66 THE APIARY. 



BEST SEASON FOB HOKET. 



The inquiry is often made, " Which is best for bees, 

 a wet or dry season ? " I have studied this point 

 very closely, and have found that a medium between the 

 two extremes produces the most honey. When farmers 

 begin to express fears of a drouth, then is the time, if 

 in the season of flowers, that most honey is usually ob- 

 tained, but if dry weather is much protracted, the quan- 

 tity is greatly diminished. Of the two extremes, a very 

 wet season is much the worst. 



This latter is evident from the fact that much rain in- 

 jures the honey, by diluting it, as well as preventing the 

 bees from gathering as much ; whereas, when the weather 

 is moderately dry, the bees are at liberty to work freely, 

 and the honey is evaporated, instead of diluted, improv- 

 ing the quality, and rendering it much more desirable for 

 immediate sealing up. There is no question but the value 

 of honey is much affected by these circumstances, unless 

 properly cured. The weight of extracted honey will vary 

 to the extent of over 1 lb. to the gallon, according to 

 the variation in the season. 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE APIARY. 



THE PEEPARATION NEEDED, 



If one proposes to make bee-keeping his life-pursuit, 

 he will need very different preliminary instruction from 

 one who, as nearly every farmer may well do, proposes to 

 follow it as an adjunct to other occupation, or the ama- 

 teur, who would keep a few hives for his instruction and 

 amusement. To one, especially a young man, who feels a 



