PREFACE. 
In 1876, in response to a desire frequently expressed by 
my apiarian friends, principally my students, I published an 
edition of 3,000 copies of the little unpretending “ Manual 
of the Apiary.” This was little more than the course of 
lectures which I gave annually at the College. In less than 
two years this was exhausted, and the second edition, 
enlarged, revised, and much more fully illustrated, was 
issued. So great was the sale that in less than a year this 
was followed by the third and fourth editions, and, in less 
than two years, the fifth edition (seventh thousand) wa 
issued. 
In each of the two following years, another edition was 
demanded. In each of these editions the book has been 
enlarged, changes made and illustrations added, that. the 
work might keep pace with our rapidly advancing art. 
So great has been the demand for this work, not only at 
home and in Europe, but even in more Cistant lands, and 
so great has been the progress of apiculture—so changed 
the views and methods of our best bee-keepers, that the 
author feels warranted in thoroughly revising and entirely 
recasting this eighth edition (tenth thousand). Not only is 
the work re-written, but much new matter, and many new 
and costly illustrations are added. 
The above I quote directly from the preface of the eighth 
edition, published in 1883. Since then four editions have 
appeared, each revised as the progress of the art required. 
In electrotyping the eighth edition, through an accident 
