4 Profits of Bee-Keeping. 
will be able to secure an annual average of seventy-five 
pounds per colony, besides doubling the number of his 
colonies. This will give $10.00 per colony at least, which 
is almost as much as the colony, with required apparatus, 
is worth. Of course poor years will confront the bee- 
keeper. Winter losses will be experienced by the begin- 
ner. Some will fail entirely. The fickle, careless, indo- 
lent man will as surely fail in bee-keeping as in any other 
calling. Yet if one studies the science and art, and com- 
mences bee-keeping in a small way, as all should, he will 
. be no great loser, even if he find that he is not suited to 
the business. He knows more and is a broader man for 
this study and experience. My brother, who is a good 
farmer, with a fertile and well stocked farm, commenced 
bee-keeping more to interest his boys than aught else. He 
has met very little loss in wintering—for years together 
none at all, For three successive years his sixty colonies - 
of bees gave him more profits than all the balance of his 
farm. As he said at the last Michigan State Convention : 
«JT find my bees the pleasantest and most profitable part of 
my farm.” He added the surprising remark, “ Nothing 
on my farm bears neglect better than my bees.” I might 
add that neglect is rarely seen on his farm. 
Adam Grimm, James Heddon, G. M. Doolittle, E. Ts 
Oatman and many others have made much money in this 
pursuit. Mr. Hetherinton keeps hundreds of colonies of 
bees and has received over $10,000 cash receipts in a single 
year. Mr. Clute, an able clergyman, has often received 
more money from his bees than from his salary as a 
preacher. All over our country men are gaining a liveli- 
hood in this industry, and often earning as much more in 
other pursuits. The opportunity to make money, even 
with hardships and privations, is attractive and seldom dis- 
regarded. What shall we say then of this opportunity, if 
the labor which it involves, brings in itself healthful recre- 
ation and constant delight? Dr. C. C. Miller gave up a 
$2,500 salary to engage in bee-keeping. Though a special- 
ist, and though his profits last year, owing to the drouth, 
were nothing, yet he is contented with the business, and 
has no idea of changing for any other. 
