INTRODUCTION. xi 



who esteem the good of the cause and their reputation, of more 

 value than money thus obtained from the uninformed, and freely 

 communicate instruction how to safely perform all needful opera- 

 tions. One of them says, "acquaint yourself with the principles 

 of management, * * and you will find that you have little 

 more reason to dread the sting of a bee than the horns of a 

 favorite cow, or the heels of your faithful horse." 



WHO SHOULD KEEP BEES? 



"W"e reply, all classes who want a healthy, pleasant and profit- 

 able occupation. 



Says Kev. Kobert Baird, " there are few portions of our 

 country which are not admirably adapted to the culture of the 

 honey bee. The wealth of the nation might be increased by 

 millions of dollars, if every family favorably situated, would keep 

 a few hives. No other branch of industry can be named, in 

 which there need be so little loss on the material employed, or 

 which so completely derives its profits from the vast and exhaust- 

 less domains of nature." 



The Farmer should keep Bees to collect the honey afforded by 

 his orchards, timber lands and broad pasture fields; for "profit 

 must attend success in this branch of the farmer's stock, inas- 

 much as bees work for nothing and find themselves." 



The Mechanic should keep Bees, as those "who work in wood 

 can make their own hives, beside supplying their neighbors ; 

 and all will find that, for the little time and capital required, it 

 will materially affect their expenses and income. 



The Horticulturist should keep Bees to gather the delicious 



