The apiary; or, bees, bee-hives, and bee culture [1866] Being a familiar account of the habits of bees, and the most improved methods of management, with full directions, adapted for the cottager, farmer, or scientific apiarian

"The Apiary; or, Bees, Bee-Hives, and Bee Culture" by Alfred Neighbor is an instructive book from the 1800's that closely examines the world of bees and beekeeping. The aim is to present a detailed and easily understandable guide for anyone, from farmers to hobbyists, interested in raising bees. The book stresses how beekeeping can be both good for a person's bank account and good for their town or city. The book starts with a preface explaining that its goal is to be a complete source of information for those wishing to keep bees. Neighbor talks about how more and more people are keeping bees and that there is a need to update how things are done, combining old ways with new ones. Readers will learn about the history of bees; things like the different roles within a hive, such as the queen, the drones, and the workers. This is all to provide knowledge in later parts about bee behaviors and their roles.