The number of people interested & active in keeping bees at an amateur level has increased greatly over the past few years with a surge of interest from those in both rural & urban situations. This guide aimed at beginning beekeepers provides an authoritative text along with clear photographs & illustrations demonstrating the essential points. The book introduces the reader to beekeeping including the workings of the colony the structure of a hive how to acquire bees & keep them healthy & the structure of the beekeeping year. Each chapter is accompanied by anecdotes answers to frequently asked questions & fascinating facts about bees & honey.