it has been occupied as
yet. Arkansas is a particularly good state for bees, but it has
only been partially developed by up-to-date beekeepers. Parts of
Pennsylvania are open to good beekeepers and so are portions of
Michigan, one of the leading states of the Union. Ontario and
Quebec are excellent for bees--none better. Nearly all the western
states are good for bees and some of them rank high as honey
producers. This is true of Colorado and Utah. Idaho, Montana,
Nevada, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, Washington and Oregon offer
excellent openings for first-class beekeepers. In the West,
beekeepers, usually select an irrigated region where alfalfa and
sweet clover are common, so that during the long dry summers the
bees are kept busy storing honey of a very high quality.

Successful beekeepers are found in every state, and it would be
hazardous for anyone to say just what state is best for bees. Ohio,
Indiana and Illinois produce large quantities of fine honey, but
this is nearly all consumed within their own borders at fair prices
so that beekeepers do fairly well.

What hinders beekeeping more than any other fault is the neglect of
the beekeepers in not providing adequate shelter for the bees
during cold weather, and also from the heat of summer. In the
Northern and Central states good protection must be provided
against zero weather. Our bees originally came from the tropics,
and for that reason they require ample protection. The ordinary
hives must have an outer case placed around them and then leaves,
straw or sawdust well packed around them. Fixed in this way they
will withstand the rigors of an arctic winter. Lack of adequate
winter protection is the weakest point in American bee culture, and
yet is easily provided. This accounts for the saying of many who
have tried it, "Beekeeping doesn't pay." Perhaps at no time is
protection more necessary than in early spring when the hives are
full of young and tender brood. The hives may also be covered with
layers of thick paper or asbestos board. A small hole will allow
all of the fresh air necessary for bees in a state of sleep. These
points are first mentioned because neglect of them accounts for
most of the failures we often hear of.

No success can be anticipated unless one uses the best hives made
on the Langstroth principle. We have no space here in which to give
a complete account of the hives now made on that plan. The better
way would be for anyone interest