4 2 THE BLESSED BEES. 



most economical to be on the safe side. The full 

 swarm was ordered to be sent at the earliest prac- 

 ticable moment. I then felt that my arrangements 

 for beginning were completed. 



The whole field had been carefully gone over time 

 after time, and calculations made as to what was es- 

 sential. The subject had so possessed me that for 

 months I had lived in a land of bees. The expense 

 of beginning may look somewhat large, to those not 

 familiar with the subject, but as bee-culture was to 

 be my profession it would be most satisfactory and 

 economical to begin right, and to have everything 

 of the best kind. I had now expended : 



For Bee literature, 



" 19 swarms black bees, , . 



" I swarm Italians, 



' ' Pattern hive, frames, extractor, etc. 



" Freight on same, 



" Material for 150 hives, 



" Tools, paint, duck, barrels, etc., 



" Lumber for bottom boards, etc., 



$34 65 



83 



00 



20 



00 



97 



00 



4 



60 



57 



00 



59 40 



3 



24 



Before any practical experience in bee-keeping, 

 before ever having opened a movable-comb hive, I 

 had incurred this large expense. Many will call it 

 rash. I shall prove that in my case it was wise- 

 Still I should not advise this course generally, for 

 in most cases it will lead to failure and disappoint- 

 ment. 7 It can only succeed where there has 

 been a most careful study of the whole subject, 



