DOMESTICATED INSECTS 257 



swarms or " casts ". Domesticated bees are more given to 

 swarming than wild ones. 



Bee- Keeping or Apiculture. The remarks already made about 

 the importance of poultry-keeping (p. 246), as an adjunct to 

 agriculture, apply here also, though to a less extent. To give a 

 long account of the industry is unnecessary, and readers requiring 

 details will do well to consult Cowan's British Bee-Keepers Guide 

 Book. This writer thus speaks of the paying nature of the 

 industry, and the essentials to success: " The culture of the 

 honey-bee is now universally admitted to be one of the most 

 profitable of rural pursuits. It has engaged the attention of in- 

 telligent persons of all ages; yet it is only comparatively recently 

 by the introduction of improved movable-comb hives, the 

 honey-extractor, and comb-foundation that this pursuit has been 

 rendered no longer a matter of chance, but as certain and more 

 remunerative with small outlay than any other rural occupation. 

 Much has been written about the enormous profits to be derived 

 from bee-keeping; and, stimulated by what they have read, 

 persons have purchased a few stocks, and, after keeping them 

 without any attention for some years, have given them up, having 

 failed for want of a knowledge of the first principles of bee- 

 culture. Although anyone may keep bees, it is not everyone who 

 can become a proficient bee-master. Energy and perseverance, 

 together with aptness for investigation, can only ensure real 

 success. While some degree of talent is essential, in this as in 

 every other pursuit, ordinary ability directed to the attainment 

 of a specific end will be more likely to be rewarded by success, 

 than the most extraordinary talent divided among half a dozen 

 different pursuits. The man who is thoroughly conversant with 

 his business, is familiar with its requirements, has mastered its 

 every detail, and who is industrious and energetic, will be likely to 

 succeed; and if, in addition to this, he possesses good executive 

 abilities, his success will be very apt to be above the average." 



A few words may be of interest on the three requisites to 

 enlightened apiculture mentioned in the above extract, i.e. mov- 

 able-comb hives, honey-extractors, and comb-foundation. The 

 familiar bell-shaped straw hive or " skep " may be picturesque, 

 but is eminently undesirable. It renders regulation of the bees' 

 labours impossible, necessitates destruction of the combs, and too 

 often means that the industrious insects are choked by the fumes 



VOL. IV. Ill 



