Rules for Purchasing. 169 
Above all, avoid hobbies, and be slow to adopt sweeping 
changes, ‘ Prove all things, hold fast that which is good.” 
HOW TO PROCURE FIRST COLONIES, 
To procure colonies from which to form an apiary, it is 
always best to get them near at hand. We thus avoid the 
shock of transportation, can see the bees before we pur- 
chase, and in case there is any seeming mistake can easily 
gain a personal explanation and secure a speedy adjustment 
of any real wrong. 
KIND OF BEES TO PURCHASE, 
At the same price always take Italians or Carniolans, as 
they are certainly best for the beginner. If common black 
bees can be secured for three, or even for two dollars: less 
per colony, by all means take them, as they can be Italian- 
ized at a profit for the difference in cost, and, in the opera- 
tion, the young apiarist will gain valuable experience. 
Our motto will demand that we only purchase strong 
colonies. If, as recommended, the purchaser sees the col- 
onies before the bargain is closed, it will be.easy to know 
that the colonies are strong. If the bees, as they come 
rushing out, remind you of Vesuvius at her best, or bring 
to mind the gush and rush at the nozzle of the fireman’s 
hose, then buy. In the hives of such colonies, all combs 
will be covered by the middle of May with bees, and in 
the honey season, brood will be abundant. It is always 
wisest to begin in a small way. He will generally suc- 
ceed best who commences with not more than four or five 
tolonies. 
IN WHAT KIND OF HIVES. 
As plans are already made, of course it is settled as to 
the style of hive to be used, If bees can be procured in 
such hives, they will be worth just as much more than 
though in any other hive, as it costs to make the hive and 
transfer the bees. This will be certainly as much as two 
or three dollars. Vo apiarist will tolerate, unless for ex- 
periment, two styles of hives in his apiary. Therefore, 
