14 HIVES. 



which there is such a variety of opinions, and I have 

 but little hopes of reconciling all these conflicting 

 views, opinions, prejudices, and interests. 



DUTKEBNT OPINIONS ABOUT THEM. 



One is in favor of the old box, and the cruel prac- 

 tice of killing the bees to obtain the honey, as the 

 only means to obtain "luck ;" " they are sure to run out 

 if they. meddle with them." Another will rush to the 

 opposite extreme, and advocate all the extravagant 

 fancies of the itinerant patent-vender, as the ne "plvs 

 ultra of all hives, when perhaps it would be worth 

 more for fire-wood than the apiary. 



THE AUTHOR HAS NO PATENT TO RECOMMEND. 



To remove from the mind of the reader all appre- 

 hension that I am about condemning one patent to 

 recommend another, I would say in the beginning, that 

 I have no 'patent to praise, no interest in deceiving, and I 

 hope no prejudices to influence me, in advocating or 

 condemning any system. I wish to make bee-keeping 

 plain, simple, economical, and profitable ; so that when 

 ■we sum up the profit "it shall not be found in the 

 other pocket." 



It is a principle recognized by our statute, that no 

 person is suitable as a Juror, who is biased either by 

 interest or prejudice. Now whether I am the impar- 

 tial Jurist, is not for me to say : but I wish to discuss 

 the subject fairly. I hope some few will be enabled to 

 see their own interest : at any rate, dismiss prejudice. 



