Apparatus 23 



to catalogues of supplies which manufacturers are quite 

 willing to furnish. 



It would be interesting to trace the evolution of the various 

 implements used in beekeeping, but this is beyond the scope 

 of this book. For certain appliances, discussed in later 

 chapters, such a method of treatment has seemed desirable 

 and, in fact, to discuss all of the present apparatus in that 

 manner would make the reasons for their construction 

 clearer. There should some day be prepared a book on 

 the evolution of hives and the beekeeper's equipment, if 

 for no other purpose than to show the ardent inventor, 

 who is usually a beginner, the steps that have already been 

 taken and passed by and to prevent the repeated re-dis- 

 covery of abandoned apparatus. In recent times, the 

 industry is relatively free from the exploitation of worth- 

 less apparattis but, at about the time of the invention of 

 the Langstroth hive, the beekeeping industry was well- 

 nigh buried in bizarre hives. The industry has not ceased 

 to advance, but beekeepers have outgrown the beUef that 

 success depends on tools. The recognized essentials of 

 beekeeping are knowledge of the bees, skill in manipula- 

 tion and simphcity in apparatus. 



The suppUes of the beekeeper have few prerequisites. 

 They must be simple in construction, strongly built and, 

 above all, interchangeable throughout. The manufacturers 

 of beekeeping supplies in the United States have done much 

 to simplify the equipment. The best materials are iisually 

 employed. 



Apiary house. 



In the main or home apiary, it is desirable to have a work- 

 shop, usually known by beekeepers as the "honey-house," 

 where suppUes may be prepared and the crop cared for and 

 perhaps stored for a time. This house should be below the 

 bees if the ground slopes (p. 292). It is perhaps needless 

 to give plans for an apiary house since the experienced bee- 

 keeper will easily construct one that fits his individual needs 



