41 
turbed. It should not be encompassed by high 
walls, or thickets, which would impede the pro- 
gress of the bees on their return heavy laden to 
their hives. The ground about the hives should 
be kept clear of weeds and grass, which afford a 
harbor for vermin. The apiary should be situated 
at a convenient distance from the dwelling-house, 
that it may receive the required attention* For 
the facility of swarming and hiving, it is better to 
have low trees and flowering shrubs, than lofty 
trees, in the vicinity. It is unimportant whether 
any particular direction be selected, as bees will 
flourish and make their collections, whatever be 
the position of their dwelling. 
Those who desire great profit from an extensive 
bee establishment, should cultivate in their gar- 
dens such plants as afford honey in the greatest 
abundance. The first to be mentioned is mign- 
onette : this affords honey in great abundance, 
and of the finest quality. Broomwich, an expe- 
rienced apiarian, relates that in the year 1779, he 
planted a great quantity of it in front of two bee- 
hives, at a considerable distance from any other 
bees. In September he took the honey and found 
it to exceed, by above a third, what he obtained 
from any other two of his best hives, where the 
bees were obliged to fly further, and it was equal 
in color and fragrance to honey from any country. 
Another plant rich in nectary, is the Crocus, in 
its various species. 
Water is an essential article among bees ; they 
cannot subsist and nourish the young brood, des- 
titute of water. When running brooks are not 
found near an apiary, small shallow rivulets should 
be provided for their use, with small stones or 
sticks for them to stand upon. 
The best constructed apiary that has met my 
4* 
