2 THE APIARY. 



gerated idea of the trouble needful for the care of a few- 

 hives, and also to ignorance of the easier and more 

 profitable methods of modem management. Many of 

 the wealthier country or suburban residents, also, are 

 averse to the personal trouble which they fancy needful 

 in keeping an apiary; and, perhaps, some gentlemen 

 are more afraid than they would like to own of that very 

 efficient weapon of defence with which the honey bee is 

 provided. But the prejudices against bees are quite un- 

 necessary ; bees are a:s tractable as they are intelligent, 

 and it is the purpose of this little b,ook to show that bee- 

 culture is an easy and safe, as well as a deeply interest- 

 ing, pursuit. Possibly, also, some who do us the favour 

 to read our detailed explanations will see how the rural 

 clergyman, or the benevolent landlord, who keeps an 

 apiary of his own, may be of signal service to his poorer 

 neighbours in explaining to them the mysteries of bee- 

 keeping. 



