THE APIARIST 29 



often paying for itself in a single year. A person with con- 

 siderable physical handicap may easily succeed in bee culture. 

 The occupation is especially suitable for women and many are 

 found in it. 



4. Disadvantages: On the other hand the work calls for careful 

 attention to many details and requires exact knowledge of the 

 habits of bees. There is some danger in handling them, and 

 contagious diseases are frequently found among them. Heavy 

 lifting is sometimes necessary. The occupation extends through 

 only about one-half of the year. 



5. Preparation: The principles of bee culture may be learned in 

 agricultural schools and colleges, and useful information may 

 be secured in the special bulletins of agricultural departments. 



6. Other requirements : Considerable previous experience in help- 

 ing or in carrying on the industry on a small scale is necessary 

 for success on a large scale. The apiarist should have a fair 

 degree of intelligence, patience and skill in caring for minor 

 details, mechanical ability, and some knowledge of nectar- 

 producing plants. 



7. Income: Unless followed on a large scale and by scientific 

 methods bee culture does not yield a sufficient income by itself 

 to be a means of support for a family. It serves well as an 

 addition to some other employment or as an added item in 

 farm income. 



8. Effect on the worker: Caring for bees is likely to increase the 

 intelligence of the worker, to enlarge his interest in nature, and 

 to preserve his health and strength. 



9. References : 



Cromwell, A. D. Agriculture and Life, 238 and 239, bees in 



the country. 

 Alexander, W. P. Beginnings in Beekeeping, Cornell Reading 



Course for the Farm. 



Filene, Catherine. Careers for Women, 24-26, the Beekeeper. 

 Jones, Guy M., Co. Trade Foundations, 44 and 45, beekeeping. 

 Stimson, R. W. Vocational Agricultural Education, 79 and 80, 



beekeeping project study; 160, bibliography. 

 Tappan, E. M. The Farmer and His Friends, chap, x, The 



Little People of the Hive. 



