Inducements to Bee-Keeping. 3 
observing and appreciative bee-keeper is ever the witness 
of exhibitions that incite wonder and admiration. This is 
why bee-keepers are always enthusiasts. I know of no 
class of laborers who dwell so fondly on their work and 
business as do bee-keepers. A thorough study of the 
marvelous economy of the honey bee must, from its very 
nature, bring delight and admiration. A farmer once said 
to me, “ Were it not for the generous profits of the busi- 
ness, I would still keep bees for the real pleasure I receive 
in the business.” I once asked a hard worked teacher why 
he kept bees. I felt like saying amen to his answer: 
“For the restful pleasure which the work gives.” I have 
often gone to the bees tired and nervous, and after an_ 
hour’s labor, felt refreshed, as by sound sleep. I have 
been deeply gratified many times by the letters thanking 
me for having turned the writers’ attention towards bee- 
keeping. I often think that if a person does embark in 
bee-keeping, commencing in a small way—and no person 
should begin in any other way—the knowledge gained 
and consequent pleasure received will prove ample remuner- 
ation, even should no practical results follow. The man 
is broadened by the study and better fitted to enjoy life. 
Some years since my old friend and college classmate, 
O. Clute, visited me. Of course, I must show him the 
bees. He was delighted, took the “ Manual” home with 
‘him, purchased some bees at once, and became enraptured 
with the work, and the result of all this was another first- 
class bee-keeper and that most fascinating work of fiction, 
“ Blessed Bees.” 
PROFITS. 
The profits in bee-keeping offer strong inducements 
towards its adoption as a pursuit. I believe no manual 
labor occupation offers larger returns, if we consider the 
capital invested. True, bee-keeping requires hard work, 
but this is only for a portion of the year, and in winter 
there is almost no work, especially if the bee-keeper buys 
all his hives, sections, ctc., which is usually wiser than to 
make them. The cautious, prompt and skillful bee-keeper 
