214 Apiary Grounds. 
CHAPTER VI. 
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 pur- 
chase 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 Friend Muth’s example, 
and. locate on the house-tops, where, despite the inconven- 
ience, 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. : 
ARRANGEMENT OF GROUNDS. S 
Unless sandy, these should be well drained. Ifa grove 
offers inviting shade, accept it, but trim high to avoid damp. 
Such a grove could soon be formed of bass-wood 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, espe- 
cially 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, an4 will be eschewed by the apiarist who 
has an eye to esthetics. Evergreen screens, either of Nor- 
