Chapter Seven

As with most philosophical questions there are a great many answers. In this case probably as many answers as there are bee-keepers. The collection of honey is the most obvious answer and is probably the main reason, but to go further than that and try to provide an income involves great labour and skill and with the certainty that the income will be unreliable.

One of the reasons that I began keeping bees was simply to prove that I could do it. Like most people I was a little frightened of bees, particularly in quantities. In my early days I always felt apprehensive when dealing with a hive or a swarm and I needed to be very certain about my protective clothing. I still am, for that matter, but long experience has convinced me that my gear is about as secure as it is possible to achieve.

I quickly learned that the best method of coping with my fears was to plan the operation in as much detail as possible. That meant that when I had collected everything needed and the operation had started I was able to concentrate on my planned drill and my fears soon evaporated. There always are disasters, of course; smokers go out, bees somehow get inside one's veil, and there are always the sort of events recorded in my earlier chapters. However, every time such horrific situations occur and are coped with one emerges slightly more confident. Also, the point should be made that every time a decision to retreat is made as the only wise course to take, a better bee-keeper is created.

I have heard people say "He just loves his bees" but that is not true at all. Bees are not loveable creatures and their society is only admirable in a very limited way. The callous discarding of a worker that is no longer making the grade shows a ruthless priority accorded to the colony over the individual that compares badly with our Christian-based society. Also, as a male creature I feel sympathy for the fat and practically useless drones being thrown out of the hive with damaged wings because it is too late in the year for mating. There is no possibility of a bee recognizing me as the provider of its home in the way that one likes to think that cats and dogs do to some extent.

Having said all that about bees and their harsh society I would find my garden sadly lacking if, on a summer evening there was no hum of returning bees. I am even known to talk to my bees, which is quite pointless, but perhaps they recognise my voice. For whatever reason I shall continue to keep bees for as long as I am able to do so.

If any of those reading this work become tempted to keep bees I shall feel that I have achieved my aim. There are two final points to mention. I have made no mention of the problems of disease. Changes in that area of the craft are occurring so fast that anything I mentioned would be out of date and the Ministry of Agriculture will provide all you need. The other point is to mention that during all my bee-keeping I have never had near neighbours. People can be very fearful about the dangers of a colony of bees, particularly where children are involved, so take no chances! On the other hand, the gift of a jar of honey soothes a lot of awkward situations, so do not be too easily put off - and may your bees always hum with contentment.