PURCHASING STOCKS AND TEANSPOETING BEES. 333 



her properly, have a box just a little larger in length 

 and depth than one of the small frames in the rearing 

 boxes; width about two inches inside. The bottom 

 should be square ; top the width of the box, and held 

 by screws. The comb should be old and tough, and 

 contain honey enough for the journey. 



CHAPTER XXV. 



PURCHASING STOCKS AND TEANSPOETING BEES. 

 QUALIFICATIONS FOR AN APIABIAN. 



If the reader has no bees, and yet has had interest or 

 patience to foUow me thus far, it is presumptive evidence 

 that he possesses the perseverance requisite to take charge 

 of an apiary. He must, however, remember the inevitable 

 anxieties and perplexities, and the amount of time that 

 proper care requires, as well as the advantages and profit. 

 But if he is disposed to try the experiment, some initiatory 

 directions may very likely be acceptable. 



LircK. 



The apparent uncertainty of success in bee-keeping 

 has encouraged a general belief in the old tradition of 

 "luck," and in no particular must the "fickle dame" be 

 conciliated so much, as in the manner of obtaining the 

 bees. Concerning this important operation, there seems 

 to be a variety of opinions. One will assert that favor is 

 secured by stealing one or two stocks to begin with, and 

 returning them at some future time. 



Another, a little more conscientious perhaps, says, that 

 you must take them without liberty, but leave an equiva- 

 lent in money on the stand. 



