4 Profits of Bee-Keeping. 



will be able to secure an annual average of seventy-five 

 pounds per colony, besides doubling the number of his 

 colonies. This will give $10.00 per colony at least, which 

 is almost as much as the colony, with required apparatus, 

 is worth. Of course poor years will confront the bee- 

 keeper. Winter losses will be experienced by the begin- 

 ner. Some will fail entirely. The fickle, careless, indo- 

 lent man will as surely fail in bee-keeping as in any other 

 calling. Yet if one studies the science and art, and com- 

 mences bee-keeping in a small wa}', as all should, he will 

 be no great loser, even if he find that he is not suited to 

 the business. He knows more and is a broader man for 

 this study and experience. My brother, who is a good 

 farmer, with a fertile and well stocked farm, commenced 

 bee-keeping more to interest his boys than aught else. He 

 has met veiy little loss in wintering — for years together 

 none at all. For three successive years his sixty colonies 

 of bees gave him more profits than all the balance of his 

 farm. As he said at the last Michigan State Convention : 

 " I find my bees the pleasantest and most profitable part of 

 my farm." He added the surprising remark, " Nothing 

 on my farm bears neglect better than my bees." I might 

 add that neglect is rarely seen on his farm. 



Adam Grimm, James Heddon, G. M. Doolittle, E. J. 

 Oatman and manv others have made much money in this 

 pursuit. Mr. Hetherinton keeps hundreds of colonies of 

 bees and has received over $10,000 cash receipts in a single 

 year. Mr. Clute, an able clergyman, has often received 

 more money from his .bees than from his salary as a 

 preacher. All over our country men are gaining a liveli- 

 hood in this industry, and often earning as much more in 

 other pursuits. The opportunity to make money, even 

 with hardships and privations, is attractive and seldom dis- 

 regarded. What shall we say then of this opportunity, if 

 the labor which it involves, bi'ings in itself healthful recre- 

 ation and constant delight? Dr. C. C. Miller gave up a 

 $2,500 salary to engage in bee-keeping. Though a special- 

 ist, and though his profits last year, owing to the drouth, 

 were nothing, yet he is contented with the business, and 

 has no idea of changing for any other. 



