THE APIARY. 157 



stock, they are self-supporting. They not only provide their 

 own food, but with little care, will store a large surplus of their 

 delicious product. 



How much easier it is to give bees the little attention needed* 

 than the trouble and expense of caring for cattle, pigs, and sheep, 

 three times a day, which no good farmer complains of. It is 

 indeed strange, that any person, occupying a rood of "mother 

 earth," should neglect so rich a source of profitable enjoyment. 

 Could our young men and young ladies, who now spend hours 

 in idleness or vain amusements, be induced to purchase a swarm 

 or two of bees, and give them the little attention needed, it 

 would not only prove highly remunerative, but would lead them 

 into habits of industry and thoughtfulness, and fit them for bet- 

 ter citizens. By the introduction of improved hives, a fresh 

 interest has been awakened in this branch of rural economy, and 

 with honey at present prices, there would undoubtedly be a 

 general rush into bee-keeping, were it not for the fear of stings, 

 and a vague belief that "luck" has something to do with 

 successful bee management. A little practical knowledge with 

 regard to the nature of bees, will enable any one to obtain per- 

 fect control over them, and will also open his eyes to the fact, 

 that, with properly constructed movable-comb hives, success in 

 bee-keeping is not left to "luck " or " chance," but depends upon 

 the observance of simple rules and regulations. "With such 

 hives, the bee-keeper is enabled to ascertain the exact condition 

 of a stock at any time, and thus remedy defects, or easily remove 

 any comb in the hive for any purpose whatever. 



A few stocks of bees are often entirely neglected, and conse- 

 quently less profitable, while a larger collection (needing little 



