New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-05
BEE KEEPING FOR WOMEN
A GROWING OCCUPATION THAT EN-
BODIES PLEASURE AND PROFIT.
SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS AS TO EQUIP
ONE OF THE ESSENTIALS.

A great number Of women are taking UP bee
keeping occupation. and the subject is becom-
ing OF interest yearly TO the country popula-
ton.
81 often hear the question asked. Does bee keep
ing payT 1" says a writer In The Agricultural
Times ITO those who really intend do their
best for these hard working insects. and get
Of them after the first year so. they will be
found great source Of pleasure and profit. more
especially when the small cost OF starting a few
hives is taken into consideration
In starting colony Of bees one must choose
good bar framed hive. This IS rather difficult
thing for amateur 10 do. considering the Guanti-
" of different kinds Of hives on the market. The
best hive for practical purposes is the most simple
one that be bought at a reasonable price. with
only the absolutely necessary fittings which should
consist Of the following: A removable floor board
deep joists, sinch body box. with double walls,
with packing between TO equalize the temperature.
The body should contain q porch to protect the
entrance into the hive, and the entrance should be
fitted with sliding alter the size Of the
aperture as the different seasons OF the year re-
quire. The body should be made large enough
TO take ten standard bars. this sized hive being
found the most practical Above this s-inch body
which is known the brood chamber. is 6-inch
nft with removable inside walls, arranged to take
either set Of shallow bars or crate of sec
lions above this. The bars should be filled with
full sheets OF foundation
The important question is 10 stock the hive
This be done IN number of ways The follow
ing the TWO meinOOS most aOOpNSus <AOOul Inc
end of March or the beginning OF April purchase
good strong healthy stock Of bars. The pur-
chaser however should have guarantee from
the vendor that the stock is perfectly healthy and
free from foul brood This will bring the cost of
beginning up TO about $40. a smoker pound or
two OF foundation and q few extra sections are
necessary; a veil is also necessary but this can
generally be made home.
THE other method of stocking hive is 70 wait
until MAY or June and purchase swarm. THESE
the hive the bars OF Ioundaton,
and in a favorable season VIII soon build tneIl-
selves I'D into q strong colony, and probably yleId
q good surplus Of honey the same season. This last
method is cheaper. but advocate the former
.sBy starting with a good, strong stock IN April
the bees will be ready for the honey crop as soon
% it appears and often II IS possible 10 take
on surplus honey early in the season and sell II at
q higher price than later on when there is more
On the market A good stock viii also give OF
large swarm, and so increase the eeekeepers as
sets sxty sections a hive IS a good yearly average
.sTf hive Is worked for extracted honey the yield
is much greater. and generally be disposed OF
locally al a good figure. A great amount OF
caDuings accumulate when uncapPing the cells.
These should be carefully saved, and. when SUI
rbe very Choicest wax that be produced and
will always bring a good price.
Tree keeping IS only d profitable occupation.
hut II IS most interesting and instructive TO those
VINO take the trouble o watch and study the ways
end habits of bees: their instinct and ingenuity is
simply marvellous and whole pages could be writ
ter tnon their curious and clever ways. Bee keep
tng is well fitted for women 70 take up, II does
MOI entail any heavy work; the great dificulty is
80 gst Used 10 being stung and remain quiet under
these somewhat painful circumstances This over
Come there is a good chance Of success"