beekeeping for women* 

 Mhs. C. D. Mixee, Lima, N. Y. 



Sometimes I wonder if many women know what a delightful 

 and healthful occupation beekeeping is for a woman. In these 

 days, when so many women must be bread winners, why do not 

 more of them take up outdoor work, as it means so much in the 

 way of fresh air and sunshine, better appetite and sound and re- 

 freshing sleep, which we know bring good health and a sunny dis- 

 position. 



No woman who is nervous and ailing most of the time can 

 make the 'happy home all good men and women crave and so few 

 have. I would have my sisters get out in the sunshine, become 

 interested in the honey bees and learn to know and love them 

 as I have. 



Do you know that each individual hive is a distinct family 

 with its needs just like a human family? If you become ac- 

 quainted with them, find out how to supply their needs, they will 

 thrive and give you a nice surpkis of honey. If you feel that 

 you must work in shop or store, in the schoolroom or even in 

 your own kitchen eight or ten hours per day, get a swarm of 

 bees, put them in your back yard or even the attic by an open 

 window where they will not be disturbed; then in your leisure 

 time learn to know them. They will soon become a rest and re- 

 freshment to you, taking your mind entirely away from the trials 

 and vexations of the day. 



If you wished to learn a new embroidery stitch, or how to 

 successfully fire your hand painted china, or the latest kink in 

 cake making, you would study. Go out of doors, study the honey 

 bees. You will find excellent text books on the subject and the 

 kindest of friends among the apiarists to help you get started. 



Beekeeping is like the study of music, you never get to the 

 end. There is always something new and interesting to learn. 

 Any day you may be called upon to use all the common sense, tact 

 and perseverance you possess, in the care of your bees, but it 

 will pay, not only in good health, but in a fat pocket-book. 



*Address delivered at the Monroe County Beekeepers' Convention and 

 Institute, at Rochester, N. Y., March 7, 1912. 



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