and its Economic Management . 13 



Still another department is connected with apiculture : 



The Manufacture of Appliances 



is carried on by a iiumber of reliable men, each of whom has 

 an apiary ; some of them add the making of comb-foundation, 

 while nearly all find it necessary to' continue some other 

 business. On the other hand there are many, who gaining 

 a first iilsight into bee-keeping, think it a great chance 

 to make money by advertising hives for sale, either of 

 patterns already in hand, or some idea of their own. This 

 branch of the business is now so much over-crowded, and 

 well-made goods can be obtained so cheaply, that there is. no 

 demand for badly-constructed hives as the amateur often turns 

 ■out. His advertising expenses are never returned, and, he 

 soon gives up in disgust. I do not mean to imply that; no 

 :good is ever to be done, in a small way ; but it is better for the 

 beginner who can turn out a decent article to confine himself 

 to local requirements,- while continuing his usual occupation.. 

 As a rule the buyer will find it to his advantage to go to 

 ■a. well-known maker, and get what he wants at a cheaper 

 rate, and correctly made. 



It is so far doubtful whether honey-producing alone, except 

 under particularly favorable conditions, will ever become a 

 reliable source of income ; but in connection with the 'manu- 

 facture of appliances and rfoundation, the sale of bees, etc., 

 wheii well known, it is possible to secure good returns where 

 capital is judiciously invested, and labor - is economised. 

 There are several rural occupations that can be carried on in 

 •connection with bee-keeping to advantage. Fruit-growing is 

 generally profitable to thqse who understand its culture. 

 Poultry,; on a small scale, can be made most profitable, and a 

 large portion of the proceeds, in eggs and fowls, may find 

 their way to the owner's table, in addition to those sold. 

 Other pursuits may occur to the individual bee-keeper, such 

 .as may not seriously interfere with the main occupation, 



