In a message dated 97-01-16 21:08:49 EST,Rebbeca S prawn  writes:
 
>I've wanted to keep bees for many years .  Could someone please send me some
basic information on how to >get started?
Rebecca: The Hive and the Honeybee and ABC and XYZ of Beekeeping are two good
books.  Contact Root or Dadant (call 800 operator for numbers) for catalogues
of their equipment and/or books..  There are many other good suppliers too:
Brushy Ridge, Walter B. Kelley,  Mann Lake, etc.  A call to your local
country extension agent should result in 1) the name of the contact person
for your local beekeeping association 2) the name of a local supplier of
beekeeping equipment 3) an enthusiastic beekeeper.
 
The best bit of information I was given by an oldtimer was "Read a book
first; then we'll talk." How else was I to learn the meaning of such foreign
sounded terms as propolis, Varroa, bee-space, supers, etc?  I would clearly
have wasted his time by sitting down, cold, to have a talk with him.
 
Attend a few beekeeping meetings and just listen. Read, read, read.  Listen
to this list.
 
>  Where do I get the bees and all the equipment?>
See above.
 
>What time of year is best to begin?>  RIGHT NOW!
 
 
>Thank you in advance for your information and suggestions!>
 
No thanks are necessary just spread the work and, in a few years, help
others.
 
 
Faith Andrews Bedford, Ivy VA and Tampa
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