iv PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. 



prominently before Bee-culturists the modern introduction 

 and use of sectional supers and comb foundation, which jointly 

 will, if I mistake not, revolutionize the art of honey raising in 

 Great Britain, as it has already done in America. Until the 

 British Bee-keeper is awake to the necessity of sending his 

 honey to market in the best saleable form, he cannot hope to 

 compete with our enterprising friends across the Atlantic, who 

 are at this present time invading the honey markets of Europe 

 with the same bold energy they have shown with other crops. 



In the preparation of this Volume my aim has been to give 

 the best possible information on the subject it was in my power 

 to obtain, and, without attempting to rely solely on my own 

 personal knowledge, I have gleaned materials for the work from 

 every available source. I have been particularly indebted in 

 this way to ' Langstroth on the Honey Bee,' the various ' Bee 

 Journals ' of America and Europe, the articles of Mr. Cheshire 

 in 'The Country,' 'The Journal of Horticulture,' 'King's Bee- 

 keepers' Text Book,' and ' Neighbour's Apiary.' I have, I believe, 

 in most cases acknowledged the author from whom I have 

 borrowed. If, in any instance, this is omitted, it is uninten- 

 tionally ; therefore I hope to be pardoned. My aim has been 

 to make known the various new inventions and appliances in 

 Apiculture, and to encourage the culture of the Bee, by showing 

 what wealth is lost to the nation at large by its neglect, and to 

 give, in a popular and handy form, practical instructions to the 

 novice which may start him fairly on the road to profitable 

 Bee-keeping in a merciful and rational manner. Is it too 

 presumptuous to hope, also, that the adept may herein find 

 some useful hints and facts with which he was not acquainted ? 

 Earnestly trusting that my work may not be in vain, 



I am, &c., 



JOHN HUNTER. 



5, Eaton Rise, 



Ealing, Middlesex. 

 May, 1879. 



