17 

 BEGINNING AN APIARY. 



Success is any occupation depends upon the amount of knowledge ot 

 tlie science upon which are founded the rules of that occupation. The 

 objects of beekeeping is acquiring an accurate apprehension ot all that 

 pertains to the habits and instincts of bees, which make beekeeping a 

 true science. In order to secure both pleasure and profit, the individual 

 must possess a certain amount of knowledge of the laws that govern 

 the home life of the never tiring bee. Much of this knowledge can be 

 secured through literature as there are many good books pertaining to 

 bees as well as various journals devoted entirely to beekeeping. How- 

 ever, information concerning their behavior is beneficial, but this is 

 only a small part of beekeeping. The real value of this lies in the 

 practice secured through the actual handling and manipulation of a 

 few colonies of bees. 



WHO SHOtlLD KEEP BEES. 



The requirements of a successful apiarist are patience, neatness, fore- 

 sight and presistence before discouragements. In order to enjoy the 

 work of an apiary, the individual must learn to handle bees without 

 fear. Persons with a nervous or timid temperment should never attempt 

 to keep bees, because if they have a constant fear of being stung during 

 their manipulation, their terror is very quickly realized by the bees. 

 The care of a small apiary is especially adapted to furnish a recreation 

 for men of sedentary profession; viz: ministers, lawyers, doctors, pro- 

 fessors, teachers, bankers, bookkeepers and clerks. Instances are known 

 where professional men have received larger incomes from the apiaries 

 than the amount of the yearly salaries. Very little capital is required to 

 begin as it is advisable to start on a small scale. 



HANDLING BEES. 



Handling bees with safety is not as difficult as the novice may imagine. 

 They should be handled so that they will be disturbed as little as pos- 

 sible in their work. Stings should be avoided as much as possible during 

 manipulations; not because of the pain to the operator, but because the 

 odor of the poison diffused in the air irritates the bees in such manner 

 as to make them more difficult to manage. It is recommended for this 

 reason to wear a veil that is bee proof and have a smoker lighted so as 

 to produce a cool smoke when "needed. For the inexperienced operator, a 

 pair of gloves can be worn, but ordinarily they are more of an incon- 

 venience than otherwise. To prevent bees from crawling up the sleeves 

 or trouser legs, tie the sleeves and legs tightly about the hands and 

 feet. If possible, avoid black and woolen clothing, especially a black 

 felt hat. 



The hive should not be jarred or disturbed more than necessary. Rapid 

 or quick movements are objectionable, as the bees can perceive motion 

 more readily than they can stationery objects, because of their peculiar 

 eye structure. On approaching a hive, never strike at a bee, as this only 

 invites trouble, and is likely to be followed by a sting. The best time to 



