Mysteries of Beekeeping Explained

by Moses Quinby

Experts in the art and science of sustainable, eco-friendly beekeeping condemn "modern" commercial methods of large scale honey production for creating the poor state of health and general decline of honeybees in the 21st Century, and warn that only a return to the chemical-free traditional methods of the village, small-farm and backyard beekeeper can ensure that the bees, as well as our ability to harvest and enjoy fresh, pure honey, survive and thrive for generations to come. Mysteries of Beekeeping Explained was first published in 1853, and explains every aspect of traditional American 19th Century, pre-chemical-era beekeeping methodology, including the building and maintenance of hives, breeding, dealing with pests, swarming, harvesting honey, preparing bees for winter and much more. This classic reprint belongs in the permanent library of every homesteader, micro eco-farmer and backyard honeybee enthusiast.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1853

About the author

One of the first commercial beekeepers in the United States. Author of the book Mysteries of Bee-Keeping Explained(1853). After his death, Lyman C. Root, his son-in-law, revised the book and brought it up to date.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't finish reading this, but I found it rather interesting anyway. What made me curious about the subject on Bee-keeping was because my grandfather worked as a beekeeper when he was alive. As a genealogist, I believe it's important to read about the manner of occupations that our ancestors held, that way there's much more meaning in learning about what their jobs might have been like.

[Fred Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in the mid-1800's in the spirit of a scientific paper. He devoted a lot of effort to refuting previous published findings. The whole thing was interesting, but what stands out most is how similar the challenges were then and now. So many lost hives. Foul brood, robbers, wax worms, moisture, poor forage and all that. He didn't mention small hive beetles however. Worth the time.

[Jeanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting bits, but mainly tedious. I did buy some clover honey that is very pungent.