84 THE APIARY. 
closed, and if there is a-hole in front, and the hive is 
standing near the ground, they may be turned bottom up, 
and a board set slanting from the ground to the entrance, 
for the bees to pass in and out. The muslin or wire-cloth 
may then be put on, and the cap, if any, placed over it, 
and the usual roof replaced, until they stop flying at 
night, when the hole at the side should be closed. If 
there is no hole in front, bore one for the purpose. I 
often put up large numbers during the day, and move 
them in the evening or in the following day. 
When the bees are brought to the home apiary, they 
should be smoked to drive them from the wire-cloth, the 
Jatter removed, and the hive placed upon the stand it is 
to occupy. 
TAKING BEES ON SHARES. 
In managing bees for other parties, as well as in fur- 
nishing them to those who wished to care for them, we 
have usually been governed by the following rule: One 
party furnishes all the bees, and the other does all the 
work. All expenses for new material, etc., are shared 
equally ; and the receipts, including the increase, are 
equally divided. The ownership of the original colonies 
is unchanged. 
FINANCIAL RESULTS. 
This is a topic upon which I shall differ widely from 
many who have represented the interests of bee-keeping. 
I desire to say very emphatically, that from a thorough 
knowledge of the business, I must disapprove of the 
position taken by some in their statements as to the ex- 
traordinary returns that may be expected. 
A comparison of bee-keeping with other avocations, 
farming, for instance, will, I think, show a balance of 
profit in favor of the former. Upon an investment of 
$1,000 in bees, I should anticipate, with the same amount 
