176 AUSTRALIAN BEE LORE AND BEE CULTURE- 



CHAPTER XXIX. _ 



HIVE ARRANGEMENTS. 



Is it worth while to keep bees ? is a question that can only he 

 answered by local surroundings. And the number of hives of 

 bees that can be conveniently kept in any district will depend 

 somewhat on similar circumstances. If the bees are to be kept 

 for experiment and observation only, then the study of locality is 

 unnecessary, because bees can be kept and thrive anywhere if 

 supplied with proper naturally collected food. A person entirely 

 unacquainted with bee life and management, and living in a 

 suitable locality, as before described, should go sparingly to wxM-k 

 in the introduction of bees as regards the number of colonies he 

 proposes to manage. It is much better to learn by practice than 

 by theory. 



Two neighbours whose gardens are contiguous may start in 

 bee-keeping under precisely the same cimcumstances. In one case 

 it will be a success and in the other a failure, because the one 

 observes and is interested in his little venture, and the other fails 

 because after putting his bees in position he lets them "take their 

 chance." Nevertheless, failure is not always caused by want of 

 interest. If the site chosen is undulating or falls away, and the 

 low-lying ground is over-shadowed by tree foliage, causing the 

 morning sun to be late in dispersing the dampness that is always 

 more or less associated with shady positions, such a situation is by 

 no means adapted to successful bee-culture. The spot occupied by 

 the bees must be both dry and airy. The apiary protected on all 

 sides from j&erce winds by belts of trees is far preferable to an 

 entirely open situation. Damp is undoubtedly one of the greatest 

 of bee enemies. No hobby should be ridden to death, and bees 

 are no exception to that rule. Unnecessary handling irritates 

 bees and causes delay in the work of the hive. On the other hand, 

 if the stocks are only handled when a harvest is anticipated the 

 practice necessary to become a bee-master will be long delayed. 

 The bee-keeper's judgment alone must be exercised in these 

 matters. 



The arrangement of the hives is important. They should be 



