6 
larger than those named above as to lend a very roseate hue to the 
outlook for the accumulation of wealth on the part of anyone who can 
possess himself of a hundred or two colonies of bees, the beginner will 
do well to proceed cautiously, bearing in mind that much experience 
is necessary to enable him to turn to the best account seasons below 
the average, while during poor seasons it will take considerable under- 
standing of the subject, energetic action, and some sacrifice to tide 
over, without disaster, or at least without such great discouragement 
as to cause neglect and loss of faith in the business. On the whole, 
there should be expected from the raising of bees for any purpose what- 
ever only fair pay for one’s time, good interest on the money invested, 
and a sufficient margin to cover contingencies. With no greater 
expectations than this from it, and where intelligence directs the work, 
apiculture will be found, in the long run, to rank among the best and 
safest of rural industries. 
ANYONE WHO DESIRES TO DO SO CAN LEARN TO MANIPULATE BEES. 
Any person with fairly steady nerves and some patience and courage 
can easily learn to control and manipulate bees. There are, it is true, 
a few exceptional individuals whose systems are particularly suscepti- 
ble to the poison injected by the bee, so much so that serious effects 
follow a single sting. Such cases are, however, very rare. In most 
instances where care is not taken to avoid all stings the system 
eventually becomes accustomed to the poison, so that beyond momen- 
tary pain a sting causes no inconvenience. 
To a certain extent the belief exists that bees have, without apparent 
cause, a violent dislike for some people, while others, without any effort, 
are received into their favor. The latter part of this proposition has a 
better foundation than the first part, for it is the actions, rather than 
any peculiarity of the individual himself, that anger the bees. 
Bees prefer, of course, not to be disturbed, hence they usually keep 
guards on the lookout for intruders. When visitors approach the hives 
these guards are very apt to fly toward them as if to inquire whether 
harm is intended or not, and should the visitor not inspire them with 
fear by using smoke or some similar means, but should himself show 
fear and nervousness, he will be very likely to arouse their suspicions 
still further, or even to anger them should he strike at them or endeavor 
to dodge their approach. Indeed, one not accustomed to the notes of 
bees is very likely, unconsciously, to dodge his head about when a 
worker buzzes uncomfortably close to his face. It may be a movement 
of but an inch or two, but perhaps a quick jerk, and being noticed by 
the suspicious guard is resented; a sting follows, and yet the recipient 
declares that he did nothing to cause the attack, but that bees merely 
hate him and always sting him when he approaches them. On the other 
hand, an equally unprotected person who moves about with delibera- 
tion may generally, under the same circumstances, be let off without 
