ADVICE TO BEGINNERS IN BEE-KEEPING. 



Bee-keeping is an occupation that can be followed on a small 

 scale in one's spare time, and, as only a small space is neces- 

 sary upon which to stand the hives, it is eminently suitable 

 for smallholders, cottagers, and others with a limited area at 

 their disposal. It also has the advantage of being a suitable 

 occupation for women. Moreover, bees are active pollinators 

 of fruit blossoms, ajid the keeper of bees therefore renders 

 valuable assistance in the production of fruit. 



In comparison with the skep method of bee-keeping followed 

 by our forefathers, the perfection and simplicity attained in 

 the construction of the present-day movable comb hives and 

 appliances mark a revolution in apiculture. When skeps are 

 used, the bee-keeper is compelled to cany out the inhuman 

 practice of killing the bees to obtain their honey, and this, 

 when secured, is fall of foreign substances, such as liquid 

 matter from the crushed bodies of the grubs, pollen, propolis, 

 and other substances, which are incorporated with it during 

 the necessary process of squeezing the honey from the 

 combs. The modern system, however, enables any person 

 with ordinary intelligence to follow this lucrative occu- 

 pation successfully without injury to the bees, combs or brood. 

 Further, natural swarming can be controlled, and if it is 

 desired to increase the number of colonies, this can be done to 

 a larger extent by artificial methods* than if the bees are 

 allowed to Siwarm naturally, when there is a great danger 

 of the swarm being lost by its issue and escape during the 

 absence of the owner. 



First Steps. — One of the first steps to be taken by those 

 desirous of becoming bee-keepers is to obtain a good book on 

 apiculture, and to study it carefully. There are several books 

 from which a choice may be made. It would also be advis- 

 able to join the local bee-keepers' association, as in this way 

 much advice and information can be obtained; moreover, 

 secretaries of such associations will be able to furnish names 

 of expert bee-keepers willing to help if needed. The associa- 

 tion will also be able to render assistance in many other ways. 



The prospective bee-keeper will be well advised to make haste 

 slowly.' Beginning with not more than a couple of stocks, he 

 should increase the number as he acquires experience and 

 becomes more capable of dealing with a larger apiary. 



* See Leaflet No. 334 (How to Increase Colonies of Bees) included in 

 this volume. 



