PURCHASING STOCKS. 
363 
he tries the whole routine of charms. Nearly twenty 
years ago, when my respected neighbor predicted a 
“ turn in my luck, because it was always so,” I could 
not understand the force of this reasoning, unless it 
belonged to the nature of bees to deteriorate, and con- 
sequently run out. I at once determined to ascertain 
this point. I could understand how a farmer would 
often fail to raise a crop, if he depended on chance or 
luck for success, instead of fixed natural principles. 
It was possible that bees might be similar. I found 
that in good seasons the majority of people had luck, 
but in poor seasons, the reverse, and when two or 
three occurred in succession, then was the time to lose 
their luck. It was evident, then, if I could pass in 
safety the poor seasons by any means, I should do well 
enough in good ones.* The result has given me but 
little reason to complain. My advice therefore is, 
that reliance should be placed on proper management, 
instead of luck, arising from the manner the first 
stock was obtained. Should any one feel disposed to 
make you a present of a stock or two of bees, I would 
advise you to accept the offer and be thankful, dis- 
carding all apprehension of a failure on that account. 
Or if any one is willing you should take some on 
shares, this is a cheap way to get a start, and you have 
no risk of loss in the old stock. Yet if bees prosper, 
the interest on the money that stocks cost is a mere 
trifle in comparison to the value of increase, and you 
have the same trouble. On the other hand, the owner 
* There are sections of country where the difference in seasons is 
less than in this. 
