PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION. 



The size, cost, and character of the "Bee-Keepers' Text Book'' 

 procured for it a great circulation. Simplicity of language, clearness 

 of statement, and practical directness made it for years acceptable to 

 to the general reader and a real hand book to the apiarian. When writ- 

 ten it was abreast of the times: but new discoveries and inventions in 

 apiculture render it necessary to revise the book so as to furnish all 

 needed information to thousands now entering upon this promising 

 industry. 



The old book was written in the era of patents and partly, in the 

 interest of the American Hive, and treated partly of management in 

 common box hives. Patents on important parts of hives are now ended, 

 and information for management in common box hives is not no\7 

 necessary. 



Many good movable comb hives aie made at present and the only 

 need now is for a text book to guide the beekeeper in the various mani- 

 pulations of the apiary and adapted to all the improvements in bee» 

 keeping, which is destined to become one of the great industries of 

 America. Since the publication of the old book the invention of the 

 Honey Extractor, and the successful use of artificial Comb-foundation 

 have materially changed the mode of management necessary to secure 

 the greatest results. In addition to these two great discoveries, im: 

 proved smokers, feeders, and modes of securing and packing honey in 



