5 



Bees will naturally fly to a distance of one-fourth to one- 

 half mile, almost as readily as they will work the bloom of the 

 tree standing near the hive, therefore in a regioni where fruit 

 trees are grown on most farms, it would be better if all kept a 

 few colonies to insure cross-fertilization of the bloom. 



Elsewhere I have described methods of honey production, 

 and the fruit grower will have to decide for himself which 

 method best suits him. 



Anyone who has reached their teens and who are not seriously 

 effected by their stings may learn to care for and handle bee?, 

 and produce honey. However, I would not advise anyone who 

 did not have a real interest in the bees themselves to undertake 

 the care of them, except in a limited way. Without a real 

 interest in the bees and their labors, and a love for the work, 

 neglect will follow, which means not only a loss to the owners 

 but endangers the bees of others for miles away bringing loss 

 to those who are helpless to prevent it. If one is not willing 

 to give the bees the necessary care which will protect them from 

 starvation, natural enemies, cold and bee diseases, they owe it 

 to the industry and themselves not to undertake it. It will be 

 much better for them to do something in which they are inter- 

 ested and encourage others already engaged in the pursuit to 

 increase the number of colonies which they keep by buying 

 their honey of them. It is better that there be a half dozen 

 well kept apiaries within a radius of about a mile than three 

 times the number of colonies kept under neglected conditions. 



The average Maine farmer who manaiges a farm and carries 

 on mixed farming is almost certain to neglect some branch of 

 the work at times. If he undertakes to keep and care for bees 

 he cannot expect to get the results that the specialist will, for 

 there will be times when the pressure of other farm work will 

 prevent his giving the bees the care and attention that they 

 require, and for which they will repay in an increased amount 

 of surplus honey. Under these conditions, the bees may not 

 produce more than half the crop of honey they otherwise would, 

 had proper care been given at the right time. However, the 

 returns from the bees may have been enough to pay for all 

 labor and supplies and a fair profit on the investment. If the 

 care given has been sufficient to prevent wholesale robbing, kept 



