I ought to go on and write out a description of all the old methods of bee keeping, and all the patent bee hive humbugs, with the thousand and one _non_-patent hives and fixtures, got up expressly to swindle bee keepers out of their hard earnings, by a class of rascals, many of whom never owned a swarm of bees, and who care not one cent whether bee keeping is a success or otherwise, if they can pocket a round sum by their fraud. Were I to write out minutely these points, this work would become too voluminous and extended; besides it would be of no _practical_ value to the bee keeper, who wishes to keep bees for profit. I will not, therefore, give such minute descriptions of all the old systems, hives, etc., but will confine myself more closely to such practical information as will be of value to the bee keeper. Swarming Controlled. _How to control swarming_ is truly an important question. I believe that the successful controlling of swarming is the key to success and profit in bee keeping. Now how shall we do it? I will tell you. But first a few preliminary words. If swarms are desired, we arrange in early spring to have them issue in the swarming season, and at such a time as will best suit our convenience. When no swarms are wanted, we turn the whole force of bees to storing surplus honey in small glass boxes, throughout the entire season, and have no swarms, yet have the same increase of bees that would be gained if they swarmed. Then all the bees work at storing honey in boxes, instead of swarming out; and to any one who has not tested the matter it is surprising to see the amount of honey which a swarm of bees will store when not allowed to swarm, and _fed judiciously_, ample box room being provided of _easy access_, so that all the bees have room to work, and by this plan we are not constantly watching and waiting for swarms with uncertainty throughout the entire summer, for we know with certainty when and where to look for swarms. In my plan, the swarming properties of bees are effectively controlled, without frequently disturbing or overhauling them, but by observing rules strictly in accordance with the habits and instincts of bees.[1]