PREFACE. 



THE following treatise is not designed to supersede or sup- 

 plant the numerous and valuable works upon the same subject 

 which have already been given to the public ; but, like each 

 of them, to add something to the stock of general knowledge, 

 and illustrate and enforce some particular points in the import- 

 ant science of Bee-Keeping. It has been the endeavor of the 

 author, as far as possible, to shun all theorizing, and confine 

 himself to a practical application of those scientific principles 

 which experience has taught him to be the true basis of suc- 

 cess in all laudable undertakings. 



The following pages are the result of the author's personal 

 attention to the Apiary in all its details, through a period of 

 nearly twenty years, during which time he has spared neither 

 time, labor nor money to supply himself with all the published 

 writings, and a knowledge of all the practical facts pertaining 

 to the culture of the Honey Bee. Wherefore, he hopes that 

 his book may be received as it is intended as a reliable direct- 

 ory for those who wish to learn the science of Bee-Keeping, 

 or the daily,' practical workings of the Apiary. He claims 

 no literary merit for the work ; strictures, therefore, upon this 

 department, can inure to the benefit of the author in but a 



