2 INTRODUCTION 
though the doubts and difficulties that assail 
the tyro, and the questions arising therefrom, 
might raise a smile from the expert—if only as 
a reminder of his own early aspirations and 
efforts—yet there is no reason for despair; 
though disappointments are certain to arise, 
they should be accepted merely as spurs to 
further effort, as steps towards the ultimate 
goal of success. 
Some may think—rashly—that there is no- 
thing new to be said or learned about the bee, 
but the fact is that even scientists are still 
ignorant as to the definite uses of certain of 
the insect’s organs, and of the origin and 
remedies of some of the diseases from which 
it suffers. Putting aside, therefore, the merely 
commercial aspect of bee-keeping, there is still 
a wide field of interest and research open for 
exploration by the intelligent bee-keeper. 
