114 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [P. D. 4. 



Larger Apiaries needed. 



There are in Massachusetts approximately 4,600 persons who 

 have from 1 to over 100 colonies of bees. The number who 

 have from 50 to 100 colonies are few. By far the majority 

 keep but a small number. It has been amply demonstrated, 

 however, that beekeeping, if properly attended to, can be 

 profitably managed in Massachusetts. Bees, it has been said 

 before, can be kept in any locality, but this should be qualified 

 by the fact that they will thrive and do better in some lo- 

 calities. The honey flora is not as intense in Massachusetts as 

 in some parts of the United States. This, however, is no vital 

 limitation. It merely suggests the necessity for the beekeeper 

 to adapt his methods and manipulations according to his local 

 conditions, which, moreover, would be requisite in any locality, 

 no matter how superior. 



While beekeeping in Massachusetts to-day is on a far more 

 productive basis than it was ten years ago, or even five years 

 ago, there is still chance for vast improvement. There are 

 doubtless many colonies which are not particularly productive, 

 largely because of improper care or neglect. These unpro- 

 ductive colonies should be made to produce. It therefore seems 

 eminently fitting in a time of need to urge and endeavor to 

 procure more producing beekeepers, — those who would main- 

 tain a larger number of colonies. In a word, Massachusetts 

 greatly needs a few more large-scale beekeepers. 



In this report there is not space to enlarge upon the subject. 

 It may be briefly said, however, that a system for Massachu- 

 setts should include the out-apiary principle of beekeeping. It 

 is quite possible, in most localities, to maintain at least 50 

 colonies in a yard. Spread these yards, as out-apiaries, at 

 about 3 to 6 miles apart. Thus a territory can be thoroughly 

 covered. It will be surprising to observe the difference in the 

 honey and its yield from season to season in these several yards, 

 even though they are but a few miles apart. One yard may 

 be yielding heavily, while another is not producing. 



Coupled with the fact that many a colony has this year, by 

 force of circumstances, been put away ill prepared for wintering 

 is the fact that more intensive beekeeping should be practiced 



