x Preface. 
matters are gone into at length, that the learner may profit 
by the writer’s own earlier experiences—in some cases, 
costly experiments and failures. 
With regard to the foregoing it is hoped that those who 
are more advanced will not be wearied by that which is 
given for the benefit of others who have not much 
knowledge of the subject, remembering that we all have 
been in need of just such teaching. At the same time, 
the Author trusts the expert will find some things not 
before known to the bee-world, and which he will be 
willing to admit go far towards the economic production 
of honey; and, moreover, constitute the very “pith” of 
practical bee-keeping. 
It will be asked : “What are the profits of Bee-keeping ?” 
Many consider that there is a fortune in it, but this is not 
so. All may gain health and pleasure in following the 
study of this, the most remarkable creature in the insect 
world, but the number who make a profit out of this 
‘occupation will be limited to those only who have special 
qualifications, and are able to give the subject close study 
and application. 
The man who finds himself adapted to the undertaking 
may safely invest his money, and be assured of obtaining, 
to say the least, better returns, than very many other 
occupations offer at the present day. 
And now a word as to other subjects—other kindred 
occupations that the bee-keeper may follow to advantage. 
I hold out no hopes that bee-keeping alone will support a 
family, at least in this country. Many young people who 
fail at office work, or in other occupations, turn to poultry, 
to bees; or it may be fruit or other farming ; and in the 
following pages I endeavor to show how a reasonable 
profit may be secured from a few acres of grass land by 
making the most of everything that can be worked upon 
