THE HONEY-BEE. 



reasonable outlay on the part of any one who is 

 possessed of ordinary good sense, and who learns 

 to manage his hives according to modern methods. 



In the following pages we hope to make good both 

 these statements. We are sure that comparatively 

 few people know what marvellous creatures bees are ; 

 what constant pleasure may be found in watching 

 their work ; what opportunities for skilful use of brain 

 and hand are afforded by an apiary ; what a wide field 

 of study and information is displayed by these do- 

 mesticated insects : and though we shall not hold out 

 dazzling prospects of a large return of money from 

 the pursuit we are commending, we shall show by 

 facts that, in ordinary seasons, the yield of honey 

 should amply cover the cost of the bees, their homes, 

 and their requirements. 



Nor would we be understood to limit our recom- 

 mendation of bee-keeping to men alone. It is an 

 occupation eminently suited to women. It has none 

 of the manifest drawbacks of poultry or rabbit- 

 rearing. The needs of the hives are usually not so 

 pressing as to involve a disregard of weather or im- 

 portant engagements. Many operations in apiculture 

 call for female dexterity of hand and finger. It is true 

 that a little courage, in which few ladies are deficient, 

 is necessary in making a beginning of skilful bee- 

 management. But, duly protected by veil and gloves, 

 even the timid need have no fear of being stung 

 or seriously incommoded. 



Intelligent boys and girls of fifteen years and 

 upwards will find a hive or two of bees quite within 

 their power of management, and the clever and in- 

 dustrious insects will afford them a surprising amount 



