4 AUSTRALASIAN BEE MANUAL 



BEE-KEEPING IN AUSTRALASIA. 



The Author had the honour, in the season of 1887-8, 

 of being the first to introduce the Langstroth frame- 

 hive, the improved honey extractor, and comb- 

 foundation into Australasia ; and by a series of 

 articles in the Press drew the attention of persons 

 interested in bee culture to the improved system of 

 bee management. Letters were received by me from 

 all parts of the Australasian Colonies, asking for 

 further information, which was subsequently supplied 

 in the first edition of this Manual. It is correct to say 

 then, that what is usually termed the " Modern 

 System " of bee-keeping commenced in Australasia in 

 1878. 



That the climate and flora of this part of the world 

 are eminently adapted for commercial bee-keeping has 

 been abundantly proved, and though we are not 

 entirely free from drawbacks, bee-keepers probably 

 encounter fewer here than those in other countries. 

 Thfere have been difficulties in the past in disposing of 

 Australian honey in Europe at remunerative prices, 

 and I think the prejudice against it had its origin 

 through the want of discrimination on the part of some 

 bee-keepers in sending inferior grades to the Home 

 Markets. I have seen excellent Australian honey, and 

 with a thorough system of Government grading, I 

 have no doubt these difficulties could be largely 

 removed. 



Bee-keepers in New Zealand are more fortunate in 

 this respect, their product being in large demand in 

 Europe at good prices. 



Great improvements, however, have come about in 

 late years. Much more care is taken in the ripening 

 and preparation of honey for market, the cost of 

 production has been cheapened, more sound knowledge 

 has been gained, and more honey is being used, all of 

 which has made for the betterment of the industry in 

 Australasia. Legislation against bee-diseases in NeA\ 

 Zealand has done wonders for commercial bee-keeping 

 in this Dominion, and with prospective similar legisla- 



