CHAPTBE IX. 



COMMENCING BEE-KEEPING. 



To many would-be bee-keepers the cost of starting 

 acts as a deterrent, often, it may be, because they 

 hear of the great outlay of some bee-keepers who have 

 not made their venture pay. For the guidance of 

 beginners I wiU give a list of the necessary appHances 

 for properly commencing on the three systems de- 

 scribed in this Guide, and the cost of each article. 

 The price given must in each case be taken as ap- 

 proximate, for prices vary according to the quaUty and 

 workmanship of the articles in question. 



No hive should be considered complete without at 

 least two supers ; it is, therefore, wise to procure at 

 starting whatever is likely to be required for properly 

 working each stock. At the same time I strongly 

 advise aU who commence bee-keeping to " make haste 

 slowly," and only add to their apiary as they become 

 more expert in the management of the bees, and feel 

 that they can with equal success look after a greater 

 number of hives. 



The Skep System. 

 On this system the outfit per stock will be as 



