6 PREFACE. 



told a thing must he done, most of us, like- the "inquis- 

 itiye Yankee," have a desire to know why it is neces- 

 sary; and then like to know Aow to dp it. This givea 

 us confidence that we are right. Hence, I shall en- 

 deavor to give the practical part, in as close connec- 

 tion with the natural history, that dictates it, as pos- 

 sible. ; 



This "work will contain several chapters entirely 

 new to the public : the result of my own experience, 

 that will be of the utmost value to all who desire to 

 realize the greatest possible advantages from their 

 bees. 



The additions to chapters already partially discussed 

 by others, will contain much original matter not to be, 

 found elsewhere. When many stocks are kept,. the 

 chapter on "Loss of Queens," alone, will, with- atten- 

 tion, save to any one, not in the secret, enough in one 

 season to be worth more in value -than many times 

 the cost of this work. The same might be said of 

 those on diseased brood, artificial swarms, wintering 

 bees, and many others. 



If such a work could have been placed in my hands 

 twenty years ago, I should have realized hundreds of 

 dollars by the information. But instead of this, my 

 course has been, first to suffer a loss, and then find 

 out the remedy, or preventive ; from which the reader 

 may be exempt-, as I can confidently recommend these 

 directions. 



Another new feature will be found in the duties of 

 each season being kept by itself, commencing with the 

 spring and ending with the winter management. 



