Mistakes in Bee-Keeping 



It is pleasant to tell of success. Mistakes are mentioned with 

 reluctance ; yet the_v may be of equal value for imparting information. 

 Mr. J. M. Smith, of Wisconsin, is a noted horticulturist. The crops of 

 berries and cabbages that he raises are something wonderful. His 

 contributions to the press are valuable ; but I never read one that con- 

 tained more information than the one in which he recounted the mistakes 

 of his horticultural life. I believe that space can be profitabl\ used in 

 mentioning a few things that experienced bee-keepers look upon as 

 mistakes in bee-keeping. 



A man who has decided that he will make bee-keeping his life 

 business makes a mistake when he gets a few colonies and attempts to 

 learn the business all b\" himself. Both time and money will be saved 

 by passing at least one season in the employ of some successful bee- 

 keeper. 



If a man must start with a few colonies, and learn the business by 

 himself, let him avoid the mistake of attempting to follow several leaders 

 or systems. Much confusion and annoyance will be saved if he adopts 

 the teachings, methods, and appliances of s(.)me one successful bee-keeper. 

 He may make the mistake of not choosing the best svstem, but better 

 this than a mixture of several systems. 



A beginner is quite likel\ to fall into the error of increasing his 

 colonies too rapidly. There is probably no mistake so disastrous as this, 

 on account of its frequenc)' and results. To the beginner, this is verv 

 tempting ground. If bee-keeping must be learned 1)\- expereince and 

 reading (without the serving of an apprenticeship) the beginning should 

 be small, and practical knowledge and skill keep pace with the increase 

 of colonies. 



A mistake that has been made by many is in looking upon bee- 

 keeping as a sort of royal road to wealth, or, at least, a good living, 

 with but little labor, and, some believe, little brains, after they have once 

 "caught on" to a few secrets (?). To choose any business simply be- 

 cause it is profitable is the height of folly. .\ business that is unusually 

 profitable dcics not long remain such. It soon becomes rivercr(i\vded, 

 and loses its bonanza character. .V man should choose a business be- 

 cause he and his surroundings are best adapted to the pursuit. 



