Show me an owner of bees who is a genuine enthusiast, 
be he or she a novice or professional bee-keeper, and 
I see the man or woman who is going to succeed ; 
whether the occupation is adopted as a hobby or a 
business undertaking. The non-enthusiastic owner will 
never succeed in the management of the honey-bee. 
CHAPTER I. 
BEE-CULTURE AS A PROFESSION, 
AND FOR RECREATION. 
m= production of Honey on a commercial basis being 
J now an established industry, there are many induce- 
ments offered to those who wish to take up a light 
and pleasant occupation, as a. secondary aid in augmenting 
a perhaps too restricted income; or as an adjunct to 
farming, or even as the principal item upon the farm. As 
will presently be shewn, almost the entire farming opera- 
tions may be made subservient to the need of the bees, so 
that the agriculturist’s profits may be almost doubled. 
In the case of fruit farming, too, the benefits to be 
acquired by the culture of bees on the spot, cannot be over- 
estimated, for the better the fertilization of the bloom, the 
more productive will the fruit trees become. 
A natural ability, and a rational enthusiasm are necessary 
for the making of a successful bee-keeper ; and therefore, 
unless a man makes himself thoroughly acquainted with 
the peculiarities of bees, he is doomed to disappointment 
should he attempt to give his time and capital to this 
occupation. 
There are two courses open to those who wish to follow 
the art of bee-keeping, whereby to gain a living, or for 
the purpose of adding to their present income. First, by 
having a few hives, and gradually increasing the number 
B 
