Genre:

Reportage, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoology, Natural History, Menageries, Manufactories, Artisans, Commerce, Politics

    Describes a visit to the royal beehives, to which the author was invited by Prince Albert. Noting the 'political principles' on which the beehives are formed and the 'outward resemblance' between working-bees and 'British mechanics', explains how the bees are only allowed enough honey to sustain themselves, and thus 'pay a very large property-tax' but do not suffer like 'their fellow-subjects' (presumably British mechanics). Anticipates the 'wholesome social and political lesson' conveyed by the hives to Edward, Prince of Wales.