Rules for Purchasing. 169 



Above all, avoid hobbies, and be slow to adopt sweeping 

 changes. " Prove all things, hold fast that which is good." 



HOW TO PROCURE FIRST COLONIES. 



To procure colonies from which to form an apiary, it is 

 always best to get them near at hand. We thus avoid the 

 shock of transportation, can see the bees before we pur- 

 chase, and in case there is any seeming mistake can easily 

 gain a personal explanation and secure a speedy adjustment 

 of any real wrong. 



KIND OF BEES TO PURCHASE. 



At the same price always take Italians or Carniolans, as 

 they are certainly best for the beginner. If common black 

 bees can be secured for three, or even for two dollars less 

 per colony, by all means take them, as they can be Italian- 

 ized at a profit for the difference in cost, and, in the opera- 

 tion, the young apiarist will gain valuable experience. 



Our motto will demand that we only purchase strong 

 colonies. If, as recommended, the purchaser sees the col- 

 onies before the bargain is closed, it will be easy to know 

 that the colonies are strong. If the bees, as they come 

 rushing out, remind you of Vesuvius at her best, or bring 

 to mind the gush and rush at the nozzle of the fireman's 

 hose, then buy. In the hives of such colonies, all combs 

 will be covered by the middle of May with bees, and in 

 the honey season, brood will be abundant. It is always 

 ■wisest to begin in a small way. He will generally suc- 

 ceed best who commences with not more than four or five 

 colonies. 



IN WHAT KIND OF HIVES. 



As plans are already made, of course it is settled as to 

 the style of hive to be used. If bees can be procured in 

 such hives, they will be worth just as much more than 

 though in any other hive, as it costs to make the hive and 

 transfer the bees. This will be certainly as much as two 

 or three dollars. No apiarist -will tolerate, unless for ex- 

 periment, tjvo styles of hives in his afiary. Therefore, 



