214 Apiary Grounds. 



CHAPTER VI. 

 Position and ARRANGEiMENx of Apiary. 



As it is desirable to have our apiary grounds so fixed as 

 to give the best results, and as this costs some money and 

 more labor, it should be done once for all. As plan and 

 execution in this direction must needs precede even the pur- 

 chase of bees, this subject deserves an early consideration. 

 Hence we will proceed to consider position, arrangement 

 of grounds, and preparation for each individual colony.' 



POSITIOX. 



Of course, it is of the first importance that the apiary be 

 near at hand. In city or village this is imperative. In the 

 country, or at suburban homes, we have more choice, but 

 close proximity to the house is of much importance. In a 

 city it may be necessary to follow Friend Muth's example, 

 and locate on the house-tops, where, despite the inconven- 

 ience, ■we may achieve success. The lay of the ground is 

 not important, though if a hill, it should not be very steep. 

 It may slope in any direction, but better any way than 

 tov;ard the north. Of course each hive should stand 

 perfectly lexel. 



ARRANGEJIENT OF GROUNDS. 



Unless sandy, these should be well drained. If a grove 

 offers inviting shade, accept it, but trim high to avoid damp. 

 Such a grove could soon be formed of bass-wood and tulip 

 trees, which, as we shall sec, are very desirable, as their 

 bloom offers plenteous and most delicious hone}'. Even 

 Vii'^il urged shade of palm and olive, also that we screen the 

 bees from -winds. W^ind-screens are very desirable, espe- 

 cially on the windward side. Such a screen may be formed 

 of a tall board fence, which, if it surrounds tlie grounds, will 

 also serve to protect against thieves. Yet these are gloomy 

 and forbidding, an'! will be eschewed by the apiarist Vi^ho 

 lias an eye to esthetics. Evergreen screens, either of Nor- 



