CHAPTER I. 



BEE-CULTURE AS A PROFESSION, 

 AND FOR RECREATION, 



IT is now. an undisputed fact that honey has become a staple 

 article of commerce, and while it will be my intention to 

 show that the honey-producing industry is capable of still 

 greater extension in most of its biranches, than has hitherto 

 been the case, I hold out no golden promises, as too many are 

 prone to do ; but wish it to be distinctly understood that - 

 while the profits, under correct management, may be larger, 

 the business requires rnore careful study and, intense applica- 

 tion- than many others. A natural ability and ■ a rational 

 enthusiasm are necessary to make a successful beekeeper; 

 and therefore, unless a man makes himself thoroughly 

 acquainted wif h the peculiarities of bees, he is doomed, to 

 disappointment should he attempt to give his time and capital 

 to this occupation. 



There are two courses open to those who wish to follow 

 the art of bee-keeping, whereby to gain a living, or for the 

 purpose of adding to their present- income. First, by having . 

 a few hives, and gradually increasing the number over a term 

 of years, until the experience gained justifies one in making 

 extensive additions to his working stock ; though, unless 

 under such very favorable circumstances as are sometimes 

 found to exist, it will be unwise to discard any present 

 occupation. 



B 



