PREFACE. 6 



tory assertions are made either through ignorance, or 

 interest. Interest may blind the judgment, and spu- 

 rious history may deceive. 



It is folly to expect success in bee-keeping for any 

 length of time, without a correct knowledge of their 

 nature and instincts ; and this we shall never obtain 

 by the course hitherto pursued. As much of their 

 labor is performed in the dark, and difficult to be ob- 

 served, it has given rise to conjecture and false rea- 

 soning, leading to false conclusions. 



When / say a thing is so, or say it is not so, what 

 evidence has the reader that it is proved or demon- 

 strated ? My mere assertions are not expected to be 

 taken in preference to another's ; of such proof, we have 

 more than enough. Most people have not the time, 

 patience, or ability, to set down quietly with close ob- 

 servation, and investigate the subject thoroughly. 

 Hence it has been found easier to receive error for 

 truth, than to make the exertion necessary to confute 

 it ; the more so, because there is no guide to direct 

 the investigation. I shall, therefore, pursue a differ- 

 ent course ; and for every assertion endeavor to give a 

 test, that the reader may apply and satisfy himself 

 and trust to no one. As for theories, I shall try to 

 keep them separate frdm facts, and offer such evidence 

 as I have, either for or against them. If the reader 

 has further proof that presents the matter in another 

 light, of course he will exercise the right to a differ- 

 ence of opinion. 



I could give a set of rules for practice, and be very 

 brief, but this would be unsatisfactory. When we are 

 1* 



