130 



FIRST PRINCIPLES OF BEE-KEEPING. 



If you can get the constant advice of some near 

 neighbour who understands the modern hive, you may 

 begin with one; but, generally speaking, it will be 

 better for the first }'ear to stick to the straw skep ; 

 and if you manage well, you will by that time 



have gained valuable ex- 

 perience, and also a little 

 money with which to buy 

 a better hive, and to be- 

 gin more thoroughly. 

 Only take care, when 

 you buy the stock, that 

 you get a good, strong, 

 and healthy one; and 

 one that is not more 

 than a year or two old, 

 and one that has a young 

 queen. Ask some bee- 

 keeper of experience to 

 help you in your pur- 

 chase. You will also 

 do well to get it early 

 in the year, even if you 

 give a little more for it ; 

 for then you will soon 

 get a swarm from it, and 

 so almost begin with two 

 hives instead of one. 

 In -the next place, be a little particular about the 

 shape of the straw skep. It ought generally to be 

 one of medium size — although this may vary ac- 

 cording to locality ; and have a good hole at the top. 



Straw Hive and Super. 



