In the present textbook on rational beekeeping, "The Practical Beekeeper," published in 1883, the author and professional beekeeper C. J. H. Gravenhorst describes the recognized best bee habitats, the production of top-bar hives, the placement of beehives and their locations, beekeeping equipment, bee breeding, operations, tasks, and much more. Illustrated with 52 images. The annual economic value of honeybees in Germany is estimated at four billion euros, with about three-quarters attributed to the pollination of fruits and berries and one-quarter to honeybee products. Due to their pollination services, honeybees are among the most important agricultural livestock in Central Europe. They are the third most important livestock in agriculture after cattle and pigs. Beekeepers receive hay for their pollination services.