PREFACE. 



but in this work, I have divested the subject of its dry- 

 ness, and have placed it before the reader in a new and 

 more attractive form, than has ever appeared before. I 

 have endeavored to discuss the various questions in a 

 clear, ample, and comprehensive manner, divested of 

 the superstition of the ignorant, and the errors of those 

 who profess to be learned in the science. I have also 

 shown the true position that Huber should occupy as an 

 apiarian ; believing, (and I have good reasons for my 

 opinion,) that the almost universal credence given to his 

 alleged discoveries, is based upon a fictitious platform, 

 to a very great extent. 



What I have written in the following pages, is most- 

 ly the result of my own practical experience, during 

 many years of close application to the management, and 

 the study of the honey-bee. On some points I have 

 taken an entirely new course, in my own management 

 of bees. For instance, I treat them differently in the 

 winter season especially, from the ordinary custom, 

 keeping them much cooler, &c. ; and my general course 

 of management is peculiar to myself, with a full know- 

 ledge of all systems, yet based upon the true principles 

 of the nature and economy of the bee. My success in 

 the culture of this insect, has been beyond precedent, 

 and having the test of a long series of years to support 

 me, I offer this work as one worthy of the confidence 

 of the public. 



THE AUTHOR. 



