vi. Preface. 



most important methods of management have been 

 brought about, while time and labour-saving implements 

 have been devised ; all of which will be found invaluable 

 to the Apiarist of the present day. 



It has been the Author's utmost endeavour to place the 

 management of Bees before the novice and those who 

 wish to become Bee-keepers, in as clear and straight- 

 forward a manner as possible. He knows full well how 

 difficult it is for one more advanced in the science to fully 

 expose every detail of procedure, and how equally difficult 

 it is for those just entering the ranks to grasp many of the 

 details which go to make up the grand total of success ; 

 hence the reason why some apparently simple matters are 

 gone into at length, that the learner may profit by the 

 writer's own earlier experiences— in some cases, costly 

 experiments and failures. 



With regard to the foregoing it is hoped that those who 

 are more advanced will not be wearied by that which is 

 given for the benefit of others who have not much 

 knowledge of the subject, remembering that we all have 

 been in need of just such teaching. At the same time, 

 the Author trusts the expert will find some things not 

 before known to the bee-world, and which he will be 

 willing to admit go far towards the economic production 

 of honey; and, moreover, constitute the very "pith" of 

 practical bee-keeping. 



It will be asked : " What are the profits of Bee- 

 keeping?" Many consider that there is a fortune in it, 

 but this is not so. All may gain health and pleasure in 

 following the study of this, the most remarkable creature 

 in the insect world, but the number who make a profit out 

 of this occupation will be limited to those only who have 

 special qualifications, and are able to give the subject close 

 study and application. 



