Preface To Revised Edition

The end of World War II brought American Agriculture serious new problems in reconverting to peace time conditions. The shortage of seed of such legumes as alfalfa and the clovers served to fix attention on the part played by the honeybee in seed production. Accordingly a new chapter has been added, "Need of Bees in Agriculture. "

Another new chapter "Manipulation Simplified" is designed to serve the needs of those who wish to keep bees primarily for pollination of legumes or orchards with a minimum of attention. It is believed, however, that such simplified methods will increase the profits of the commercial honey producer who is looking for ways to decrease his cost of operation.

"The How Chapter" is designed to provide information concerning a number of manipulations not previously covered and which sometimes are a puzzle to the beginner.

There is every indication that beekeeping is entering a new era of greater importance than ever before. It is likewise apparent that a far greater number of farms will include bees as insurance against crop failure because of poor pollination.

Frank C. Pellett

Foreword

This book is the result of a lifetime association with the bees. First there was a childhood when an indulgent beekeeping grandfather lived close by the author's home, thus permitting an early acquaintance with the ways of the honey producer. Later there was a period during which a living came from the bees after a trial of office work and attempt at the practice of law proved unsatisfactory. Following this came service as the first State Apiarist of Iowa and then association with the American Bee Journal as managing editor. In recent years as Field Editor of that magazine the author has had opportunity to visit most of the important honey producing areas on this continent and to form personal acquaintance with hundreds of the most successful beekeepers.

In answering many hundreds of letters from beekeepers of varying experience one comes to know the problems of different localities. Portions of this book have been written in answer to enquiries which have come to the author. Some of it appeared in the author's previous books, "Beginner's Bee Book" and "Romance of the Hive" both of which are out of print. Parts of some chapters appeared in discussions in such publications as American Bee Journal, Flower Grower, Rural New Yorker and Report of Iowa State Apiarist.

Since available space in a book to be sold at a popular price will not permit detailed instructions in all the various phases of the business of beekeeping, it has seemed wise to discuss the fundamental practice and the reason for important manipulations rather than to attempt detailed instruction.

Frank C. Pellett