ADVICE TO BEGINNERS IN BEE-KEEPING. 



Bee-keeping is one of the most profitable of the minor rural 

 industries. It is specially suitable for cotters, crofters, and 

 small-holders, and while it cannot rank as one of the main 

 sources of income on the average farm, yet it can be made one 

 of the most remunerative side lines. To the horticulturist and 

 market gardener it should make a special appeal. Further, it 

 is an occupation which, from its nature, is particularly well- 

 adapted for ladies. The initial capital required is small, the 

 returns are quick, while the time and labour spent in operating 

 a few colonies is amply repaid by the pleasure and profit to be 

 derived from this fascinating pursuit. 



From the national point of view, the industry deserves every 

 encouragement. Honey, to the value of £46,921, was imported 

 into Great Britain during the months of June, July, and 

 August, 1915. This foreign honey is decidedly inferior to 

 Scottish honey. The production of honey in Scotland is not 

 equal to the demand, yet many hundred tons of nectar are 

 annually lost, owing to insufficient colonies of bees. The money 

 spent abroad could easily be retained at home. 



Natural History. 



A colony of bees in the summer consists of the following 

 associated members : — the queen, the workers, and the drones. 



Queen. 



The queen, or mother, is the only perfectly developed female 

 in the hive. She is a little longer in the body, and her move- 

 ments are slow. She has a curved sting, which is used as an 

 ovipositor. Her chief function is to deposit eggs, from which 



