INTRODUCTION TO REVISED (1892) EDmON. 



The flattering reception accorded to the first edition of this work, and 

 the desire for a new issue, has encouraged me in now offering a second 

 edition, after making a very careful revision ; while it will be found that 

 much new and valuable information has been added. 



The work stands almost alone in the peculiar position which it holds 

 in relation to the honey-producer ; as it does not simply give the ordinary 

 routine of management ; but enters particularly into the details of the 

 more important questions of the disposal and current values of the bee- 

 keeper's produce. 



It is a matter for congratulation that the past year has seen a decided - 

 rise in the price of honey. Good extracted has been scarce, bringing as 

 much as 8d. per lb., exactly the same rate (wholesale) at which I sold ten 

 years ago. Comb honey has been eagerly sought after„but the supply 

 being limited, the price at retail has actually been seen up to something 

 like the old figure, viz. is. 6d. per lb., during the current winter. 



I am aware of new individual enterprises being arranged for starting 

 out extensively with the new season, in the honey producing line ; and 

 there can not be a more favorable opportunity than the present, provided 

 such endeavors are skilfully directed. The various honey companies which 

 originated during the past few years have had to succumb, because the 

 time has not yet arrived, and possibly never will do, when a single concern 

 may carry out the business upon a scale sufficiently extensive to produce 

 a dividend. Notwithstanding the failure of such companies, they have 

 created a much larger demand for the beekeeper's produce, and a more 

 extended knowledge of his industry ; though their action naturally brought 

 about a too rapid decline in prices. 



Nevertheless the total failure of the honey crop of 1888, followed by 

 the very poor harvest of i8go, in connection with a succession of light 

 yields in America, have at last convinced producers and dealers alike, that 

 the hurried falling off in prices was premature, and not warranted by the 

 current state of the industry. Instead of little more than sixpence per 

 pound for comb, the apiarist can now hold out for ninepence to tenpence 

 wholesale, and be sure of getting it. 



It should be understood that small (less than ilb.) packages for honey 

 find little favor in general commerce. In every direction we see that 

 prices are ruling lower than they were some ten years since ; and the con- 

 sequence is that larger receptacles are required, so that jams and similar 

 articles may be supplied to the public at the minimum of cost. 



