On Wed, 11 Oct 2006 14:55:37 -0700, Dee Lusby <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > So why is it then, beekeepers do so much artificially ... Laying aside any issues with the premise to your question, I think the answer is that all agriculture is "artificial" in the sense you use the word. Agriculture is different from hunting/gathering precisely in that it is "artificial," i.e. agriculture is defined by intervention/management/manipulation of natural systems. I think fundamentally your argument condemns beeKEEPING in general, as opposed to bee-hunting, but that's obviously not the case you're trying to make. Is there any rationale for how you differentiate between this or that manipulation or management procedure, calling one "natural" and casting an evil shadow over the other? It seems to me that if you want to be a "natural" purist you should only hunt and rob wild hives. If you're not willing to take that position, then I think it's absurd to talk in absolutes. We need to be careful not to draw haphazard pharasaical lines in the sand. That would be misleading and wrong, wouldn't it? Eric -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---