402 OVERSTOCKING. 



her from depositing eggs in the combs, and the colony will 

 in a short time in the gathering season, accumulate much 

 larger stores of honey, than one whose queen is left at lib- 

 erty, though equal in age and populatiou. Thus also, a 

 colony having a very prolific queen, will even in favorable 

 seasons, lay up much less honey, unless ample store room is 

 given them, than one whose queen lays fewer eggs. From 

 these and similar facts which might be enumerated, it is evi- 

 dent, that a very large number of particulars must be taken 

 into consideration, when endeavoring to form some general 

 rule for estimating the profits of bee-culture." (Wagner.) 



On page 22, a statement was given of Dzierzon's e.xpe- 

 rience as to the profits of bee-keeping. The section of 

 country in which he resides, is regarded by him as unfavor- 

 able to Apiarian pursuits. I shall now give what T consider 

 a safe estimate for almost any section in our country ; while 

 in unusually favorable locations it will fall far below the re- 

 sults which may be attained. It is based upon the supposi- 

 tion that the bees are kept in properly constructed hives, so 

 as to be strong early in the season, and that the increase of 

 stocks is limited to one new one, from two old ones. 

 Under proper management, on an average of years, about 

 ten dollars worth of honey may be obtained for every 

 two slocks wintered over. The worth of the new colo- 

 nies, I ,set off as an equivalent for labor of superintend- 



season, and has for himself, chiefly an inferior, late gathered article. 

 It will be seen thai much judgment is requisite, in order to know, 

 even on the old plan, when it is most profitable to kill the bees. An 

 intimate acquaintance with the honey-resources of the district, is abso 

 lulely necessary to decide the question. If bees are smothered, it will 

 be found decidedly advantageous to remove and destroy their queens, 

 at least three weeks before taking their honey ; in this way the produc- 

 tion of brood and consumption of honey will be checked, and the 

 combs will be in a much better condition for melting. 



