i6 A Modern Bee-Farm 



years of practice ; but nevertheless, just here, I advise the 

 beginner not to go to his more expert neighbour every 

 time a difficulty occurs. He must bear in mind his past 

 lessons, and strive to help himself. 



It does not much matter at what time of the year you 

 may begin in a small way ; you have first to gain confi- 

 dence in handling bees before you can make much out of 

 them. Get some friend or other apiarist of experience, 

 if possible, to overhaul the stock you wish to purchase, 

 and be guided by him as to its value. In the absence of 

 friendly advice, you cannot do better than buy a first swarm 

 from some cottage bee-keeper. Obtain your hives from a 

 well-known maker, and so get them correct in measure- 

 ment ; otherwise your expected pleasure will be somewhat 

 marred, and your manipulations sadly complicated. 



While the number who may be capable of making bee- 

 keeping their main occupation, will be limited, almost 

 every one can keep a few colonies at great advantage to 

 health, and at the same time make them pay their own 

 way. Even the scientist need not go to any great expense 

 over his investigations, as with ordinary care his bees can 

 be made to return all the money he may require to lay 

 out for such purposes. 



The cry of " over-production " is but a false alarm, and 

 we need not fear, however many become honey-producers 

 in our generation. No genuine article of food will long 

 want for a customer, if only it is presented in an attractive 

 manner at a reasonable rate. There are many ways in 

 which honey can be utilised, not only as food and medi- 

 cine, but also for a number of manufacturing purposes ; 

 and while the fact that many others will continue to enter 

 into the occupation, may cause reduced prices, the value 

 of honey will become more generally known, to the advan- 

 tage to all concerned. 



