Inducements to Bee-Keeping, 3 



observing and appreciative bee-keeper is ever the witness 

 of exliibitions that incite wonder and admiration. This is 

 wliy bee-keepers are always enthusiasts. I know of no 

 class of laborers who dwell so fondly on their work and 

 business as do bee-keepers. A thorough study of the 

 marvelous economy of the honey bee must, from its very 

 nature, bring delight and admiration. A farmer once said 

 to me, " Were it not for the generous profits of the busi- 

 ness, I would still keep bees for the real pleasure I receive 

 in the business." I once asked a hard worked teacher why 

 he kept bees. I felt like saying amen to his answer : 

 " For the restful pleasure which the work gives." I have 

 often gone to the bees tired and nervous, and after an 

 hour's laboi", felt refreshed, as by sound sleep. I have 

 been deeply gratified many times by the letters thanking 

 me for having turned the writers' attention towards bee- 

 keeping. I often think that if a person does embark in 

 bee-keeping, commencing in a small way — and no person 

 should begin in any other way — the knowledge gained 

 and consequent pleasure received will prove ample remuner- 

 ation, even should no practical results follow. The man 

 is broadened by the study and better fitted to enjoy life. 



Some years since my old friend and college classmate, 

 O. Clute, visited me. Of course, I must show him the 

 bees. He was delighted, took the " Manual " home with 

 him, purchased some bees at once, and became enraptured 

 with the work, and the result of all this was another first- 

 class bee-keeper and that most fascinating work of fiction, 

 " Blessed Bees." 



PROFITS. 



The profits in bee-keeiaing offer strong inducements 

 towards its adoption as a pursuit. I believe no manual 

 labor occupation offers larger returns, if we consider the 

 capital invested. True, bee-keeijing requires hard work, 

 but this is only for a portion of the year, and in winter 

 there is almost no work, especially if the bee-keeper buys 

 all his hives, sections, etc., which is usually wiser than to 

 make them. The cautious, prompt and skillful bee-keeper 



