12 A Modern Bee-Farm 



appliance business so much harm, nor the whole industry for 

 that matter; and I would that I could persuade these small 

 dabblers to leave such work alone. I do not mean to imply that 

 none of our best manufacturers have begun in that way, but I do 

 know that, as a rule, after spending more money in advertising 

 than they can ever get returned as profit on the small number of 

 hives sold, they are then forced to give up, in many cases havmg 

 placed in the hands of novices, hives and other appliances so 

 badly made as to be practically useless, besides bringing discredit 

 upon the established houses, as well as the loss of their legitimate 

 trade. It would be better for all parties if the buyer would go 

 straight to a well-known maker, and get what he wants at a 

 cheaper rate, better made, and correct in measurement. I must 

 here advise a beginner who hopes to start hive making for sale, 

 to consider no idea of his own to be new, nor to expect others to 

 consider it worthy of general adoption, until he has had several 

 years experience ; has studied the history of bee-keeping for- at 

 least ten years back, and moreover has gained some reputation 

 and standing as a man oi practical experience. Reader, take the 

 hint therefore and do not waste your money upon advertising 

 " a new idea " until you know where you stand, or as surely as 

 these lines are before your eyes you will never get value in return. 

 By watching the journals closely for the past twelve years, I have 

 noticed a great many of such advertisements, ending only in 

 " smoke,'' and if my words of advice tend to restrain beginners 

 from making these attempts, and thus keep good money in their 

 pockets, I shall feel rewarded, and I am quite certain the trade 

 will be all the better for it. 



In conclusion, I would say, if you have another business on 

 hand, do not expect to make a success of bee-keeping. If you 

 wish to be successful at honey production and queen raising, do 

 not touch the supply trade until your apiary is well established. 



The exceptions are rare where all branches are carried out 

 successfully under one proprietor, and even then, each depart- 

 ment is under a thoroughly reliable manager, who seldom has 

 need to question his principal. 



