BEE-KEEPING. 



flii order that I might give the people the benefits of experience in Bee-Keeping, I engager 

 ^ Dr A. B Mason, onl of the mc^t successful bee-growers in the country, to write this 

 chapter for this work.] 



H«no I Keep all ocJoniefl stronff, and dont pot off till tonwrow what sbonld he done tcnlay. 



In order that those interested in the science of Bee-keeping, who may read 

 the following on the subject, may understand the meaning of the terms I shall 

 use, I will say that the home or receptacle for the bees is called a " hive," not a 

 "skip," "skep stand," or "gum," etc., and the bees when in a hive make a "col- 

 ony,"'nota " swarm," and when part of a colony leaves a hive by what is known 

 as swarming, it is a swarm, but the moment it is put in a hive it is a colony. 



The suggestions that follow are not intended for those largely engaged in 

 hee-keepmg, or those who understand the subject, but for those who wish to 

 keep only enough colonies to furnish their tables with pure, healtJif lU [pud 

 most delicious sw^eet honey. 



• Any one wishing to be informed in regard to the natural history of the 

 honey-bee, and for more elaborate instructions in regard to Bee-Kecping, should 

 procure some standard work on the subject, such as "Langstroth on the Honey- 

 Bee," which is a thoroughly scientific work; or, "Cook's Manual of the 

 Apiary," or, " Quinby's ISIysteries of Bee-Keeping," both of which are thor- 

 oughly practical, and up with the times. 



Any good supply dealers can furnish any of the articles used in Bee-keep, 

 ing. All references and directions are given for those of the Langstroth hive. 



HOW TO COMMENCE BEE-EZEEPING. 



The first thing to procure, if such is not already on hand, will be one or 

 more colonies of bees, which, in its natural condition, during the honey season, 

 will be composed of a fertile queen (the only perfect female in the colony), more 

 or less drones (or males), and from 20,000 to 40,000 workers. Some speak of a 

 " king-bee " also, but there is no king in a colony of bees. 



WHAT HIVE TO USE. 



It is claimed by many that the hive known as the Langstroth is the one 

 most in use. After having used different styles, for several years I adopted the 

 Langstroth, and would rather pay for such than use any other, if furnished me 

 for nothing Whatever style may be adopted, let it by all means be one with 

 movable frames, and have but one sized frame in the apiary. 



In using the Langstroth hive, many prefer having it so narrow tJiat it will 

 hold but eight frames, claiming that number of frames is aiough to raise tbo 



