Beekeeping as an Occupation 15 
observation and finally promptness in doing what is 
necessary. 
Instead then of being an occupation fitted for everyone, 
beekeeping is well fitted only to the minority. The array 
of human excellences here enumerated are not all necessarily 
present in perfection, but the nearer the approach of these 
qualities to that happy state, the more satisfactory will 
beekeeping be found as a vocation or avocation. It is to 
be hoped that these formidable requirements will not deter 
the potential bee-crank from making a beginning. 
Beekeeping for women. 
A question much discussed in books and journals on bees 
is that of beekeeping for women. Many women can and do 
handle bees (Fig. 14) 
with marked success. 
In those parts of the 
business which require 
delicacy of touch and 
minute attention, such 
as queen-rearing, 
women often surpass 
men in proficiency. As 
amateur beekeepers 
they are at home. The 
question which usually 
presents itself, however, 
is whether beekeeping 
is suitable for women 
as a means of earning 
a livelihood and re¬ 
peatedly has the writer 
been asked for advice 
on this subject. Professional beekeeping on a scale 
sufficiently large to supply an adequate income requires 
long hours of work in the hot sun, heavy lifting and 
unremitting physical endurance. On a small scale these 
Fig. 14. — A woman beekeeper. 
