Beekeeping, also apiculture, management of colonies of bees for the production of honey and other hive products and for the pollination of crops. Beekeeping usually refers to the husbandry of the European honey bee, but it may also refer to management of other species of social bees, such as the Indian honey bee, the dwarf honey bee, or stingless bees. Groups of hives are called apiaries, and a beekeeper may also be called an apiarist or apiculturist.An ancient and widespread profession, beekeeping is believed to have originated in the Middle East. The early Egyptians kept bees and traded for honey and beeswax along the East African coast several thousand years ago. Until 1851, beekeepers harvested honey and beeswax by killing the colonies inhabiting the hives. In that year the American apiarist Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth discovered the principle of "bee space" Bees leave spaces of about 0.6 cm (about 0.23 in) between wax combs. In artificial hives, if this space is left between adjacent comb frames and between the end frames and the walls of the hive, each comb will remain unattached to neighboring combs. Langstroth's discovery made it possible to remove individual frames from a beehive and to harvest honey and wax without destroying the colony. It also became possible to control disease and to maintain a larger number of colonies.Beekeepers worldwide earn their living from the sale of the honey and beeswax their hives produce, but the most important contribution of bees to the economy and the environment is their pollination of fruits, vegetables, and pasturage. In some countries, beekeepers are paid for their pollination services.Beekeeping is becoming an increasingly popular pastime. The health (and taste) benefits of natural honey, the relaxing qualities of caring for your swarm, and the opportunity to undertake this activity in the wonderful outdoors act as a draw for many budding gardeners and country folk.Beekeeping is a wonderfully rewarding and relaxing pastime. It needn't take up huge amounts of time or cost the earth. Follow this beekeeping for beginners guide and you'll gain an insight into one of nature's most fascinating creatures, not to mention delicious honey.