Of course, it is of first importance that the apiary be near at hand. In city or village this is imperative. In the country or at suburban homes, we have more choice, but close proximity to the house is of much importance. In a city, it may be necessary to follow friend Muth's example, and locate on the house-tops, where, despite the inconvenience, we may achieve success. The lay of the ground is not important, though if a hill, it should not be very steep. It may slope in any direction, but better any way than toward the north. ARRANGEMENT OF GROUNDS. Unless sandy, these should be well drained. If a grove offers inviting shade, accept it, but trim high to avoid damp. Such a grove could soon be formed of basswood and tulip trees, which, as we shall see, are very desirable, as their bloom offers plenteous and most delicious honey. Even Virgil urges shade of palm and olive, also that we screen the bees from winds. Wind-screens are very desirable, especially on the windward side. Such a screen may be formed of a tall board fence, which, if it surrounds the grounds, will also serve to protect against thieves. Yet these are gloomy and forbidding, and will be eschewed by the apiarist who has an eye to æsthetics. Ever-green screens, either of Norway spruce, Austrian or other pine, or arbor vitæ, each or all, are not only very effective, but are quickly grown, inexpensive, and add greatly to the beauty of the grounds. If the apiary is large, a small, neat, inexpensive house, in the centre of the apiary grounds, is indispensable. This will serve in winter as a shop for making hives, frames, etc., and as a store-house for honey, while in summer it will be used for extracting, transferring, storing, bottling, etc. In building this, it will be well to construct a frost-proof, _thoroughly drained_, dark, and well-ventilated cellar. To secure the thorough ventilation, pass a tube, which may be made of tile, from near the bottom, through the earth to the surface; and another, from near the bottom, to the chimney or stove-pipe above. PREPARATION FOR EACH COLONY.