XIV INTRODUCTION. 



boast of one, and that was founded by Mr. C. N. Abbott, of 

 Southall, who ably conducted it for about ten years, when it 

 passed into the hands of the Rev. H. R. Peel. Soon after 

 this paper was established we find Mr. Abbott inaugurating 

 the British Bee-keepers' Association, his object being the diffusion 

 of the knowledge of bee-keeping, especially among the poorer 

 classes, as a means of bettering their condition. 



In 1874 this body held its first great Exhibition of Bees, 

 Hives, and Honey, at the Crystal Palace ; and since that time 

 other Associations have sprung up, one after the other, each 

 holding its own Annual Show. Is it any wonder then that 

 thousands have entered into the pursuit, and that many thousands 

 more have become acquainted with the value of the busy bees' 

 product ? 



The manufacture of hives and appliances alone has become 

 quite an industry, giving employment to many ; while as a means 

 of bringing the producer and consumer together, principally 

 through the untiring energy of Mr. Peel, the British Honey 

 Company has been established ; and others, as well as private 

 individuals, are always prepared to buy at reasonable rates. 



Honey in the comb will ever remain a luxury, but that in the 

 liquid form is destined ere long to be found in general use in 

 almost every family, besides being used in various manufactures ; 

 and the apiarist should do his best to place the latter upon the 

 market in as cheap a form as possible, at the same time being 

 careful that such shall have a neat and attractive appearance. 



