7. HINTS ON WORKING THE BEES (_continued_) 68 8. FEEDING 82 9. HOW TO SECURE THE HARVEST OF THE HIVE 92 10. HOW TO SECURE THE HARVEST OF THE HIVE (_continued_) 98 11. DISEASES OF BEES 106 12. ENEMIES OF THE BEE AND BEE-KEEPER 112 INDEX 120 LIST OF PLATES HOW TO HANDLE A FRAME _Frontispiece_ FACING PAGE QUEEN, WORKER AND DRONE BEES 12 A STANDARD FRAME WITH DRAWN-OUT COMB: AN EFFICIENT QUEEN EXCLUDER: A FRAME HIVE WITH THE TOP REMOVED 36 QUEEN ON A PATCH OF SEALED HONEY 48 EXAMINING FRAMES 64 "SKEPPING" A SWARM 68 "SHAKING" A SWARM 78 SECTION FITTED WITH COMB FOUNDATION: BEES AT WORK ON A SECTION 94 INTRODUCTION IT is only in comparatively recent years that attention has been given to bee-keeping on a scientific basis. Aforetime there were certain traditional methods to be followed to secure the honey harvest, but those who practised them knew neither the why nor wherefore. To-day, however, thanks to the observations of our great scientists on the life and habits of the bee, to their patience and diligence in noting the insect's manner of working, we are in possession of knowledge which has enabled the practical bee-keeper to reduce the old haphazard ways to method, orderliness, and definite purpose. The budding bee-keeper, as he reads one or other of these great works on the bee and its ways, may begin to wonder if it is not all too wonderful for him to deal with, and if he may ever hope to become proficient in the art and practice of bee-keeping. Let me say, here and now, that, given patience, perseverance, and diligence, a measure of success is open to anyone who brings intelligence into his work. Although the doubts and difficulties that assail the tyro, and the questions arising therefrom, might raise a smile from the expert--if only as a reminder of his own early aspirations and efforts--yet there is no reason for despair; though disappointments are certain to arise, they should be accepted merely as spurs to further effort, as steps towards the ultimate goal of success.