THE MADONNA OF THE LITTLE BEES
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—The title of the charming article under the above heading carries me back to 1917, when I was fortunate enough to be billetted at the " Cottage de Notre Dame des Abeilles " at Maroeuil, near Arms. It was immediately after the taking of Vimy Ridge. I was amazed to find so trim a house and garden so near to the 'front line," and more amazed to discover that the owner, her daughter, and an old gardener were still " in residence." Old Madame Saison Champagne and her daughter had formerly obtained per- mission—in writing—from President Loubet to remain in their charming old-world villa, " whate'er betide." Divisional and Brigade Commanders had done their utmost from the beginning of the War to persuade the old lady to move to safer regions—but her heart was in the " Cottage de Notre Dame des Abeilles "—and none prevailed. How she sub- sisted was a marvel. She showed me tins full of the waste crumbs of ration bread, toasted in the oven. Then there were the bees 1 In front of the house was a well-tended garden, on the house side of which was a large white ornamental "doll's house" topped by a group of the Madonna and Child. The " doll's house " was composed of seven
beehives, all fully tenanted. Many a petit verre of hydromel (mead) did Madame produce for such as paid her courtesy ; and the honey, which was kept in the cellar in large enamelled earthenware crocks, was the best honey I have ever tasted. It was " laid down like wine, and in the process of-time the comb dissolved, making an opalescent mass which was quite delicious to the palate.
Once the bees swarmed in a large Macrocarpa, and the C.Q.M.S. had to hunt round for bee experts to take the swarm. I well remember that there were a host of volunteers.
It was with a deep regret that I left this sanctuary, and its old world doyenne who so bravely held on through all the shocks of war, under the protection of The Madonna of the Little Bees."—I am, Sir, &c., L. LONGFIELD. Longueville, Mallow.
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