Experts in the art and science of sustainable, eco-friendly beekeeping condemn "modern" commercial methods of large scale honey production for creating the poor state of health and general decline of honeybees in the 21st Century, and warn that only a return to the chemical-free traditional methods of the village, small-farm and backyard beekeeper can ensure that the bees, as well as our ability to harvest and enjoy fresh, pure honey, survive and thrive for generations to come. Mysteries of Beekeeping Explained was first published in 1853, and explains every aspect of traditional American 19th Century, pre-chemical-era beekeeping methodology, including the building and maintenance of hives, breeding, dealing with pests, swarming, harvesting honey, preparing bees for winter and much more. This classic reprint belongs in the permanent library of every homesteader, micro eco-farmer and backyard honeybee enthusiast.