OR, MANUAI, OF THS APIARY. 253 



CHAPTER VL 



POSITION AND ARRANGEMENT OF APIARY. 



As it is desirable to have our apiary grounds so fixed as to 

 give the best results, and as this costs some money and more 

 labor, it should be done once for all. As plan and execution 

 in this direction must needs precede even the purchase of bees, 

 this subject deserves an early consideration. Hence, we will 

 proceed to consider position, arrangement of grounds, and 

 preparation for each individual colony. 



POSITION. 



Of course, it is of the first importance that the apiary be 

 near at hand. In city or village this is imperative. In the 

 country, or at suburban homes, we have more choice, but close 

 proximity to the house is of much importance. In a city it 

 may be necessary to follow Mr. Muth's example, and locate on 

 the house-tops, where, despite the inconvenience, we may 

 achieve success. The lay of the ground is not important, 

 though, if a hill, it should not be very steep. It may slope in 

 any direction, but better any way than toward the north. Of 

 course, each hive should stand perfectly level. 



ARRANGBMBNT OF GROUNDS. 



Unless sandy, these should be well drained. If a grove 

 offers inviting shade, accept it, but trim high to avoid damp. 

 Such a grove could soon be formed of basswood and tulip 

 trees, which, as we shall see, are very desirable, as their bloom 

 offers plenteous and most delicious honey. Even Virgil urged 

 shade of palm and olive, also that we screen the bees from 

 winds. Wind-screens are very desirable, especially on the 

 windward side. Such a screen may be formed of a tall board 

 fence, which, if it surrounds the grounds, will also serve to 

 protect against thieves. Yet these are gloomy and forbidding, 



