Waldemar said: A friend who has a reasonable size orchard in Washington state is planning to start his own apiary this year. I welcome new beekeepers. I will give you friendly advice to pass on to your friend from my lifetime of keeping bees. Do not keep the hives in his orchard if he uses the normal spray schedule that most growers use. The bees will work flowers under the trees and suffer pesticide damage. Keep the bees several miles away and move in and out of the orchard. Bob :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: BEE-L subscribers are reminded to read and follow the guidelines for posting, which are available online at: http://www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::