PREFACE. 



With regard to the foregoing it is to be hoped that 

 those who are more advanced will not be wearied by 

 that which is given for the benefit of others, who have 

 not much knowledge of the subject, remembering that 

 we all have been in need of just such teaching. At 

 the same time, the Author trusts the expert will find 

 some things not before known to the bee-world, and 

 which he will be willing to admit go far towards the 

 economic production of honey ; and, moreover, constitute 

 the very " pith " of practical bee-keeping. 



It will be asked : " What are the Profits of Bee- 

 keeping ? " Many consider that there is a fortune in it, 

 but this is not so. All may gain health and pleasure 

 in following the study of this, the most remarkable 

 creature in the insect world, but the number who make 

 a profit out of this occupation will be limited to those 

 only who have special qualifications, and are able to 

 give the subject close study and application. 



The man who finds himself adapted to the under- 

 taking may safely invest his money, and be assured of 

 obtaining, to say the least, better returns than very 

 many other occupations offer at the present day. 



The Author has not followed the usual orthodox 

 historical manner of many of the bee-books published 

 of late years, some of which are little more than a 

 repetition of what has gone before. On the contrary, 

 he talks to his readers, and endeavours to keep "touch'' 

 with them throughout, being certain that by so doing 



