and its Economic Management. rj 



CHAPTER II. 

 BEE-KEEPING FOR RECREATION. 



WHILE the greater number of amateurs endeavour to get 

 all the profit they can out of their bees, there are many 

 who keep them solely for the pleasure afforded, by studying their 

 nature and habits ; though, of course, the delight experienced in 

 being able to place pure honey upon one's own table and that of 

 friends is by no means a secondary consideration. Nothing can 

 be more appreciated than a present of beautifully chaste honey- 

 comb in sections or bell-glasses, and what can exceed the pride 

 and pleasure in thus being able to present what is your own 

 production — a thing of beauty which has gradually been "growing " 

 under your own fostering care. 



The busy man who occasionally spends a few minutes among 

 his bees, finds healthful and soothing recreation both for body 

 and mind ; and lucky are those whose leisure gives them almost 

 unlimited time to carry out the study of these remarkable insects. 

 They are a never-failing source of interest, there being always' 

 something new to discover, either as to their habits or manage- 

 ment. 



Modern bee-keepers are enthusiasts, and among all who study 

 the subject, there is a general understanding and mutual sympathy. 

 The novice, or would-be bee-keeper, may therefore go to his 

 nearest neighbour who cultivates bees, and be sure of a hearty, 

 welcome, and a free gift of all the knowledge about them which 



