INTRODUCTION. 



CHAPTER I. 



The present condition of practical bee-keeping in this 

 country, is known to be deplorably low. From the great 

 mass of agriculturists, and others favorably situated for 

 obtaining honey, it receives not the slightest attention. Not- 

 withstanding the large number of patent hives which have 

 been introduced, the ravages of the bee-moth have increased, 

 and success is becoming more and more precarious. Mul- 

 titudes have abandoned the pursuit in disgust, while many 

 of the most experienced, are fast settling down into the con- 

 viction that all the so-called " Improved Hives" are delusions, 

 and that they must return to the simple box or hollow log, 

 and " take up'"' their bees with sulphur, in the old-fashioned 

 way. 



In the present state of public opinion, it requires no little 

 courage to venture upon the introduction of a new hive and 

 system of management ; but I feel confident that a new era 

 in bee-keeping has arrived, and invite the attention of all 

 interested, to the reasons for this belief. A perusal of this 

 Manual, will, I trust, convince them that there is a better 

 way than any with which they have yet been acquainted. 

 They will here find many hitherto mysterious points in the 

 physiology of the honey-bee, clearly explained, and much 

 valuable information never before communicated to the 

 public. 



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