DIGEST 



Beekeeping returns the largest profit »" the amount of money 

 and labo? invested, of any agricultural pursuit Sometimes the return 

 is as hich as five dollars an hour for the time spent with the ^^ees. A tnor 

 ough knowledge of bees and honey production, however, is necessary be- 

 fore the most profitable results are possible. images o lo o. 



Fruits and berries, besides many grasses and flowers, depend on 

 the busy bee to distribute the pollen. A few bees kept near an orchard 

 will not only prove profitable as producers of honey, but will also increase 

 the profits of the orchard. Pages 6 to 7. 



Soil and climate influence beekeeping. The length of the growing 

 season often has an important bearing upon the number of kinds ot plants 

 producing nectar. On certain types of soil the best nectar producing 

 plants do not thrive. Pages 7 to 9. 



A constant supply of nectar from the honey plants is needed by 



the bees. If during a part of the summer season the bees cannot collect 

 nectar, the profits are certain to be lowered. Pages 9 to 10. 



The Italian bees are to be preferred as honey makers. Carnolian, 

 Caucassian, and the common black German bees are other races which 

 are not as desirable. Of the two varieties of Itahan bees, the leather col- 

 ored are generally preferred to the five banded or Golden Italians. 



Pages U to 13. 



To winter bees successfully is one of the essentials in beekeeping. 



Fo'ur essentials, sufficient and proper food supply, young fertile queens, 

 plenty of young workers, and ample protection must be supplied. 



Pages 13 to 16. 



The amount of winter loss depends upon the amount of care 



taken by the beekeeper. A bee cellar, which is dry, dark, warm, and well 

 ventilated will help keep the bees through the winter without loss, provid- 

 ing the colonies are properly prepared for wintering. 



Pages 17 to 18. 



There are several bee diseases known in Wisconsin. Paralysis, and 

 sacbrood or pickled brood cause but slight damage. The American and 

 European foul brood are the diseases which are of consequence. Proper 

 care and management will greatly reduce the losses from disease. 



Pages 21 to 27. 



