i8o 



A Modern Bee-Farm 



Metal ends have already been 

 referred to ; there is only one 

 kind however that 'permits of 

 gauging at two different spaces — 

 i|-inch and 1 5- inch — and that is 

 the one here illustrated ; the in- 

 vention of Mr. W. B. Carr, of Higher Bebington, Cheshire. 



While it is impossible for one to make a success of bee- 

 keeping, if he has another " business " on hand which requires 

 constant and regular attention ; there are, of course, a number of 

 light occupations that can be adopted to fill up one's spare time. 

 If bee-keeping is the secondary consideration, then the bees must 

 often be neglected at the most critical time, and loss consequently 

 results. One may keep poultry to advantage, especially where 

 certain crops are grown for the bees as elsewhere shown. A large 

 apiary will keep the owner busy during the winter months prepar- 

 ing for the following season ; but there are long evenings in 

 winter, and other times when the want of some suitable work will 

 be felt. Each must consider what is best suited to himself; what 

 he can obtain ; or what course of study may ultimately be of 

 advantage to him. Something must be taken in hand that can be 

 picked up at any opportunity, and that can be laid down the 

 moment the bees require attention. One may be at work during 

 the usual hours of the day, but that is no reason why he should 

 spend the remainder in idleness and frivolity. Not for a moment 

 do I intend that a holiday should never be taken ; but a bee- 

 keeper especially, though his work is often laborious, has a holiday 

 every day ; for is he not always in the open air, gaining health 

 and strength, as well as having constant pleasure in studying the 

 wonderful works of nature ? 



Fertilization of Queen Bees in confinement ! The greatest 

 wish of enthusiastic bee-keepers is apparently as far from being 



