"THE TIMES" BEE-MASTER.
----<>----
This work is not a speculative or philosophical treatise on bees. Its main
interest consists in its usefulness; and its author's greatest reward will
be the greatest measure of his success in promoting among cottagers and
others a means of paying their rent, at once interesting, civilising, and
remunerative. Next to this, I hope I may contribute toward the extinction
of the savage and unprofitable, but almost universal, habit in this
country of burning the bees with sulphur in August, in order to collect
honey richly flavoured, and much deteriorated by sulphurous acid. It is a
fundamental principle in my bee-management, that no bee shall be burned,
or, if possible to avoid it, crushed or killed. No man deserves the name
of a Bee-master, or should attempt to keep bees, who has not resolved,
with all his might, to avoid bee-murder. Bee-cide, like homicide, may
accidentally occur, but it must be accidental, not designed and culpable.
That system of management which combines the safety and health of the
bees, with the production of the largest amount of pure honey available
to the proprietor, while providing generously for the inmates of the hive
during the winter months, deserves the greatest patronage.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]