AL <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> does Martha assume the full
> responsibility or does she employ someone to do that for her?
>If I hire  someone to cook for me, may I call myself a chef?  No--however,
you are the host or hostess and if the cook has been hired for a party,
you'd be responsible for the menu--and garner the praise or criticism
attending the meal's success or failure.

> If I hire someone to  plow my land, may I call myself a farmer?  Yes--you
are a "gentleman farmer."

>If I... well you probably get my point.

The point is, that while it's easy to make fun of Martha--she's actually a
wonderful role model for the "gentleman/gentlewoman beekeeper,"   making it
easier for many suburban beekeepers to gain acceptance because "Martha does
it."  Who cares how effectively she does it?  The fact that she keeps bees
may influence more folks to keep bees.  If more people keep bees, then
beekeeping becomes more acceptable--and Apis Melliflora has a few more
chances at survival.

--Amee
Abel's Apiaries
"Happy Hive Making Wholesome Honey"