BEEKEEPING IN TENNESSEE 
By G M. BENTLEY 
PREFACE 
In 1905 the writer began to gather information relative to the 
beekeeping interests in Tennessee, the chief purposes of which were 
to learn the possibilities and to get a survey of the industry in all 
parts of the State. Many apiaries of the State were examined during 
that year and successive years, up to the present year and some 3,000 
apiaries have been located and*sent printed lists of questions directly 
pertaining to beekeeping as conducted by the owners. The larger per 
cent of these blanks were filled in carefully and returned. On nearly 
every blank names were given of additional beekeepers, to whom 
blanks were also sent. As a result of this study, continued for 7 
years, together with data gathered from the experimental apiary which 
was installed at the Agricultural Experiment Station when the work 
was first begun, some interesting and valuable information has been 
gathered concerning the beekeeping interests of Tennessee. To pre- 
sent as well as to prospective beekeepers this information should be 
of value. This bulletin will greatly facilitate correspondence coming 
to the Agricultural College and to this Office inquiring about bee- 
keeping. The inquiries are increasing in number as these investiga- 
tions are being carried on. Information thus far gathered shows con- 
clusively that Tennessee is well adapted for beekeeping. The varied 
flora, the abundant rainfall, the number of growing days, and the mild 
winters are all important factors pointing toward success to him who 
will keep strong bees of the right kind in a modern way. According 
to the U. S. Census of 1900, there were 38,300 farms in Tennessee 
upon which honey bees were kept. The accompanying map locates 
by means of small spots the number of apiaries having 10 and more 
colonies, which have been located by our survey and from which we 
have gathered information for the contents of this bulletin. Since 
1905 the beekeeping interests in Tennessee have increased fully 50 
per cent and the business is still growing. As this bulletin goes to 
press 6 beekeepers having large interests in as many Northern States 
came to this Office seeking information concerning the possibilities of 
Tennessee as a honey-producing State. Some 20 letters from bee- 
keepers in other states seeking the same information have been re- 
ceived within the last three months. 
Perhaps the greatest good the investigation of the beekeeping 
interests in Tennessee has done is to show the urgent demand for 
simple instructions and an apiary inspection. Since 1911 an Apiary 
Inspection Law has been in effect and already the importance of this 
work has been felt. ; 
For the loan of cuts: Figs. 1, 2, 7, 32, and 35 on pages 10, 12, 32, and 
38, grateful acknowledgment is due Doubleday, Page & Co., New York; 
also the A. I. Root Co., of Medina, Ohio, for cuts Figs. 5, 9, 10, 20, 28, 
24, 25, 28, 34, 36, 37, and 44, on pages 11, 18, 21, 24, 25, 28, 33, and 39. 
For assistance in making photographs, credit and appreciation 
are due F. H. Broome of the Agricultural Experiment Station, Knox- 
ville. 
