15 AUGUST 1903, Page 26

The Book of the Honey Bee. By C. Harrison. "Handbooks

of Practical Gardening," Vol. XI V. (John Lane. 2s. 6d. net.)—In The Book of the Honey Bee Mr. Harrison has given us a most interesting addition to this series ; bee culture is so intimately connected with gardening that no one can question the appropriateness of including a volume on the subject in the "Handbooks of Practical Gardening." The author, with the aid of many excellent photo- graphs, explains the practical part of bee-keeping with great clearness and simplicity ; and such hints as that of practising with an empty hive to accustom oneself to the manipulation of the different parts should render the book invaluable to beginners. Mr. Harrison takes into consideration the difficulties of starting bees without the expenditure of much money, and any amateur car- penter should be able to make an up-to-date hive for himself with the aid of the instructions he gives. This is a most important point in the book's favour. Bee-keeping is chiefly practised by those classes to whom the purchase of a hive is almost an im- possibility, and that the home-made hives should be sanitary and well constructed is of the utmost importance.