44 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



A farmer in the county of Kennebec, in the summer of 1854, had 

 a hive of bees that in the month of June sent out a swarm which 

 he put into a hive having four boxes that would contain from five 

 to six pounds each, when filled. These were filled in less than ten 

 days, and were taken from the hive and sold for $1 each. Other 

 boxes were put in, but on the same day a swarm was sent out from 

 this hive, which was sold for $5. The second set of boxes were 

 filled and sold for $1 each. The swarm was sold for $5, without the 

 hive. The old hive sent out a second swarm in twelve days after 

 the first, which was sold for $5. Now we will gather up our items 

 and see what will be the aggregate ; and we have first, three 

 swarms of bees, which actually sold for $5 each, making $15. 

 Next eight boxes of honey, at $1 each, making $8, which, added 

 to the $15, makes $23, from which we will deduct $1 for the two 

 old fashioned hives, which any one will acknowledge is more than 

 they are worth, and we have left a clear profit of $22 from an in- 

 vestment of $0. But some are ready to say this is an exception. 

 We are ready to grant it, but are ready to make other statements, 

 although the profit is not so great, yet sufficiently large to satisfy 

 almost any person that the keeping of the 'honey bee,' this little 

 insect which our All-wise Father, in his bountiful goodness to the 

 children of men, has given us may be made profitable. 



It is usual, we think, for those who give their attention to the 

 keeping of the bee, to have one good healthy swarm come out from 

 each hive that has been well cared for during the winter, which is 

 always worth $5, if it is early enough in the season for them to 

 procure sufficient to live on through the coming winter. Then 

 give the old swarm boxes to store the surplus honey in, which at 

 a low estimate, may be reckoned at $5. Thus we shall get $10 as 

 the profit. 



Have we not answered the first part of the question in the affir- 

 mative ? Do any gentlemen want more proof? If so we can fur- 

 nish any amount. 



The second part of the question, how ? now claims our attention. 

 We would say you must not be afraid of your bees. "What, do 

 you say we must not be afraid of being stung, when we have heard 

 of such direful results from the poison that has been put into the 

 system by the sting of the honey bee ? If you have not enough 

 of good common sense to mind your own business when you are 

 amongst bees, we would advise you to keep away from them 

 and let them alone. If any one feels that he must furnish himself 



