BEES. DO BEES PAY ? (By A.L.B.R., in Farmer's Gazette.)

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1936, 2 December 1884, Page 3

BEES. DO BEES PAY ? (By A.L.8.R., in Farmer's Gazette.)

From a commercial point of view I know nothing that gi^es greater returns for money invested than a few stocks of bees. Even if they were cultivated for wax only, a return of 10 per cent, would be certain, and the trouble to obtain this would not be more than that of attending to any other business. In good seasons a surplus of lOOlbs of honey, on an average, can be taken from each stock Surely, he must be of a very sordid nature who thinks that 500 per cent, is not a paying concern. Those who are about to embark in beekeeping, however, would do well to weigh the -natter thoroughly, and make up their minds to meet occasionally with disappointment. Bid years are not uncommon, and the very time the beemaster is in highest spirits he may receive the greatest rebuff. The experienced bee-master, accustomed to such things, receives it coolly, and, undaunted, prepares, ior the future in the hope that bad times are past, and a rich harvest is still in store as a reward of perseverance. The novice often acts differently. He meets disappointment with grumbling and remorse, " casting the cog frae him when the cow flings." Had he perse \ eied, been less sanguine, with a little more deteimination, continuing his pio ject judiciously, success would have been certain. We advise that everyone having an opportunity should keep bees, but keep them in moderation. Do not abandon other legitimate work, expecting a fortune from the hives. Strike in at the medial line, and keep as many as is convenient for your own spare time, but not inoie. Time Mas, in our recollection, when economy was more studied than at the present day ; and we have known young men investing in hogs to the amount of £20, running the whole risk of wintering, &c, and in the spring highly pleased with a profit of a little over £2 on the lot. Now, let any one lay out the half of that on bees, and if a irood year presents itself, the owner may find himself the richer by -£20, after paying all expenses. What, then, is a better paying stock than a few hives of bees ? Amid the conflicting statements of different writers, many must get bewildered ; but, to those who are about to start beekeeping, I would say, before doing so, if ignorant of the art, visit some well conducted apiary before the bummer grows older, even should it be some distance away. You will learn more, and gain more confidence, by one such visit than you will be able to acquire by much leading.

Tenders will be received up to Wednesd iv, 10th December, for a bridge over drain at the Olnnew.u contract. Mr W. Moon offers £10 reward for the recoven of two horses supposed to have been stolen, or £2 reward if stra\ cd. - A meeting of those interested in holding a Hoiticullural bhtnv in Waikato this snson will be held at Ihe Waikato 'limes Hmldings an Monday, December Bth, at 11 30 a.m.