202 THB BE£;-KBBI>]JK'S GUIDE ; 



he knows the methods and views of his brother apiarists, and, 

 above all, he will not think he knozvs it all, and that his is the 

 only way to success. If possible he should spend some weeks 

 during' the active season with such a bee-keeper, and should 

 learn all he could of such a one, but always let judgment and 

 common sense sit as umpire, that no plans or decisions may be 

 made that judgment does not fully sustain. 



TAKE A COLI,BGB COURSE. 



It will be most wise to take a course in some college, if 

 age makes this practicable, where apiculture is thoroughly 

 discussed. Here one will not only get the best training in his 

 chosen business, as he will study, see and handle, and thus 

 will have the very best aids to decide as to methods, system 

 and apparatus, but will also receive that general culture 

 which will greatly enhance life's pleasures and usefulness, 

 and which ever proves the best capital in any vocation. At 

 the Michigan Agricultural College there is a fully equipped 

 apiary, and the opportunities for special study in bee-keeping 

 and entomology are peculiarly good. Michigan is not ex- 

 ceptional. 



DECIDE ON A PI,AN. 



After such a course as suggested above, it will be easy to 

 decide as to location, hives, style of honey to produce, and 

 general system of management. But here, as in all the arts, 

 all our work should be preceded by a well-digested plan of 

 operations. As with the farmer and the gardener, only he 

 who works to a plan can hope for the best success. Of course, 

 such plans will vary as we grow in wisdom and experience. A 

 good maxim to govern all plans is, "Go slow." A good rule 

 which will insure the above, " Pay as you go." Make the api- 

 ary pay for all improvements in advance. Demand that each 

 year's credits exceed its debits; and that you may surely 

 accomplish this keep an accurate account of all your receipts 

 and expenses. This will be a great aid in arranging the plans 

 for each successive year's operations. 



Above all, avoid hobbies, and be slow to adopt sweeping 

 changes. " Prove all things, hold fast that which is good." 



