificial, 172.
Fortification, 117.
Frame-bar, 58.
Fumigation, 140, 146.
Fuming bees, 140, 148.
material, 143.
tube, 142.
Fungus, 143.

Gauge, 57, 74, 76.
General directions in operations on bees, 209.
on swarming, 196.
Glasses, 120.
to remove, 128.
Glass or light-hive, 72.
Guide-combs, 69, 120, 206.

Hive, bar, 54.
dividing, 204.
double, 66.
observatory, 72.
single, 66.
straw, 73.
wooden, 54.
boards, 42.
circular wooden, 75.
common straw, 27.
covers, 37.
nadir, 25, 87.
nether, 91.
Hive, Nutt's collateral, 82.
protector, 41.
range, 49.
shade, 39.
stands or pedestals, 46.
White's collateral, 81.
Hives, collateral, 81.
number of, 101.
shape of, 28.
size of, 29, 31.
super, 24, 119, 176.
wooden box, 51.
Hiving, 196.
Honey, 113, 128, 175, 178.
comb, 5, 109.
dew, 113.
harvest, 128, 149.
season, 178.
store of, 132, 138.
to strain, 129.
virgin, 124.
Hornets, 116.
Humming, 177.

Imago, 13.
Impregnation, 17, 19.
Increase of bees, 10.
Italian bee, 1.

Journal, 106.

Knives, 71, 130.

Larvæ, 12.
Light in hives, 53, 72.
or observatory hive, 72.
Ligurian bee, 1.
Longevity of bees, 14, 150.

Maiden swarms, 196.
Male bee, 3, 15, 180, 181, 183.
Management in summer, 106.
autumn, 124.
winter, 157.
spring, 166.
Moisture in hives, 161.
Moths, wasps, hornets, and other enemies, 116.
Moving of bees, 100, 106, 166, 203.

Nadir, 25, 62, 87, 119, 122.
drawer, 89.
Nadir-hive, 87.
Nadiring, 25, 87, 89, 119, 122.
Nether-hive, 91.
Number of hives, 101.
Nutt's collateral hive, 82.
Nymph, or Pupa, 12.

Observatory, or light hive, 72.
Odour of bees, 194.
Office of drones, 17.

Painting, 37, 54.
Pasturage, 101, 156.
Pattern gauge, 57, 74, 76.
Pedestals, or stands for hives, 46.
Piping, 186.
Pollen, or farina, 113, 168.
substitute for, 169.
Population, 107, 139, 150.
Position and aspect, 97, 158.
Prevention of after-swarms, 195.
Princesses, 6, 185, 186, 192.
Propolis, 112.
Protectors, 208.
Pruning combs, 147, 167, 189.

Queen, or mother bee, 3, 4, 170, 181, 183, 184, 190.
cells, 4, 5, 180, 182, 185, 187, 195, 201, 208.
Queens, combats of, 186, 190.
duration of life, 6.
fertility of, 10.
impregnation of, 17.
piping of, 186.
Queens, reared artificially, 7, 208, 214.
unfruitful, 170.

Range for Lives, 49.
Remedy for the sting of a bee, 210.
Removal of bees, 106, 167, 203.
Removal of a box or super-hive, 125.
Removing of swarms, 106, 198, 203.
Returning of swarms, 183, 186.
Robber bees, 127, 131.
Robbers, 134, 175.
Royal cells, or cradles, 4, 5, 176, 180, 186, 195, 200.

Screen in winter, 159.
Sex, 12.
Shade, 115, 178.
Single hiving, 21.
Snow, to clear, 158.
Song of the bees, 109.
Spring feeding, 170.
flowers, 102, 169.
management, 166.
Stands for hives, 46.
Sting, 4, 12, 210.
Stocks, 152, 166.
to strengthen, 194.
Store of honey, 128, 132, 137.
Storifying, 24.
Straw bar-hive, 73.
common hives, 27, 28.
depriving hives, 30.
Straw hives, painting of, 37.
Strength of a colony, 107, 192.
Stupefying bees, 140, 143.
Suffocation, 28, 149.
Summary of apiarian knowledge, 213.
Summer management, 106.
Super-hiving, 119.
Supers, 24, 31, 34, 119, 125, 176.
to remove, 125, 128.
Swarming, 21, 180, 182, 191, 196.
artificial, 199.
Swarms, 180, 186.
maiden, 196.
removing of, 106, 198, 203.
to feed, 108, 199.
to return, 183, 184, 189, 195.
to strengthen, 107, 198.
to unite, 192.
weight of, 183.

Tanging bees, on swarming, 196.
Temperature, 13, 83, 119, 122, 139, 151, 158, 168, 170, 177, 182.
Temperature and weather, 177.
Thermometer, 83, 163, 182.
Titmouse, 117, 160.
Top-feeding, 133, 170.
Transferring bees, 140.
Triplets, 24, 32, 122.
Triplets and Nadirs, 122.
Trough, feeding, 133.
Tube for fuming, 142.

Uniting bees, 107, 140, 192.
Uniting swarms, 107, 189, 192.

Ventilation, 83, 119, 121, 161, 177.
Ventilators, 85.
Virgin honey, 124.

Wasps, &c., 116, 117, 175.
Water, 115, 169, 178.
Wax and combs, 109.
Wax moth, 116.
White's collateral hive, 81.
Winter management, 157.
position, 158.
screens, 159.
store, 132, 138.
Wooden bar-boxes, 54.
circular hives, 75.
hives, 51.
Worker cells, 13, 111.

Printed by J. E. Adlard, Bartholomew Close, London.

* * * * *

I.

_Fcap. 8vo, Illustrated, price 5s., with a Memoir of the Author,_

HOME INFLUENCE;

A TALE FOR MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS.

By GRACE AGUILAR.

"Grace Aguilar wrote and spoke as one inspired; she condensed and spiritualized, and all her thoughts and feelings were steeped in the essence of celestial love and truth. To those who really knew Grace Aguilar, all eulogium falls short of her deserts, and she has left a blank in her particular walk of literature, which we never expect to see filled up."--_Pilgrimages to English Shrines, by Mrs. Hall._

"A clever and interesting tale, corresponding well to its name, illustrating the silent, constant influence of a wise and affectionate parent over characters the most diverse."--_Christian Lady's Magazine._

"This interesting volume unquestionably contains many valuable hints on domestic education, much powerful writing, and a moral of vast importance."--_Englishwoman's Magazine._

"It is very pleasant, after reading a book, to speak of it in terms of high commendation. The tale before us is an admirable one, and is executed with taste and ability. The language is beautiful and appropriate; the analysis of character is skilful and varied. The work ought to be in the hands of all who are interested in the proper training of the youthful mind."--_Palladium._

"In reviewing this work, we hardly know what words in the English language are strong enough to express the admiration we have felt in its perusal."--_Bucks Chronicle._

"The object and end of the writings of Grace Aguilar were to improve the heart, and to lead her readers to the consideration of higher motives and objects than this world can ever afford."--_Bell's Weekly Messenger._

"'Home Influence' will not be forgotten by any who have perused it."--_Critic._

"A well-known and valuable tale."--_Gentleman's Magazine._

"A work which possesses an extraordinary amount of influence to elevate the mind and educate the heart, by showing that rectitude and virtue conduce no less to material prosperity, and worldly comfort and happiness, than to the satisfaction of the conscience, the approval of the good, and the hope and certainty of bliss hereafter."--_Herts County Press._

II.

THE SEQUEL TO HOME INFLUENCE.

_Fcap. 8vo, with a Portrait of the Author and other Illustrations,
price 6s._,

THE

MOTHER'S RECOMPENSE;

A SEQUEL TO

"Home Influence, a Tale for Mothers and Daughters."

By GRACE AGUILAR.

"Grace Aguilar belonged to the school of which Maria Edgeworth was the foundress. The design of the book is carried out forcibly and constantly. 'The Home Influences' exercised in earlier years being shown in active germination."--_Atlas._

"The writings of Grace Aguilar have a charm inseparable from productions in which feeling is combined with intellect; they go directly to the heart. 'Home Influence,' the deservedly popular story to which this is a Sequel, admirably teaches the lesson implied in its name. In the present tale we have the same freshness, earnestness, and zeal--the same spirit of devotion, and love of virtue--the same enthusiasm and sincere religion which characterised that earlier work. We behold the mother now blessed in the love of good and affectionate offspring, who, parents themselves, are, after her example, training their children in the way of rectitude and piety."--_Morning Chronicle._

"This beautiful story was completed when the authoress was little above the age of nineteen, yet it has the sober sense of middle age. There is no age nor sex that will not profit by its perusal, and it will afford as much pleasure as profit to the reader."--_Critic._

"The same kindly spirit, the same warm charity and fervour of devotion which breathes in every line of that admirable book, 'Home Influence,' will be found adorning and inspiring 'The Mother's Recompense.'"--_Morning Advertiser._

"The good which she (Grace Aguilar) has effected is acknowledged on all hands, and it cannot be doubted but that the appearance of this volume will increase the usefulness of one who may yet be said to be still speaking to the heart and to the affections of human nature."--_Bell's Messenger._

"It will be found an interesting supplement, not only to the book to which it specially relates, but to all the writer's other works."--_Gentleman's Magazine._

"'The Mother's Recompense' forms a fitting close to its predecessor, 'Home Influence.' The results of maternal care are fully developed, its rich rewards are set forth, and its lesson and its moral are powerfully enforced."--_Morning Post._

"We heartily commend this volume; a better or more useful present to a youthful friend or a young wife could not well be selected."--_Herts County Press._

III.

_Fcap. 8vo, Illustrated, price 5s._,

WOMAN'S FRIENDSHIP;

A STORY OF DOMESTIC LIFE.

By GRACE AGUILAR.

"To show us how divine a thing
A woman may be made."--Wordsworth.

"This story illustrates, with feeling and power, that beneficial influence which women exercise, in their own quiet way, over characters and events in our every-day life."--_Britannia._

"The book is one of more than ordinary interest in various ways, and presents an admirable conception of the depths and sincerity of female friendship, as exhibited in England by Englishwomen."--_Weekly Chronicle._

"We began to read the volume late in the evening; and although it consists of about 400 pages, our eyes could not close in sleep until we had read the whole. This excellent book should find a place on every drawing-room table--nay, in every library in the kingdom."--_Bucks Chronicle._

"We congratulate Miss Aguilar on the spirit, motive, and composition of this story. Her aims are eminently moral, and her cause comes recommended by the most beautiful associations. These, connected with the skill here evinced in their development, ensure the success of her labours."--_Illustrated News._

"As a writer of remarkable grace and delicacy, she devoted herself to the inculcation of the virtues, more especially those which are the peculiar charm of women."--_Critic._

"It is a book for all classes of readers; and we have no hesitation in saying, that it only requires to be generally known to become exceedingly popular. In our estimation, it has far more attractions than Miss Burney's celebrated, but over-estimated, novel of 'Cecilia.'"--_Herts County Press._

"This very interesting and agreeable tale has remained longer without notice on our part than we could have desired; but we would now endeavour to make amends for the delay, by assuring our readers that it is a most ably-written publication, full of the nicest points of information and utility that could have been by any possibility constructed; and, as a proof of its value, it may suffice to say, that it has been taken from our table again and again by several individuals, from the recommendation of those who had already perused it, and so prevented our giving an earlier attention to its manifold claims for favourable criticism. It is peculiarly adapted for the young, and wherever it goes will be received with gratification, and command very extensive approbation."--_Bell's Weekly Messenger._

"This is a handsome volume; just such a book as we would expect to find among the volumes composing a lady's library. Its interior corresponds with its exterior; it is a most fascinating tale, full of noble and just sentiments."--_Palladium._

IV.

_Fcap. 8vo, Illustrated, price 5s._,

THE VALE OF CEDARS;

OR,

The Martyr.

A STORY OF SPAIN IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY.

By GRACE AGUILAR.

"The authoress of this most fascinating volume has selected for her field one of the most remarkable eras in modern history--the reigns of Ferdinand and Isabella. The tale turns on the extraordinary extent to which concealed Judaism had gained footing at that period in Spain. It is marked by much power of description, and by a woman's delicacy of touch, and it will add to its writer's well-earned reputation."--_Eclectic Review._

"The scene of this interesting tale is laid during the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella. The Vale of Cedars is the retreat of a Jewish family, compelled by persecution to perform their religious rites with the utmost secrecy. On the singular position of this fated race in the most Catholic land of Europe, the interest of the tale mainly depends; whilst a few glimpses of the horrors of the terrible Inquisition are afforded the reader, and heighten the interest of the narrative."--_Sharpe's Magazine._

"Anything which proceeds from the pen of the authoress of this volume is sure to command attention and appreciation. There is so much of delicacy and refinement about her style, and such a faithful delineation of nature in all she attempts, that she has taken her place amongst the highest class of modern writers of fiction. We consider this to be one of Miss Aguilar's best efforts."--_Bell's Weekly Messenger._

"We heartily commend the work to our readers as one exhibiting, not merely talent, but genius, and a degree of earnestness, fidelity to nature, and artistic grace rarely found."--_Herts County Press._

"The 'Vale of Cedars' is indeed one of the most touching and interesting stories that have ever issued from the press. There is a life-like reality about it, which is not often observed in works of this nature; while we read it we felt as if we were witnesses of the various scenes it depicts."--_Bucks Chronicle._

"It is a tale of deep and pure devotion, very touchingly narrated."--_Atlas._

"The authoress has already received our commendation; her present work is calculated to sustain her reputation."--_Illustrated News._

"It is indeed a historical romance of a high class. Seeing how steady and yet rapid was her improvement--how rich the promise of her genius--it is impossible to close this notice of her last and best work, without lamenting that the authoress was so untimely snatched from a world she appeared destined, as certainly she was singularly qualified, to adorn and to improve."--_Critic._

V.

_Fcap. 8vo, Illustrated with Frontispiece and Vignette,
price 6s._,

THE DAYS OF BRUCE;

A Story from Scottish History.

By GRACE AGUILAR.

"We have had an opportunity of observing the interest it awakens in different classes of readers, and in no instance has it failed to rivet attention, and to induce a high estimate of the author's powers. Miss Aguilar was evidently well read in the times of Bruce. It is long since we met with a work which combines so happily the best qualities of historical fiction."--_Eclectic Review._

"The life of the hero of Bannockburn has furnished matter for innumerable tales in prose and verse, but we have met with no records of that famous era so instructive as 'The Days of Bruce.'"--_Britannia._

"'The Days of Bruce' was written when, in the vigour of intellectual strength, Grace Aguilar was planning many things, and all for good; it was we know her especial favourite: it is full of deep interest."--_Mrs. S. C. Hall, in Sharpe's Magazine._

"It is a volume which may be considered as solid history, but is nevertheless entertaining as the most charming novel ever produced by genius. Sir Walter Scott's name as an author would not have been disgraced by it had it appeared on the title-page instead of Grace Aguilar."--_Bucks Chronicle._

"This deeply interesting romance--a composition of great eloquence, written with practised polish and enthusiastic energy. We are not surprised at the elegance, the warmth, and the pathos with which Grace Aguilar paints love passages; but we are astonished at the fire and accuracy with which she depicts scenes of daring and of death."--_Observer._

"The tale is well told, the interest warmly sustained throughout, and the delineation of female character is marked by a delicate sense of moral beauty. It is a work that may be confided to the hands of a daughter by her parent."--_Court Journal._

"Every one who knows the works of this lamented author, must observe that she rises with her subjects. In 'The Days of Bruce' she has thrown herself into the rugged life of the fourteenth century, and has depicted the semi-civilization of the period in a manner that is quite marvellous in a young woman. Grace Aguilar always excelled in her delineation of female characters, while the skill she evinces in the illustration of the historical personages, and her individualization of the imaginary ones, might at once entitle her to a birthplace among historical novelists."--_Ladies Companion._

"Her pen was ever devoted to the cause of virtue; and her various publications, exhibiting the beauties and enforcing the practice of the 'tender charities' of domestic life, have, we doubt not, recommended themselves to the hearts of numbers of her countrywomen. The work before us differs from the former publications of its author, inasmuch as it is in fact an historical romance, for this species of writing the high feeling of Grace Aguilar peculiarly fitted her; many of the scenes are very highly wrought; and while it will fix in the reader's mind a truthful idea of the history and style of manners of 'The Days of Bruce,' it will also impress upon him a strong sense of the ability and noble cast of thought which distinguished its lamented author."--_Englishwoman's Magazine._

GRACE AGUILAR'S WORKS

"We look upon 'The Days of Bruce' as an elegantly-written and interesting romance, and place it by the side of Miss Porter's Scottish Chiefs."--_Gentleman's Magazine._

"A very pleasing and successful attempt to combine ideal delineation of character with the records of history. Very beautiful and very true are the portraits of the female mind and heart which Grace Aguilar knew how to draw. This is the chief charm of all her writings, and in 'The Days of Bruce' the reader will have the pleasure of viewing this skilful portraiture in the characters of Isoline and Agnes, and Isabella of Buchan."--_Literary Gazette._

"What a fertile mind was that of Grace Aguilar! What an early development of reflection, of feeling, of taste, of power of invention, of true and earnest eloquence! 'The Days of Bruce' is a composition of her early youth, but full of beauty. Grace Aguilar knew the female heart better than any writer of our day, and in every fiction from her pen we trace the same masterly analysis and development of the motives and feelings of woman's nature. 'The Days of Bruce' possesses also the attractions of an extremely interesting story, that absorbs the attention, and never suffers it to flag till the last page is closed, and then the reader will lay down the volume with regret."--_Critic._

VI.

_Fcap. 8vo, Illustrated with Frontispiece, price 5s._,

HOME SCENES & HEART STUDIES.

Tales.

By GRACE AGUILAR.

The Perez Family.
The Stone-cutter's Boy of Possagno.
Amete and Yafeh.
The Fugitive.
The Edict; a Tale of 1492.
The Escape; a Tale of 1755.
Red Rose Villa.
Gonzalvo's Daughter.
The Authoress.
Helon.
Lucy.
The Spirit's Entreaty.
Idalie.
Lady Gresham's Fete.
The Group of Sculpture.
The Spirit of Night.
The Recollections of a Rambler.
Cast thy Bread upon the Waters.
The Triumph of Love.

VII.

_Second Edition, in Two Volumes, Foolscap 8vo, price 10s._,

THE WOMEN OF ISRAEL;

Or, Characters and Sketches from the Holy Scriptures, illustrative
of the past History, present Duties, and future Destiny of
Hebrew Females, as based on the Word of God.

By GRACE AGUILAR.

Principal Contents of the Work.

First Period--Wives of the Patriarchs.

Eve.
Sarah.
Rebekah.
Leah and Rachel.

Second Period--The Exodus and the Law.

Egyptian Captivity, and Jochebed.
The Exodus--Mothers of Israel.
Laws for Wives in Israel.
Laws for Widows and Daughters in Israel.
Maid Servants in Israel, and other Laws.

Third Period--Between the Delivery of the Law and the Monarchy.

Miriam.
Tabernacle Workers--Caleb's Daughter.
Deborah.
Wife of Manoah.
Naomi.
Hannah.

Fourth Period--The Monarchy.

Michal.
Abigail.
Wise Woman of Tekoah.
Woman of Abel.
Rispah.
Prophet's Widow.
The Shunamite.
Little Israelitish Maid.
Huldah.

Fifth Period--Babylonian Captivity.

The Captivity.
Review of Book of Ezra.
Suggestions as to the Identity of the Ahasuerus of Scripture.
Esther.
Review of Events narrated in Ezra and Nehemiah.

Sixth Period--Continuance of the Second Temple.

Review of Jewish History, from the Return from Babylon to the
Appeal of Hyrcanus and Aristobulus to Pompey.
Jewish History from the Appeal to Pompey to the Death of
Herod.
Jewish History from the Death of Herod to the War.
The Martyr Mother.
Alexandra.
Mariamne.
Salome.
Helena.
Berenice.

Seventh Period--Women of Israel in the Present as influenced by
the Past.

The War and Dispersion.
Thoughts on the Talmud.
Talmudic Ordinances & Tales.
Effects of Dispersion and Persecution.
General Remarks.

"A work that is sufficient of itself to create and crown a
reputation."--_Pilgrimages to English Shrines, by Mrs. S. C. Hall._

London: GROOMBRIDGE & SONS, 5, Paternoster Row.

GRACE AGUILAR'S WORKS.

NEW EDITIONS, ILLUSTRATED.