6 
PREFACE. 
told a thing must be done , most of us, like the “ inquis- 
itive Yankee,” have a desire to know why it is neces- 
sary ; and then like to know hoiv to do it. This gives 
us confidence that we are right. Hence, I shall en- 
deavor to give the practical part, in as close connec- 
tion with the natural history, that dictates it, as pos- 
sible. 
This work will contain several chapters entirely 
new to the public : the result of my own experience, 
that will be of the utmost value to all who desire to 
realize the greatest possible advantages from their 
bees. 
The additions to chapters already partially discussed 
by others, will contain much original matter not to be 
found elsewhere. When many stocks are kept, the 
chapter on “ Loss of Queens,” alone, will, with atten- 
tion, save to any one, not in the secret, enough in one 
season to be worth more in value than many times 
the cost of this work. The same might be said of 
those on diseased brood, artificial swarms, wintering 
bees, and many others. 
If such a work could have been placed in my hands 
twenty years ago, I should have realized hundreds of 
dollars by the information. But instead of this, my 
course has been, first to suffer a loss, and then find 
out the remedy, or preventive ; from which the reader 
may be exempt, as I can confidently recommend these 
directions. 
Another new feature will be found in the duties of 
each season being kept by itself, commencing with the 
spring and ending with the winter management. 
