This section is from the book "Bees For Pleasure And Profit", by Samson G. Gordon. Also available from Amazon: Bees for pleasure and profit; a guide to the manipulation of bees, the production of honey, and the general management of the apiary..
Interest in bees as a hobby for pleasure and profit has covered a number of years, but the urge to give it a try did not materialize until after reading Ed and Carolyn Robinson's "Have-More Plan" article giving their experience with bees. That article really settled the matter.
I ordered the complete beginner's outfit and settled down to learn all there was to know about the most interesting insects known to man. It is doubtful if any hobby ever undertaken-and there have been many- has given the pleasure and satisfaction for the initial investment that beekeeping has produced.
The knowledge gained, not only with the bees themselves, but of trees, plants, shrubs, and flowers that the bees take kindly to for nectar and pollen stores, has proved enlightening and educational. The beginner's outfit furnished by The A. I. Root Co. was precision built and the thorough pleasure of assembly of the various parts was enhanced by the simple instructions, which are so easy to follow.
The bees arrived May 31, 1947, from the South and a finer, more active colony of bees no one could - wish for, with a splendid young queen which was adopted by the bees in less than a week.
The bees were hived the evening of May 31, and I was greatly surprised to note on the following day that the worker bees were busy gathering stores. Even with a late start due to climatic conditions in the far South they have performed an amazing amount of work in storing honey and pollen. The season in eastern North Carolina was not so favorable, having excessive rain and blustery, cool south winds.
The entrance facing south was protected by a light fence covered with burlap about four feet from the hive. In addition a galvanized awning was attached to the food chamber to protect the entrance from driving rains.
D. Walter Dunkle collecting swarm that settled on a bean pole.
The honey stored during the season of '47 was left in both the brood and food chambers for their winter stores and both sections were 90 percent filled. I added a shallow super this month to the top, as the colony has increased to the extent that they are becoming crowded for space. I have used the smoker only once and that was in readiness for hiving.
Sugar syrup has been provided quite regularly, first on account of an Off-season and the lateness of getting started. I have found it to be a good investment in furthering a very strong colony for the expected honey flow this year.
This may be unusual, but the bees were observed bringing in pollen in February on mild days. The writer wonders where they found it. In March, they were flying in great numbers with hind legs loaded with yellow pollen and many of them were so heavy that they rested in the grass before flight to the hive.
For the benefit of those thinking of taking up bees for pleasure as well as for profit, I would say: Order your beginner's outfit, study instructions carefully for the knowhow, and refuse to allow fear of stings to deter you. I have found that the bees soon know you mean them no harm by frequent visits to the hive for study and observation.
Entrance observation with knowledge gained from study provides the beginner with valuable knowledge of the condition of the colony.
I would recommend that the beginner obtain a copy of ABC and XYZ of Bee Culture. After all, success in beekeeping is the ultimate goal, either for pleasure or profit and this volume supplies all the information needed.
By D. W. Dunkle
[Mr. Dunkle of Beaufort, N. C., is one of thousands of men and women who each year make a start with bees. He tells here his experiences.-Ed.]
 
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