November 12-19, 1998
If you've ever seen a honeybee in the city, chances are it works for David Graves. Although he lives in the Berkshires, he keeps seven of his beehives on rooftops in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx. Graves says that, because of the diversity of flora in NYC, his rooftop honey actually tastes better than his Berkshire brand, and it's developed a loyal following amoung his regualr Greenmarket customers. At a hive located in a thriving community garden on Avenue C, I watched as Graves calmed the bees with smoke and then checked the progress of the honeycombs. A solitary bee, defending his turf, zig-zagged its way up to Grave's face and plunged a stinger right between his eyes. Apparently, the bees have a pretty good feel for life in the city.--Jon Chase

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