12 MANUAL OF THE APIARY. 



departing health and vigor, and to men the nature of whose 

 business precludes air and exercise, apiculture cannot be too 

 highly recommended as an avocation. 



WHO ARE SPECIALLY INTERDICTED. 



There are a few people, whose systems seem to be specially 

 susceptible to the poison intruded with the bee's sting. 

 Sometimes such persons, if even stung on the foot, will be so 

 thoroughly poisoned that their eyes will swell so they cannot 

 see, and will suffer with fever for days, and, very rarely, indi- 

 viduals are so sensitive to this poison that a bee-sting proves 

 fatal. I hardly need say, that such people should never keep 

 bees. Many persons, among whom were the noted Klein and 

 Gunther, are at first very susceptible to the poison, but 

 spurred on by their enthusiasm, they persist, and soon be- 

 come so innoculated that they experience no serious injury 

 from the stings. It is a well-recognized fact, that each suc- 

 cessive sting is less powerful to work harm. Every bee- 

 keeper is almost sure to receive an occasional sting, though 

 with the experienced these are very rare, and the occasion 

 neither of fear nor anxiety. 



INDUCEMENTS TO BBB-KEEPIN&. 



EECREATION. 



Among the attractive features of apiculture, I mention the 

 pleasure which it offers its votaries. There is a fascination 

 about the apiary which is indescribable. Nature is always 

 presenting the most pleasurable surprises to those on the alert 

 to receive them. And among the insect hosts, especially 

 bees, the instincts and habits are so inexplicable and marvel- 

 ous, that the student of this department of nature never 

 ceases to meet with exhibitions that move him, no less with 

 wonder than with admiration. Thus, bee-keeping affords 

 most wholesome recreation, especially to any who love to look 

 in upon the book of nature, and study the marvelous pages 

 she is ever waiting to present. To such, the very fascination 

 of their pursuit is of itself a rich reward for the time and 

 labor expended. I doubt if there is any other class of manual 



