SOO THE APIARY. 



yield but small profits. After the best honey-yielding dis- 

 trict is selected, his next inquiry will be, as to the particular 

 spot on his own premises, best adapted for the purposes of 

 an Apiary. And here there will be a wide field for the 

 exercise of good judgment. 



In all situations, protection against high winds, will con- 

 tribute greatly to the prosperity of the bees, and if this can- 

 not be given in any other way, a high board fence will pay 

 a generous interest on its cost. The colonies ought always 

 to be put where they will not be annoyed by foot passengers, 

 or cattle, and should never be very near where svireaty 

 horses will stand or pass. At the same time, if managed on 

 the ordinary swarming plan, they should, for obvious reasons, 

 be in full sight and sound of the rooms most occupied by 

 the family of their owner. In regions where the Winter is 

 severe, if the bees are to be exposed to its rigors, protection 

 against cold must be specially regarded, in the selection of 

 a site. (See remarks on wintering bees.) 



In the Northern and Middle States, the hives, if possible, 

 should have a southern exposure. I prefer that they should 

 face about due south-east, as this will give the bees the ben- 

 efit of the sun, during that part of the day when it will be 

 most conducive to their welfare. The ground in front of 

 the hives should be in grass, and ought to be mowed fre- 

 quently, and kept free from weeds. The slovenly manage- 

 ment of many bee-keepers, is not only offensive to the eye, 

 but very injurious to their bees. In many cases, the hives 

 are placed where many bees perish by falling into the dust 

 and dirt, while in others they are surrounded by tall weeds 

 and grass, in which spiders and toads find the choicest lurk- 

 ing places. I have seen hives placed on the ground, and so 



them by feeding, although those that were located only tn'O miles from 

 him, were in each case storing their hives abundantly." — Bevan. 



