434 STATE 130AED OF AGKICULTUKE. 



Women often complain that there is no inspiration in their work; that it 

 holds the attention bnt does not prompt to study or investigation, thus afford- 

 ing little opportunity for mental improvement. In tliis respect bee-keeping is 

 iu marked contrast. A worker in the apiary is also a student, and is constantly 

 meeting with surprises, and learning something new and intensely interesting. 

 In Europe it is said to be considered an intellectual pursuit. 



As I have said, I knew very little of bees when I first undertook the care of 

 them. I supposed there were rules to be rigidly adhered to, any deviation from 

 Avhicli would result in disaster. I therefore, at every step, anxiously consulted 

 Langstroth, Quinb}', or Prof. Cook, as was most proper for a novice to do, and 

 to them am indebted for whatever of success I have achieved; but have since 

 learned that in bee-keeping, as in other matters, there are many ways of 

 accomplishing the desired end ; consequently, I have sometimes ventured to 

 disobey them all, and thus far without unsatisfactory results. Notwithstand- 

 ing an acquaintance with the best authorities, there is still opportunity for 

 every one to learn by personal observation and exjierience. 



I ijut partially agree with those who regard enthusiasm indispensable to suc- 

 cess. In the more ordinary vocations many do succeed in comfortably main- 

 taining themselves and families with very little enthusiasm for their work, — 

 often none, and sometimes with even positive dislike. Then bringing tlie same 

 determination and good sense into use, why not, in a similar degree, succeed in 

 bee-keeping without enthusiasm? I admit its great desirability, but regard it 

 as a possession too uncertain to be relied upon. However, I believe it to be a 

 natural outgrowth of the 



STUDY OF NATUIIE 



in almost any department, and that she who interests herself in bees for the 

 sole purpose of making money may gain her object, and also find herself an 

 ardent lover of her occupation. 



My own experience in the apiary has been a source of interest and enjoyment 

 far exceeding my anticipation, and it is a matter of regret to me that for a few 

 years I must forego its pleasures as well as profits. 



Mks. L. B. Baker. 



KELATIVE MERITS OF ITALIAN AND BLACK BEES. 



READ BEFORE THE MICHIGAN CONVENTION HELD AT LANSING, MARCH, 1877. 



It was not without some degree of hesitancy that I prepared this paper with 

 the intention of reading it before this convention. It is upon a subject that I 

 consider of paramount importance to all honey producers ; and I have reason 

 to believe that every enterprising bee-keejier will in some measure share with 

 me in this opinion. 



I hesitated, first, because I am a mere infant in this society, not having been 

 a member until this year, and never before this season having had an opportu- 

 nity to attend one of its meetings. In the second place, I liesitated because I 

 am aware the conclusions at which I have arrived will clash more or less with 



