CHAPTER I. 

 BEE-CULTURE AS A PROFESSION, 



AND FOR RECREATION. 



^^^HE production of Honey on a commercial basis being^ 

 i now an established industry, there are many induce- 



ments offered to those who wish to take up a light 

 and pleasant occupation, as a secondary aid in augment- 

 ing a perhaps too restricted income; or as an adjunct 

 to farming, or even as the principal item upon the farm. 

 As will presently be shewn, almost the entire farming 

 operations may be made subservient to the need of the bees, 

 so that the agriculturist's profits may be almost doubled. 



In the case of fruit farming, too, the benefits to-be 

 acquired by the culture of bees on the spot, cannot be 

 over-estimated, for the better the fertilization of the bloom, 

 the more productive will the fruit trees become. 



A natural ability, and a rational enthusiasm are 

 necessary for the making of a successful bee-keeper ; 

 and therefore, unless a man makes himself thoroughly 

 acquainted with the pecularities of bees, he is doomed to 

 disappointment should he attempt to give his time and 

 capital to this occupation. 



There are two courses open to those who wish to follow 

 the art of bee-keeping, whereby to gain a living, or for 

 the purpose of adding to their present income. First, by 

 having a few hives, and gradually increasing the number 



