There is room for a hive of bees in many a suburban garden and, as author Courtenay Smithers points out, there is always something special about eating honey from your own hives. The revised second edition of this book is written especially for those who would like to experience that healthy pleasure yet are unsure how to set about it. But Backyard Beekeeping is not simply a beginners' guide. It is a comprehensive reference for all wishing to keep healthy bees and produce delicious, honey. It provides essential information on the bees life cycle, the basic equipment required for 'beekeeping, where to position hives, and obtain a bee colony, how to care for a colony and increase its size, the harvesting of honey and wax, how to move hives, swarm control and the nectar and pollen flowers that attract bees to Australian and New Zealand gardens. The author's experience both as an entomologist, formerly with the Australian Museum and as keen amateur beekeeper, ensures that Backyard Beekeeping is a book that will be of practical help to both amateurs starting out and long-time professional beekeepers.