DOMESTICATED INSECTS 257 
? 
swarms or “casts”. Domesticated bees are more given to 
swarming than wild ones. 
Bee-Keeping or Apiculture.—The remarks already made about 
the importance of poultry-keeping (p. 246), as an adjunct to 
agriculture, apply here also, though to a less extent. To give a 
long account of the industry is unnecessary, and readers requiring 
details will do well to consult Cowan’s British Bee-Keeper’s Guide 
Book. This writer thus speaks of the paying nature of the 
industry, and the essentials to success:—‘‘ The culture of the 
honey-bee is now universally admitted to be one of the most 
profitable of rural pursuits. It has engaged the attention of in- 
telligent persons of all ages; yet it is only comparatively recently 
—by the introduction of improved movable-comb hives, the 
honey-extractor, and comb-foundation—that this pursuit has been 
rendered no longer a matter of chance, but as certain and more 
remunerative with small outlay than any other rural occupation. 
Much has been written about the enormous profits to be derived 
from bee-keeping; and, stimulated by what they have read, 
persons have purchased a few stocks, and, after keeping them 
without any attention for some years, have given them up, having 
failed for want of a knowledge of the first principles of bee- 
culture. Although anyone may keep bees, it is not everyone who 
can become a proficient bee-master. Energy and perseverance, 
together with aptness for investigation, can only ensure real 
success. While some degree of talent is essential, in this as in 
every other pursuit, ordinary ability directed to the attainment 
of a specific end will be more likely to be rewarded by success, 
than the most extraordinary talent divided among half a dozen 
different pursuits. The man who is thoroughly conversant with 
his business, is familiar with its requirements, has mastered its 
every detail, and who is industrious and energetic, will be likely to 
succeed; and if, in addition to this, he possesses good executive 
abilities, his success will be very apt to be above the average.” 
A few words may be of interest on the three requisites to 
enlightened apiculture mentioned in the above extract, z.e. mov- 
able-comb hives, honey-extractors, and comb-foundation. The 
familiar bell-shaped straw hive or ‘‘skep” may be picturesque, 
but is eminently undesirable. It renders regulation of the bees’ 
labours impossible, necessitates destruction of the combs, and too 
often means that the industrious insects are choked by the fumes 
Vou. IV. 111 
