THE APIARY. 67 
preference for, and a personal adaptation to, bec-keeping 
as an occupation, te be followed to the exclusion of all 
others, we would say that he cannot be too thoroughly 
prepared, not only by reading, but by instruction in the 
sciences related to the pursuit, and by practical training. 
In other avocations it is considered necessary to serve 
an apprenticeship in order to fit one to pursue them prof- 
itably, and in no calling are preliminary study and prac- 
tice more important than in bee-keeping as a profession. 
Fortunately for those who would qualify themselves for 
the pursuit, the State Agricultural College, Lansing, 
Mich., offers special advantages. The department of 
Entomology and the Apiary in that Institution is in 
charge of Prof. A. J. Cook, a scientific Entomologist 
and thorough Apiarian. But the great number, who 
must make bee-keeping a secondary matter, are not in 
need of this thorough preparation, and to these it is hoped 
that this work will prove a sufficient guide. While it 
aims to give the most approved apiarian practice, it is in- 
tended to be so elementary in its teachings as to meet the 
wants of. the novice, as well as those who have already 
some experience in bee-keeping, and would learn its most 
profitable methods. 
LOCATION. 
In selecting a site for an apiary, there are many con- 
siderations to be borne in mind, especially if bee-keeping 
is to be the sole business. The question of very greatest 
import is that of resources. Study the subject of the 
best honey-yielding plants and trees, and be sure that you 
locate within reach of some tolerably reliable source. 
Another point of much interest is the general contour of 
the country. To illustrate. I reside in a valley where 
' Basswood begins to blossom about the 15th of July. If 
the surrounding country were level, this bloom would last 
but 12 or 15 days, but being at the foot of a hill, where 
