matter, and if it is di-ag'g*ed into the cold air, it dies in- 

 stantly. 



THE MANAGEMENT OF BEES 



Can be be^t understood by a careful study of:' the habits ot 

 the insect ; and therefore it is, that, independent of the 

 interest we wished to inspire in the proceeding's and modes 

 of life of a most attractive little community, we considered 

 it advisable to preface any necessary practical details, by 

 duelling' at some length on the phenomena from which 

 alone can be derived just principles of manag'cment. Study 

 Nature, and she will herself show you where — and how — 

 you may occasionally assist her when she requires assistance 

 in the attainment of your especial object ; but never attempt 

 to conquer her, or to turn her completely aside from her 

 own path. In other words, leave the bees as far as possible 

 to their own instincts, by accommodating* all your requisi- 

 tions to their habits. This cannot be done by following- 

 imphcitly mere dogmatic instructions, derived from other 

 men's experience, capable with them, no doubt, of being* 

 adapted to chang'ing' or unexpected circumstances, precisely 

 because based on experience that is ever ready to correct 

 and inform the ideas it sent forth, but which to you, want- 

 ing- that experience, may fail at your utmost need. We 

 shall not, therefore, crowd these pag'es by very long-, minute 

 details of bee-manag'ement. Of course there are some points 

 of practice easily explained, not liable to the dang-er we have 

 pointed out,- and indispensable to the young- beginner in bee- 

 keeping-. These we shall endeavour to state clearly and 

 efficiently. But for the most part all the details of bee- 

 manag;ement can be best learned from practice, and the 

 study of the essential objects which details are intended to 

 secure. It is also to be observed, that such details are un- 

 settled to this hour, and vary among' the best apiarists. 



Almost the entn-e success of bee management depends 

 upon the capabilities of the apiarian to take advantages of all 

 the various changes which must take place according to the 

 variations of temperature, locality, and seasons. While, there- 

 fore, it would display great presumption on the part of a 

 beginner to dispense with the rules which the extensive ex- 



