Marc Sevigny wrote:
>
> Is there a definitive bee book that every beginner should have?  The books
> that I got from the library are fine, but it is not easy to get answers to
> questions that I have.
>
> For example, I see references to light and dark comb, yet none of the three
> books that I have mentions the cause or purpose of the different color
> combs...
>
> Opinions on the best reference books are welcomed.
 
Dadant & Sons has a book called "The Hive and the Honeybee", very good
reference source. Also A.I. Root has one called the "ABC & XYZ of
Beekeeping", I think that is its name, an encyclopedia styled book.
The difference between light and dark comb: Newly drawn comb is light
colored,white to light yellow.Once brood has been raised in comb for a
while it becomes dark brown. Generally as a comb ages it becomes darker
in color.