In considering the various subjects of interest to the bee-keeper, I am greatly indebted to the authors mentioned above, and also to the following journals, all worthy of high commendation: Gleanings in Bee Culture, American Bee Journal, Bee-Keepers' Magazine, and Bee World. The illustrations for this manual were nearly all drawn by the author from the natural object. Michigan Agricultural College, } Lansing, May 1, 1876. } PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION. I little thought when I sent out, less than two years ago, the first edition--3,000 copies--of my little, unpretending, "Manual of the Apiary," that more than 2,000 copies would be sold in less than one year, and that in less than two years a second edition would be demanded by the apiarists of our country. The very kindly reviews and flattering notices by apiarian, scientific, and other journals, both American and foreign, and the approval, as expressed by numerous friendly letters, of our most eminent apiarists, as also the "unprecedented sale of this little work," have not only been very gratifying, but also assure me that I was quite right in the opinion that the time was ripe for some such treatise. At the urgent request of many apiarian friends, in response to the oft-repeated desire of my many students, some of whom are becoming leading apiculturists in our country, and at the suggestion of many noted apiarists with whom I have no personal acquaintance, I now send forth this second edition, greatly enlarged, mostly re-written, even more fully illustrated, and containing the latest scientific discoveries, and most recent improvements in methods of apiarian management and bee-keeping apparatus. It is impossible for me to state how greatly I am indebted to our excellent American bee periodicals, and enterprising and intelligent apiarists, for many--yea, for most--of the valuable thoughts and suggestions which may be found in the following pages. I am tempted to mention names of those whose aid and favors have been especially useful, but find the list so large that I must, perforce, forego the privilege, and only refer to such persons in the text. With the hope that this second edition may reach even more who desire instruction in this pleasing art, and that it may still further advance the interests of scientific apiculture. I send it forth to all those who wish to study more deeply into the mysteries of insect life, or to gain further knowledge of one of the most fascinating as well as profitable of arts. I make no apology for inserting so much of science in the following pages. From the letters of inquiry which I am constantly receiving, especially from apiarists, I am convinced that the people are mentally hungry for just such food. To satisfy and stimulate just such appetites is, I am sure, very desirable.