PREFACE. 
5 
tory assertions are made either through ignorance, or 
interest. Interest may blind the judgment, and spu- 
rious history may deceive. 
It is folly to expect success in bee-keeping for any 
length of time, without a correct knowledge of their 
nature and instincts; and this we shall never obtain 
by the course hitherto pursued. As much of their 
labor is performed in the dark, and difficult to be ob- 
served, it has given rise to conjecture and false rea- 
soning, leading to false conclusions. 
When I say a thing is so, or say it is not so, what 
evidence has the reader that it is proved or demon- 
strated ? My mere assertions are not expected to be 
taken ingreference to another’s ; of such proof, we have 
more than enough. Most people have not the time, 
patience, or ability, to set down quietly with close ob- 
servation, and investigate the subject thoroughly. 
Hence it has been found easier to receive error fox 
truth, than to make the exertion necessary to confute 
it ; the more so, because there is no guide to direct 
the investigation. I shall, therefore, pursue a differ- 
ent course ; and for every assertion endeavor to give a 
test, that the reader may apply and satisfy himself, 
and trust to no one. As for theories, I shall try to 
keep them separate from facts, arid offer such evidence 
as I have, either for or against them. If the reader 
has further proof that presents the matter in another 
light, of course he will exercise the right to a differ- 
ence of opinion. 
I could give a set of rules for practice, and be very 
brief, but this would be unsatisfactory. When we are 
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