,transcriber ,note ,original text lacked a ,table of ,contents4 ,text emphasis denoted as ,italics and ,bold4 ,w,hole and fractional parts of numbers as #ab-c_/d4 ,,the ,,bee-,,keeper',s ,,manual ,illustration ,,the ,,bee-,,keeper',s ,,manual1 ,,or ,,practical ,,hints ,,on ,,the ,,management ,,and ,,complete ,,preservation ,,of ,,the ,,honey-,,bee2 ,,with ,a ,,description ,,of ,,the ,,most ,,approved ,,hives1 ,,and ,,other ,,appurtenances ,,of ,,the ,,apiary4 ,,by ,,henry ,,taylor4 ,,sixth ,,edition1 ,,with ,,additions4 ,,illustrated ,,by ,,numerous ,,engravings4 ,,london3 ,,groombridge ,,and ,,sons1 ,,paternoster ,,row4 ,,mdccclx4 ,contents ,,chapter ,,page ,the ,bee-,keeper's ,manual4 #a ,the ,queen or ,mother ,bee #d ,the ,common or ,working ,bees #aa ,swarming 7or ,single ,hiving7 and ,depriving ,systems #ba ,common ,straw 7or ,single7 ,hives #bg ,straw ,depriving ,hives #cj ,hive-,covers #cg ,floor or ,hive-,boards #db ,hive-,stands1 or ,pedestals #cg ,wood ,box ,hives #ea ,wood ,bar ,boxes #ed ,bar ,glass ,hives #gb ,straw ,bar-,hives #gc ,circular ,wooden ,hives #ge ,collateral ,system #gh ,white's ,collateral ,hive #ha ,nutt's ,collateral ,hive #hb ,nadir ,hive #hg ,bee ,sheds and ,houses #id ,position and ,aspect #ig ,bee ,passage and ,number of ,hives #aja ,summer ,management4 #ajf ,wax and ,combs #aji ,propolis #aab ,honey #aac ,pollen and ,farina #aac ,water #aae ,shade #aae ,moths1 ,wasps1 ,hornets1 and ,other ,enemies #aaf ,super-hiving #aai ,bell-glasses #abj ,triplets and ,nadirs #abb ,autumnal ,management4 #abd ,remove a ,full ,box or ,super #abe ,honey ,harvest #abh ,comb-,knives #acj ,robbers #aca ,autumnal ,feeding #acb ,feeding-troughs #acc ,bee ,food #acg ,winter ,store #ach ,autumnal ,unions1 ,fuming1 and ,transferring ,bees #adj ,driving of ,bees #aeb ,winter ,management4 #aeg ,winter ,positioning #aeh ,damp in ,hives #afa ,temperature #afb ,dysentery #afd ,spring ,management4 #aff ,cleaning or ,changing ,floor-boards #afg ,comb-pruning #afg ,general ,directions #afh ,spring ,feeding #agj ,enemies and ,robbers #age ,super-hives #agf ,temperature and ,weather #agg ,swarming #ahj ,returning of ,swarms #ahc ,after-swarms #ahf ,uniting of ,swarms #aib ,prevention of ,after-swarms #aic ,maiden ,swarms #aif ,general ,directions on ,swarming #aif ,artificial ,swarming #aii ,dividing ,bar-,hive #bjd ,bee-,protector #bjh ,remedy for the ,sting of a ,bee #baj ,conclusion4 #bab ,index4 #bag ,,preface ,,to ,,the ,,fourth ,,edition4 ,twelve years have elapsed since the original publication of the ,bee-keeper's ,manual4 ,for the fourth time the author is called upon to revise his little book1 and he still thinks that the leading object in offering it to public notice will best be explained in the words with which it was first introduced4 ,the existence of the following pages had its origin1 some time ago1 in the request of a friend1 that the author would give him a brief practical compendium of the management of ,bees1 on the humane or depriving system4 ,similar applications came from other quarters4 ,the subject is one which has of late acquired increased interest2 but the hints following would perhaps never have been prepared for the press1 had not the hours of a protracted confinement by illness required some diversity of occupation and amusement4 ,on reviewing his experience as an amateur bee-keeper1 the author was led to believe that the result of it1 added to a concise view of such particulars as are usually spread over a large surface in works of this nature1 and arranged according to the progressive order of the seasons1 might be useful to others1 seeking like himself occasional relaxation from weightier matters in watching over and protecting these interesting and valuable insects4 ,step by step this or that defect of construction in his ,hives had been remedied1 and such conveniences added as necessity or the spirit of improvement from time to time had suggested4 ,these are briefly described in the following little work4 ,if it have the good fortune1 though in a small degree1 to smooth the path 7usually a rough and uncertain one7 of the apiarian novice1--of removing ignorance and prejudice1 or of obviating any portion of the difficulties with which a more general cultivation of bees has to contend1--why may not the contribution of this mite be considered a humble addition to the store of ,,useful ,,knowledge8 ,in its present renewed form1 the author has been induced partially to extend his first design 7originally much restricted in its scope71 by entering somewhat more at large into the subject of ,bee management1 and the general details of practice4 ,although not professing to offer his remarks to any particular class of readers1 he is1 nevertheless1 inclined to think they will frequently be found1 in an especial degree1 applicable to the position of the amateur ,apiarian4 ,for the peculiar use of cottage bee-keepers1 tracts and scraps innumerable have been issued1--probably with very uncertain effect4 ,in short1 there is little room for doubt that these can be more effectually benefited by example and verbal advice1 than by any kind of printed instructions4 ,be this as it may1 putting out of the question the long train of contingencies incident to locality1 season1 c41 much must often be left to individual judgment and careful observation2 and no writer can be expected to meet every supposable case of difficulty in dealing with insects confessedly often so intractable as bees4 ,the author1 therefore1 must be considered as merely laying down a scheme of general recommendations2 aiming much less at novelty than at plain practical utility2 not hesitating occasionally to borrow the language of other unexceptionable authorities where it clearly expressed his convictions1 or coincided with the results of his own experience2 but carefully abstaining from any interference with the dogmatists and hyper-critics in the settlement of the affairs of their peculiar vocation4 ,if some of the details relative to the construction of hives or their appurtenances appear to be tedious to the general reader1 it must be borne in mind that these are chiefly addressed to the mechanic1 who will not be found to object that his particular department has received the aid of a careful attention to matters of description and direction4 ,on the whole1 the author is induced to hope that the improved arrangement1 additional information1 and variety of illustration now introduced1 will render superfluous any apology for a small unavoidable increase in the size of the book4 ,april1 #ahej4 ,,preface ,,to ,,the ,,fifth ,,edition4 ,in once more revising the following pages for republication1 the author has still kept in view the purpose in which they originated1 as referred to in a former preface1 and which is again prefixed4 ,he trusts that the intervening period has not been unprofitably occupied in the task of continued investigation and experiment relative to the general economy of the ,bee2 in the introduction either of original invention or improvement as regards the mechanical requirements of the ,apiary2 and in maturing the many useful suggestions derived in the course of a pretty widely extended correspondence4 ,the incorporation of matter thus arising must be the apology1 if such is needed1 for the omission or abridgment1 here and there1 of some that a later experience had superseded or modified4 ,from these causes the rewriting of many portions of the work became a necessity1 together with the introduction of much new illustration1--on the whole resulting in a slightly enlarged volume4 ,under the circumstances of accumulated materials1 condensation was often found more difficult of accomplishment than expansion1 had this been thought desirable2 but brevity throughout has been the aim1 so far as seemed consistent with clear explanation and obvious utility4 ,a work on the ,honey-,bee1 thus restricted in its object and scope almost entirely to details of a practical bearing1 may not entitle it to much literary or scientific consideration1 but--without reference to the claims involved in a large circulation--the author will never regret the time and thought bestowed1 where the leading aim was the welfare and preservation of one of the most curious of ,god's creatures2 and the dissemination of knowledge in relation to a pursuit in rural life1 of more general interest1 probably1 than many kindred ones of higher pretensions4 ,august1 #ahee4 ,,preface ,,to ,,the ,,sixth ,,edition4 ,a continued1 or rather an increasing sale of the ,bee-keeper's ,manual has1 for the sixth time1 rendered a reprint necessary2 confirming the belief that a work1 first appearing as the amusement of an idle hour1 has1 in its more recent extended form1 not been unappreciated1 as supplying a medium between the costly treatises of elaborate investigators and compilers and the class of mere tracts on ,bee management1 that have1 with more or less of pretension1 abounded of late years4 ,these are sometimes directed to detached points or portions only in the wide and diversified field of controversy opened in relation to the ,honey-,bee1 or confined by space to the usual desultory scraps of information for the guidance of the inexperienced tyro1 or supposed cottager2 communicating just enough to prove the necessity of advancing a step further1 by consulting works that take a wider and more systematic view of the subject in its details4 ,the prefaces to the two last editions of the book are again placed before the reader1 as showing that1 in its successive stages1 the author's purpose has been the condensation of a large amount of useful apiarian knowledge1 assisted by an unusual variety of illustration4 ,the present republication professedly follows in the path of its predecessors2 such additional matter or remark being occasionally introduced as space permitted1 and the onward progress of improvement appeared to demand4 ,may1 #ahfj4 ,what well appointed ,commonwealths6 where each ,adds to the stock of happiness for all2 ,wisdom's own forums6 where professors teach ,eloquent lessons in their vaulted hall3 ,galleries of art1 and schools of industry6 ,stores of rich fragrance6 ,orchestras of song6 ,what marvellous seats of hidden alchymy6 ,how oft1 when wandering far and erring long1 ,man might learn ,truth and ,virtue from the ,bee6 ,bowring4 ,,the ,,bee-,,keeper',s ,,manual4 ,the ,hive or domestic ,honey ,bee of this country is classed entomologically ,apis mellifica1 order ,hymenoptera1 as having four wings4,a ,the limits to which a ,bee-keeper's ,manual of practice is necessarily confined1 permits only the remark that these extraordinary insects are1 as to origin and history1 lost in the mists of a remote antiquity4 ,we know1 however1 that they1 their habits and productions1 are alluded to in ,scripture1 and attracted marked attention and admiration in the early eastern communities1 where doubtless was familiar their characteristic ,oriental name1 ,deburah1--she that speaketh4 ,subsequently1 the bee has spread itself1 or been carried1 in spite of clime and temperature1 over a large portion of the old continents2 following in the wake of civilized man wherever he has placed his foot in the primeval forests of the new world2 and later on1 in our own time1 has been received as a friend and benefactor in the boundless regions of ,australasia and the islands of the ,pacific ,ocean4 ,from the time of ,aristotle down to our own day1 treatises on ,bees have ever been popular1 and the curious naturalist has no difficulty in collecting a library relative to a subject apparently inexhaustible4 ,but space allows us to notice neither the crude speculations to be met with in ancient literature1 the unprofitable disputations too often prevailing among modern ,bee-annalists1 nor the endless catalogue of hives1 possible and impossible1 of every period1 by which the novice is bewildered4 ,our present purpose is restricted to a utilitarian view of the subject of apiarian knowledge1 where science1 invention1 and the most competent testimony1 have combined to place it in our own day4 ,a ,although in the following pages the ,apis mellifica alone is referred to1 it may be well here to state that attention has recently been directed1 not only in our own country1 but in a still higher degree in ,germany1 ,france1 and even in the ,united ,states of ,america1 to the introduction of the ,ligurian ,bee1 or ,apis ,ligustica of ,italy1 the race most probably that was known to ,aristotle and ,virgil1 and1 perhaps1 to the ancient ,greeks4 ,the combs of this species of bee closely resemble those of the common kind1 but its outward characteristics exhibit a marked difference2 the first rings of the abdomen being of a reddish colour1 instead of dark brown4 ,a fertile ,ligurian queen is readily accepted in an ,english stock-hive1 from which a common queen has been abstracted1 and in due time young ,italians are distinguishable1 gradually displacing the original inhabitants4 ,report speaks favorably of the superiority of the strangers over our own bee1 as more hardy1 more laborious1 less irascible1 and as swarming earlier4 ,to those who may be unacquainted with the leading characteristic of the ,honey ,bee1 it is necessary to premise that in every family1 when fully constituted1 its members are of three kinds of individuals2 viz41 ,a ,queen1 or ,mother ,bee1 ,illustration ,the ,common1 or ,working ,bees2 ,illustration ,and 7during a part of the year7 the ,male1 or ,drone ,bees4 ,illustration ,thus associated1 they severally perform their allotted functions in great harmony1 labouring for the general good1 combining in self-defence1 recognising one another1 but permitting the intrusion of no stranger within the hive4 ,,the ,,queen ,,or ,,mother ,,bee ,is darker on the back1 longer1 and more taper towards the end of her body than the common bees2 has longer legs but shorter wings1 and is of a tawny or yellowish-brown colour underneath4 ,she is supreme in the hive1 admitting no rival or equal2 and is armed with a sting1 somewhat more curved in form than that of the common bees1 which1 however1 she rarely uses4 ,where she goes the other bees follow2 and so indispensable is her presence to the existence of the commonwealth1 that where she is not none will long remain4 ,she is the mother of the entire community1 her office being to lay the eggs from which all proceed1 whether future queens1 drones1 or workers4 ,separate her from the family1 and she instinctively resents the injury1 refuses food1 pines1 and dies4 ,without a ,queen1 or a prospect of one1 the labour of the hive is suspended1 and a gradual dispersion or emigration of the community ensues4 ,illustration ,those who have examined the appearance of a bee-hive1 after it has been filled with combs during a year1 will recollect seeing suspended here and there1 certain small inverted cup-shaped forms4 ,these are the partially destroyed remains of what were designed for the birthplaces of young queens1 and so-called royal cells or cradles4 ,they are much larger than the common hexagonal cells in which the working bees are bred2 varying also in their composition1 the material of which appears to be a mixture of wax or propolis1 and the farina of flowers4 ,soon after the foundation of one of them has been laid1 an egg is deposited in it1 the work of completion of the cradle being carried on as required by the increasing growth of its occupant4 ,when finished and closed up1 it presents in form the appearance of an oblong spheroid1 about an inch long1 usually appended like a stalactite perpendicularly to the edge of a comb1 the small end or mouth being downwards1 a position most favorable to economy of space in the hive4 ,in number the royal cells vary from four or five to a dozen1 and sometimes more4 ,they are not peopled till after the usual great spring laying of eggs for the production of working bees1 preparatory to swarming2 and also those to produce drone bees4 ,the existence of the latter1 or in some stage towards existence1 is an invariable preliminary to the construction of royal cells1 the reason for which will hereafter appear4 ,the affectionate attachment evinced by the nurse-bees towards the royal larv is marvellous1 the quantity of food given is profuse1 and they arrive severally at maturity on or about the sixteenth day from the laying of each egg2 these having usually an interval between them of but a few days4 ,of the young females or princesses1 as they are often called1 and the mode of disposing of supernumerary ones1 we shall speak more at large when we come to treat of swarming4 ,the duration of life in a ,queen bee1 under ordinary circumstances1 is1 by a wise provision for the perpetuation of the species1 much more prolonged than is the case with the common bees1 and some observers have imagined that it may in some instances have reached to nearly five years4 ,so far as my knowledge extends1 the oldest queen bee of which we have an authentic record1 existed1 in the apiary of ,mr4 ,robert ,golding1,b during the space of three years and eleven months4 ,she died in ,april or ,may1 showing little sign of decrepitude1 judging by her fertility1 for previously she had filled the hive with an abundance of brood of every kind4 ,i am1 however1 inclined to believe that a ,queen is oftener changed than we are always aware of1 for in nothing in ,nature is there displayed a more careful attention to the due preservation of a family of bees than in the provision made for supplying the casual vacancies arising not merely from the natural demise of the sovereign1 but from other causes1 especially those involving deficient powers or absolute sterility4 ,i should1 therefore1 discountenance any attempt at direct interference by the forcible removal of a queen1 after a prescribed period1 as has sometimes been advocated4 ,if1 however1 it should happen that such removal is absolutely necessary1 the bees will accept a successor as soon as they have discovered their loss1 which is often not till after the lapse of several hours4 ,if all is right the previous agitation will cease4 ,b ,see the ',shilling ,bee-book1' by ,robert ,golding4 ,and this leads us on to a curious1 if not unique fact in relation to the natural history of the ,honey bee1 which though probably not unknown to the ancients1 was rediscovered and promulgated by ,schirach1 a member of an apiarian society1 formed in the middle of the last century at ,little ,bautzen1 in ,upper ,lusatia4 ,in contradistinction to the usual way in which a young ,queen is created1 preparatory to the swarming season1 by what is denominated the natural process1 the details we are about to give show that the same thing may be effected by another mode1 or1 as it is said1 artificially4 ,whether these terms1 as opposed to each other1 are rightly applied or not1 they at least mark a difference2 and being thus practically understood1 we shall follow the example of other authors in using them4 ,the fact itself1 startling as at first it seemed1 has been so clearly authenticated1 that any lurking scepticism has disappeared2 and1 indeed1 the principle is now so well understood and carried into general use by the scientific ,apiculturist that1 in a popular treatise on the ,honey bee1 our object would he imperfectly accomplished without entering into a few particulars in connection with it4 ,and first1 we have the assurance that the prevalent opinion as to any supposed original or generated difference between common eggs and those laid for the especial production of ,queen bees1 is founded in error2 an altered and accelerated mode as to the development of the egg being all that is needed for the maturation of a perfect female4 ,that we may understand the method of procedure on the part of the bees1 we have to suppose that a hive has been deprived of its ,queen 7no matter whether by death or design7 at that particular period when eggs and larv are each present in the cells of the combs3 such larv being not more than two or three days old1 for this is essential4 ,could we at such a juncture witness the proceedings of the family1 a spectacle would be presented of much domestic distress and confusion when it had been discovered that the hive was queenless4 ,soon1 however1 the scene changes to the quietude of hope1 for the foundation of a queen's cell 7and as a provision against possible failure1 often of three or four7 is commenced by the bees1 usually within twenty-four hours4 ,they select a common grub or larva1 and enlarge the cell it occupies1 by sacrificing the three contiguous ones1 surrounding it with a cylindrical enclosure2 the new cradle of royalty presenting in this stage the appearance of an acorn cup4 ,the embryo ,princess1 for such she has now become1 is amply supplied with a nurture1 supposed to differ from that given to the common larv 7a point questioned by some naturalists72 her habitation in the meanwhile receiving elongation to suit her growth4 ,about the fifth day the worm assumes the nymph state1 the cell being now worked into its usual pear-shaped figure2 the bees quitting it as soon as the lower end is finally closed4 ,about the fourteenth day a perfectly developed female comes forth1 in no respect differing from a ,queen bred in the natural way4 ,fecundation and the laying of eggs usually follow in a few days1 the economy of the hive then resuming its wonted course4 ,the ,queen bee rarely leaves home1 or is to be seen1 except in hives constructed purposely with a view to observation4 ,in such a one ,i have frequently watched the proceedings1 as she has leisurely traversed the combs1 the bees clearing a passage on her approach1 their heads turned towards her1 and1 by repeatedly touching her with their antenn1 showing a marked attachment1 a favour she is occasionally seen to return4 ,indeed1 in some well-authenticated instances1 affection has been continued even after her death4 ,the great object of her existence being the perpetuation of the species1 her majesty seems intent on nothing more1 during these royal progresses1 than peeping into the cells as she passes them1 ever and anon selecting one1 within which she inserts her abdomen1 and deposits at the bottom an egg4 ,these are about the size of those produced by a butterfly1 but more elongated1 and of a bluish-white colour4 ,so prolific are some ,queens that ,i have sometimes witnessed an extraordinary waste of eggs when1 as the combs have become in great part filled with brood or honey1 she finds a difficulty in meeting with a sufficiency of unoccupied cells4 ,in such an emergency1 impelled by necessity1 the eggs are dropped at random1 and carried off or devoured by the bees4 ,no doubt an early and productive season tends often to this result1 and marks the necessity of a timely temporary addition to the storing room of the family4 ,the great laying takes place in ,april and ,may1 when the number of eggs has been variously estimated by naturalists at #bjj to #fjj in a day1 amounting to an aggregate of #ej1jjj to #hj1jjj in the year4 ,this sounds like a great number1 remarks ,dr4 ,bevan1,c but it is much exceeded by some other insects4 ,indeed1 a wider calculation has been made1 in his valuable remarks on bees1 by the ,rev4 ,dr4 ,w4 ,dunbar1,d who thinks that some ,queens 7for they are not all equally prolific7 produce #ajj1jjj eggs yearly4 ,when we take into account the enormous demand for the supply of swarms1 the constant deaths in the course of nature1 and the thousands of lives always sacrificed by casualties of various kinds1 at home and abroad1 ,i am inclined to lean to the higher estimate4 ,no doubt as the cold weather advances there is a considerable falling off in the number of eggs1 but the interval is very short in which the queen1 in a flourishing hive1 discontinues laying more or less4 ,indeed1 observes ,mr4 ,golding1 it appears that at any time when the temperature is not too low for the bees to appropriate the food that is given to them1 the ,queen will deposit eggs4 ,c ,see ',the ,honey-,bee1 its ,natural ,history1 ,physiology1 and ,management4' ,by ,edward ,bevan1 ,m4,d4 ,d ,see the ',naturalist's ,library1' vol4 xxxiv4 ,,the ,,common ,,or ,,working ,,bees ,are the least in size1 and in point of numbers in a family are variously calculated at twelve to thirty thousand1 according to the bulk of the swarm2 though under certain circumstances they are sometimes much more numerous4 ,as regards sex1 we have seen in the preceding section that there is no reason to doubt they are females1 only that the reproductive organs and ovaries are not as fully developed as they are in the case of a perfect ,queen2 and this has led to the erroneous use of the term neuters1 as sometimes applied to the common bees4 ,if any doubt should remain as to their sex1 it is removed by the knowledge that1 in some rare instances1 they have been able to produce eggs4 ,like the ,queen1 each has the power of stinging4 ,the use of the sting1 however1 usually involves a loss of life1 for1 being barbed like an arrow1 the bee has rarely the power of withdrawing it4 ,the eggs for workers are deposited in the common cells in the centre of the hive1 being the part first selected for that purpose1 the ,queen usually laying them equally on each side of a comb1 and nearly back to back4 ,in four or five days' time1 they are hatched1 when a small worm is presented1 remaining in the larva or grub state four to six days more1 during which period it is assiduously fed by the nurse-bees4 ,the larv then assume the nymph or pupa form1 and spin themselves a film or cocoon1 the nurses immediately after sealing them up with a substance which ,huber,e calls wax4 ,it is1 however1 a mixture of wax and pollen1 being thicker1 more highly coloured1 more porous1 and less tenacious1 probably to afford air1 and facilitate the escape of the imprisoned tenant4 ,this takes place about the twenty-first day from the laying of the egg1 unless the process has been somewhat retarded by cold weather4 ,the attentive observer may at this time1 in a suitable hive1 witness the struggles and scrambling into the world1 generally by its own exertions1 of the now perfect imago1 the little grey new-born shaking1 brushing1 and smoothing itself1 preparatory to entering upon the duties of life1 and in a day or two1 or sooner1 it is busily occupied in the fields4,f ,e ,see ,observations on the ,natural ,history of ,bees1 by ,francis ,huber2 ,english edition1 ,london1 #ahda4 ,an invaluable work to the scientific apiculturist4 ,f ,as soon as the young bee comes forth1 the others partially clear the cell1 and it again receives an egg2 this being often repeated four or five times in the season4 ,afterwards the cells become the receptacles for honey or farina2 but they are found in time to become contracted or thickened by this rapid succession of tenants1 and the consequent deposits of exuvi1 excrement1 c4 ,it has been asserted by ,huber and other naturalists1 that young bees1 bred in old contracted cells1 are proportionately smaller in size4 ,such combs should be removed from the hive4 ,though we have1 as ,i conceive1 no actual proof that the occupation of individual bees is at all times unchangeably directed to one point 7as some naturalists have imagined71 observation shows that the division of labour is one of their leading characteristics4 ,some are engaged in secreting and elaborating wax for the construction of combs in the hive2 others in warming the eggs2 in feeding the larv1 as also their queen2 in ventilating and cleansing the hive2 in guarding and giving notice of attacks or annoyance from without2 and the rest in searching the fields and woods for the purpose of collecting honey and farina1 for present and future store4 ,the longevity of the working bees has often furnished matter for dispute1 and erroneous ideas have been engendered where a family has been seen for a series of years to continue in a populous and thriving condition4 ,but during this period the ,queen 7or more than one in succession7 has been incessantly occupied in laying eggs innumerable1 to supply by new births the place of the countless thousands of bees that periodically disappear4 ,their dwelling has remained1 but successive generations of tenants have kept its works in repair1 giving way in time to fresh occupants4 ,it is shown clearly by ,dr4 ,bevan and other good authorities1 both by argument and actual experiment1 that six to eight months is the limit of their duration2 for1 notwithstanding the immense annual increase1 the numbers in a hive dwindle down gradually1 owing to the chills of autumn and towards the end of the year1 to a comparatively few4 ,there is no doubt1 therefore1 that every bee existing after ,christmas was bred during the latter part of the summer or autumn2 and this is a sufficient answer to those who sometimes inquire what is to become of the accumulated masses of bees1 in hives managed on the depriving system1 where neither swarming nor destruction takes place4 ,we might here allude to a prevalent error as to any inherent difference1 local or otherwise1 in the characteristics of the domestic ,honey bee4 ,when we hear it said1 that some are better workers than others1 all that ought to be understood is1 that the family has the advantage of being under favorable circumstances as to locality or season2 with a fertile ,queen1 and an abundant population1 for without these essentials1 every operation goes on sluggishly1 and prosperity becomes hopeless4 ,,the ,,drone ,,or ,,male ,,bees ,are computed in the early part of the summer at one to two thousand1 and upwards1 in a stock-hive2 but the numbers are irregular1 for a weak stock will often have an undue proportion4 ,they possess no sting2 are larger1 darker1 and more hairy than the common bees2 easily distinguishable by their heavy motion on the wing1 and by their louder humming or droning4 ,after her great spring laying of common eggs has far advanced1 and as an invariable preliminary to the construction of royal cells1 the ,queen proceeds to deposit eggs intended for the production of drones or males1 though often without discontinuing those for workers4 ,the drone eggs are laid in cells larger in diameter1 and stronger than the others1 and usually placed towards the outer extremities of the hive4,g ,a longer period is necessary for the development of a male than a female1 and the drones pass through their various stages in about twenty-four to twenty-six days1 being seldom seen till about the beginning of ,may 7though occasionally earlier71 and then only in warm weather1 in the middle of the day4 ,these are the produce of the first-laid eggs2 for a second smaller laying of drone eggs commonly takes place about two months later1 though the males are rarely found after ,august1 unless under certain contingencies4 ,g ,a curious question for the naturalist arises as to the instinct which directs a ,queen bee invariably to deposit the proper eggs in the proper cells4 ,the most accurate microscopic observation cannot detect any difference between the egg of a worker1 that of a drone1 or of a ,queen1 all proceeding indiscriminately from the same ovaries and oviduct4 ,ingenious theories have been advanced as to the possibility of what some call impregnated and unimpregnated eggs being laid at the option of the ,mother bee4 ,huber's opinion1 that nature does not allow the ,queen the choice of the eggs she is to lay1 only adds to the difficulty of arriving at any satisfactory conclusion4 ,the drones take no part in the collection of stores1 nor in any operation or process of the hive1 for which they have proverbially suffered much ignorant and absurd reproach1 since ,nature has denied them the necessary means1 and in their creation has allotted them a distinct office4 ,indeed1 their flights from the hive are only occasional short ones1 and they rarely alight during such excursions4 ,they are of the male sex1 their presence in a hive being only required at that particular period when the young queens are arriving at maturity2 for of all the theories that have been entertained as to the functions of the drones1 that of ,huber is undoubtedly the true one1--impregnation4 ,naturalists1 says ,huber1 have been extremely embarrassed to account for the number of males in most hives1 and which seem only a burden on the community1 since they appear to fulfil no function4 ,but we now begin to discern the object of nature in multiplying them to such an extent4 ,as fecundation cannot be accomplished within the hive1 and as the queen is obliged to traverse the expanse of the atmosphere1 it is requisite that the males should be numerous1 that she may have the chance of meeting some one of them4 ,were only two or three in each hive1 there would be little probability of their departure at the same instant with the ,queen1 or that they would meet in their excursions2 and most of the females might thus remain sterile4 ,were any doubt to remain on the subject1 perhaps the annual destruction of the drones by the workers throws the most satisfactory light on the design of their creation4 ,this process varies in point of time1 according to circumstances4 ,deprive a hive forcibly of its ,queen1 and1 according to ,bonner and ,huber1 no expulsion of drones takes place4 ,in such cases1 says the latter1 they are tolerated and fed1 and many are seen even in the middle of ,january4 ,they are retained under the inspiration of hope1 for a contingency might arise to require their presence4 ,where a necessity for swarming has been in any way superseded1 there are either no royal cells constructed1 or the young queens meet with premature destruction4 ,then frequently commences an early expulsion of the drones1 thus rendered purposeless3 they become mere consumers1 an incumbrance in the hive1 and as such the common bees instinctively wage fierce war upon them1 ending in total annihilation3 nor are even the male larv allowed to remain in their cells4 ,this expulsive process often commences1 under such circumstances1 in the middle1 or at any rate towards the end of ,may1 as ,i have repeatedly witnessed1 and not unfrequently is again resorted to later on in the season4 ,on the other hand1 in the case of swarming hives it does not take place till ,july1 or even later1 according to season and locality1 when all the royal brood is disposed of4 ,the circumstances differ in the two cases2 and the bees in this1 as in other parts of their practice1 are sufficiently utilitarians to modify their proceedings accordantly4 ,in the one instance1 the office of the males is rendered void1 and in the other it is indispensable to the young queens4 ,such of these as go forth with swarms become fertilized in two or three days after 7though sometimes it is later than this71 followed by the laying of eggs in about a similar distance of time4 ,thenceforth they remain fruitful1 if not ever after 7as is the case with some other insects71 at all events for a year1 for young bees are produced1 without the subsequent presence of a single male in the family1 till the following spring4 ,the destruction of the drones1 therefore1 be it sooner or later1 may be considered an indication that the hive contains no queen brood1 and1 consequently1 that no swarming is to be expected4 ,conflicting opinions have been formed as to the desirableness of assisting the working bees in the task of expelling the drones--often a protracted process--for although the latter are not armed1 like their more numerous opponents1 yet their superior size and strength dispose them often to make a stout resistance4 ,if it can be done at once1 without undue annoyance to the family1 much fighting and valuable time may doubtless be saved by interfering2 but no advice can be worse than that of attempting to accomplish the work piecemeal4 ,when attacked1 the drones1 to stave off the impending storm1 will congregate together in a remote part of the hive4 ,observation led me to think they would at such a time be glad to retreat for still greater safety into a separate box1 so placed as to be accessible to them4 ,accordingly1 on the #adth of ,june1 in one of my collateral stock-hives1 where the drones for a day or two had been hard pushed by the others1 ,i opened a communication on the ground floor into an empty side box4 ,my theory was completely realised1 for the poor drones gladly made their way into this1 where they remained clustered at the top like a swarm1 not a single common bee accompanying them1 and would probably have been starved4 ,the following morning ,i took away the box of drones and destroyed them1 counting rather more than #bbjj1 besides some few that had escaped2 altogether a greater number than the usual estimate gives to a family4 ,i did not find among them a solitary working bee2 nor could ,i discover in the parent stock-hive one remaining drone4 ,the bees peaceably at once recommenced work1 and did well2 as if glad in this wholesale way to be rid of their late unprofitable inmates4 ,what was the cost of their daily maintenance8 ,and what proportion to the entire population of the hive did the drones bear8 ,after this apparently large abstraction1 no sensible difference was observable in the crowding4 ,in this hive the usual second laying of drone eggs took place1 and a good many more drones were expelled at the end of ,july4 ,i have not been enabled to repeat this experiment1 but have no doubt it would always succeed under similar circumstances4 ,,swarming 7,,or ,,single ,,hiving7 ,,and ,,depriving ,,systems4 ,the multiplication of families or colonies of bees1 in the natural manner1 is accomplished by the secession of a portion of the inhabitants of a stock-hive1 which has become over-peopled1 with insufficient room for the breeding and storing departments4 ,this act of emigration or swarming is sometimes an affair of expediency only2 and by a timely enlargement and decrease in the temperature of the hive it may often be prevented4 ,as soon as warm weather sets in1 a common sized hive becomes crowded and heated to excess2 and at length a separation of the family becomes a matter of necessity4 ,in anticipation of this event1 royal cells are constructed and tenanted for the rearing of young queens1 for without these no swarming occurs4 ,a crowded dwelling therefore naturally prompts to this preliminary2 whilst on the contrary1 a large hive has the effect of retarding the formation of such cells1 and the migration of which they are the precursor4 ,in the words of ,gelieu1,h in the swarming season the strong hives are almost entirely filled with brood-combs4 ,at that time also honey becomes abundant2 and when fine days succeed each other1 the working bees amass an astonishing quantity4 ,but where is it to be stored8 ,must they wait till the young bees have left the brood-cells1 by which time the early flowers will be withered8 ,what is to be done in this dilemma8 ,mark the resources of the industrious bees4 ,they search in the neighbourhood,i for a place where they may deposit their honey1 until the young shall have left the combs in which they were hatched4 ,if they fail in this object1 they crowd together in the front of their habitation1 forming prodigious clusters4 ,it is not uncommon to see them building combs on the outside4 ,h ,see ',the ,bee-,preserver1' by ,jonas de ,gelieu1 translated from the ,french2 ,edinburgh1 #ahbi4 ,this valuable little work contains the substance of sixty-four years' experience4 ,i ,the word here translated neighbourhood seems1 with some1 to have given rise to a misconception as to the meaning intended to be conveyed by it4 ,from the context it is clear ,gelieu only meant to imply some place of deposit in proximity to the parent hive1 and not anything actually apart from it4 ,he distinctly says1 provided there be an accessible way of communication between them4 ,that bees do1 in a degree1 leave their usual domicile for the temporary storing of honey is evident1 when from necessity they construct combs 7often in the open air7 on the underneath side of their floor2 or work in a separate hive or box1 placed against the original one4 ,in general1 honey-gathering is altogether suspended1 necessarily1 under the circumstances we have stated2 and1 after a long course of inaction1 in the very best part of the season1 swarming follows4 ,indeed there always appears to be a connexion between swarming and idleness1 induced by a succession of interregnums in the government1 causing a suspension of breeding1 when little or no store of any kind is collected4 ,the proprietor must therefore make his election as to his course4 ,if the multiplication of stocks is his object1 his bees may thus be impelled to throw off swarms1 but he must abandon the prospect of a large harvest of honey under such circumstances4 ,this method of bee management is usually called single hiving1 and is that commonly followed by cottagers1 as on the whole the least expensive4 ,on the general subject of swarming we shall enter more at large under the head of ,spring ,management4 ,depriving system4--,opposed to the mode of management in which swarming is systematically encouraged1 is that whereby1 under ordinary circumstances1 it may be often prevented1 and much valuable time1 in the most productive part of the year1 be rendered available for the purposes of adding to the wealth of the family4 ,let us observe the natural instinct of these little animals1 and at the proper season provide them with such an occasional addition of storing-room as will enable them uninterruptedly to go on constructing fresh combs1 to be filled with honey1 unmixed with brood or other substances4 ,this temporary receptacle1 though in communication with the stock-hive1 can at pleasure1 in the way which will hereafter be described1 be detached from it1 without injury to the bees2 these returning to their original habitation1 in which the mother bee 7although she may occasionally perambulate every part of her dominion17 ought exclusively to carry on the work of breeding4 ,the honey obtained by this act of ,deprivation is always supposed to be in excess of what is required for the wants of the family1 and almost invariably pure in quality4 ,various have been the contrivances for effecting the separation of the storing and breeding departments in a hive4 ,the bees1 when pressed for room1 will extend their operations almost in any direction1 whether the accommodation is given above 7which is termed storifying71 at the bottom 7nadiring71 or collaterally4 ,equally indifferent are they to the material of the temporary receptacle4 ,a second hive1 box1 or glass1 placed over the stock1 is termed a duplet1 or more commonly a super2 by which general name1 as we proceed1 any kind of storing vessel so placed will be designated4 ,a productive season sometimes admits of a second super 7usually introduced between the first and the stock71 called in such case a triplet4 ,an empty box or hive1 pushed beneath a full one1 is denominated a ,nadir1--a mode of practice not always advisable except in the case of swarms of the same year1 or towards the latter end of very abundant seasons4 ,a still smaller addition to a common hive consists merely of a few bands of straw1 on which it is raised temporarily1 and this constitutes an eke4 ,when either this or a nadir is used1 and to facilitate its subsequent removal1 a board ought to be placed between the stock-hive and the nadir1 to prevent the combs from being worked down into it4 ,the board may either be pierced with good-sized holes1 throughout1 or it may be cut into the form of parallel bars1 as a grate1 with about half an inch of space between them4 ,the entrance to the stock-hive must be stopped1 and one made at the bottom of the eke or nadir4 ,we shall hereafter describe a modification of the ,nadir principle1 which1 by way of distinction1 ,i have called ,nethering4 ,in contrasting1 as we have done1 the ,swarming and ,depriving systems1 it should not be understood that either of them can invariably be advantageously carried out exclusively4 ,an occasional change of system is desirable4 ,in all large apiaries there is always a necessity for renewals both of ,stocks and of ,hives1 by swarming2 and it is seldom profitable1 more especially as respects a common straw hive1 to continue to work it on the depriving plan beyond a few seasons consecutively4 ,moreover1 the cost of a new hive will be well repaid by an entire occasional renovation of the colony1 stimulated thus to increased exertion1 and with the advantage probably of a changed ,queen4 ,the preference given to either of the two schemes of ,bee management we have just detailed1 must direct the proprietor in the choice of his hives1 and we shall proceed to describe such of them as have found most favour among modern practitioners2 premising that in using the term ,hive1 we intend its general acceptation1 no matter of what material it is made4 ,neither is it our object unduly to magnify the advantages of wooden hives at the expense of those of straw3 prejudice exists on both sides the question4 ,they are each valuable according to circumstances1 and their intended uses4 ,moreover1 he only deceives himself and others who imagines he has discovered a system or a hive by which to command an abundance1 or an improved quality of ,honey1 at pleasure4 ,a favorable season may crown with success some cherished theory or mechanical device1 to be followed in the next by disappointment2 for he has little studied the natural habits of bees1 who believes they can be made at will to conform1 under all circumstances1 to any settled scheme of practice we may devise for them4 ,the attempt has led to the ,babel of contrarieties too frequently exhibited amongst apiarian professors1 to the confusion of the novice2 each deprecating everything except the mode of procedure he has found applicable to his own case or district1 and with which of course he is most familiar4 ,in the words of ,mr4 ,golding1 ,let my readers repel the quackery which would have them believe that it was the kind of hive which commanded the honeyed store4 ,no2 that will be ruled by the productiveness of the season and the locality4 ,having taken the ,honey bee under our especial protection1 we are bound to provide for its due preservation from the effects of climate1 c41 and perhaps1 in addition to the ordinary attentions1 the most that can be done with permanent advantage is to furnish our intelligent little workmen with a dwelling1 convenient in its form and arrangement for the intended purposes2 bearing in mind1 as a general rule1 that these are best consulted by an attention to simplicity in its details4 ,,common ,,straw 7,,or ,,single7 ,,hives4 ,in their wild state1 bees have most usually found a secure residence in the decayed trunks of the thick forest trees4 ,where they are domesticated1 the kinds and shapes1 as well as the materials of bee-hives1 vary according to climate and locality1 or the purse of the proprietor4 ,those used in many parts of this country are made of straw1 of a bell-shape1 and being intended for single hiving1 are usually without any means of enlargement4 ,at the end of the second or third year1 they are too often placed over the pit of destruction2 and thus1 with a little impure honey1 flavoured with brimstone1 the scene closes4 ,is it surprising that an unpleasant association is thus connected with the use of such hives8 ,happily for the cause of humanity1 experience has decided that this consequence is not inevitable2 and ,i trust ,i shall hereafter point out the method by which it may be avoided1 and make it appear to be the interest of the proprietor never to kill his bees1 let the hive be of what kind it may4 ,common hives are best made of unthreshed rye1 or good wheat straw4 ,they would be much improved by a greater attention to shape1 being usually too high in proportion to the width4 ,it may be well1 in this connexion1 to introduce the observation of ,gelieu4 ,one of my chief objects1 says he1 has been to ascertain what shape of hive is the most profitable2 and with this view ,i have tried all the different kinds1 and have invariably remarked that bees thrive better in low hives than in high ones2 that in general those which are broad and flat amass more honey1 thrive better1 and give out stronger and earlier swarms than those which are high4 ,a hive thrives only in proportion to the success or perfection of its brood-comb in the spring4 ,it is1 therefore1 of great importance to keep up the necessary degree of heat for the hatching of the brood4 ,if1 at that time1 the bees are lodged in high and roomy hives1 they will crowd together in vain1 and the heat ascending is lost in the empty space above4 ,this never happens in low flat hives1 where it is more easily concentrated4 ,to prevent the combs from falling1 sticks are commonly put across1 or along the inside of a hive1 as a support to them4 ,but these props are an annoyance to the ,bees1 presenting difficulty in subsequently extracting the combs1 and are never required in a hive made with a proper regard to proportion2 in other words1 where the combs are not too large to bear their own weight1 when fully loaded4 ,as regards the area of hives1 much difference of opinion prevails1 and a certain degree of latitude must be left for circumstances connected with locality1 c4 ,credit has been taken by some apiculturists1 and doubtless with reason1 for much reducing the unwieldy hives of our ancestors4 ,on an average1 perhaps1 a preference may be given1 as regards a common bell-formed straw hive1 to one made about fourteen inches wide1 and not more than eight inches high at the centre of the crown1 both inside measure4 ,there will be less of room wasted in a hive thus formed1 inasmuch as the combs are stored down to the bottom cells1 which is rarely the case in a high and narrow one4 ,a low wooden hoop is often used1 worked at the bottom of the hive2 or1 as ,dr4 ,bevan says1 the lower round of straw may be begun upon a wooden hoop1 the bottom of which has been planed smooth2 it should be perforated through its whole course1 and the perforations made in an oblique direction1 so distant from each other as to cause all the stitches of the hive to range in a uniform manner4 ,the hoop gives greater stability to the hive1 preserves the lower edge from decay1 and affords facility in moving it4 ,the custom of plastering round the bottom edge of a hive with mortar or clay is better omitted4 ,its own increasing weight will settle it down to its board3 at all events no cement is equal to that used by the bees themselves2 any other only serves to accelerate the decay of the hive1 besides presenting an impediment on occasional removal for cleaning or inspection4 ,illustration ,,straw ,,depriving ,,hives4 ,a reference to the preceding section will show the reasons for giving a preference to rather shallow common straw hives over high ones1 and the same arguments hold good where they are intended to be managed on the system usually termed of ,deprivation2 except that then the hive need be scarcely so large as in the case of single hiving4 ,but to give facilities for the placing of a second hive1 or super1 over the original stock-hive1 the latter ought to be made flat on the top1 viz41 cylindrical and straight in form4 ,this shape found an advocate in the late ,mr4 ,payne1,j one of the most experienced instructors of ,cottage ,bee-keepers1 who saw reasons for altering the dimensions of his hives from twelve inches wide to fourteen1 and seven1 or sometimes eight1 inches in height 7both inside measure71 and which ,i have adopted as preferable4 ,in the centre of the crown of the hive is a three or four inch hole4 ,the latter1 when not in use1 is stopped by a piece of worked straw1 like a mat1 as seen in the preceding illustration2 and this may be fastened down by pins or a slight weight4 ,at the proper time for placing a super1 the straw mat cover can be removed1 and its place supplied by what is termed an adapter1 which is usually a piece of board the same diameter as the top of the hive1 having a corresponding hole through its centre2 thus in fact adapting it as the floor-board to a super4 ,it will often be better1 instead of one thick adapter1 to have two very thin ones1 of equal form and size1 placed together4 ,in such case1 mahogany or some hard wood should be used1 to prevent warping4 ,on the removal of a full super1 this double adapter will be found useful1 as any impediment can be removed by passing between the two boards a knife1 or some fine wire4 ,or a piece of tin1 zinc1 or thin wood may be inserted to entirely stop the communication1 if desired1 at any time4 ,j ,see the ',bee-keeper's ,guide1' by ,j4 ,h4 ,payne4 ,illustration ,a straw super is best made of the same flat and cylindrical form as the stock-hive just described4 ,the size may vary in diameter according to season and locality1 from ten to twelve inches1 or even the full width of the stock-hive1 and three to six inches in inside height4 ,in good years two or more of such supers may sometimes be filled in succession1 the appearance of the hive determining its expediency4 ,should the stock-hive become hot and crowded before the first cap is entirely filled1 a second smaller one 7or triplet17 may be added4 ,in such cases1 the first super is always to remain the upper one1 for it would be useless to put the triplet anywhere except between the two now in use1 and it must have a two-inch hole in its crown as a passage upwards for the bees4 ,in moving the first super1 the upper half of the double adapter can be lifted with it1 first introducing between them a piece of zinc or tin1 to stop the communication with the stock-hive4 ,in order to give the straw supers a better footing when placed one upon another1 some persons prefer an extra cord or rim of straw to be worked round the outer bottom and top band4 ,or1 if they are made plain1 a thin hoop may be slipped round at the point of junction1 embracing them both4 ,a few holes are made in the hoop1 for the reception of small pointed iron pins 7easily removable71 passing through and into the straw1 and thus keeping it in its place4 ,those who choose may have the supers made without crowns1 which gives facilities for fitting them up to serve any required purpose4 ,this is done by means of loose wooden crown-boards3 they may be prevented from warping by being made of two circular smooth boards glued together1 the grain of the wood crossing4 ,these boards are of different diameters2 the smaller circle falls within the inner diameter of the cap2 the other should be made an inch or more larger1 to rest upon the upper edge of it4 ,a reference to the engraving in the next page will illustrate our meaning4 ,a small weight for a day or two will adjust the crown to its place2 but any little apertures should in some way be stopped1 for the escape of too much warmth must not be permitted4 ,mr4 ,golding does this by an effectual method3 ,any little misfit1 says he1 through which the bees may get out1 is best stopped with a bit of tea lead1 a store of which should be kept for such purposes4 ,on removing a full cap1 the combs can be separated from its sides with a knife or spatula1 when there will be no difficulty in lifting up the crown-board with the combs suspended from it1 in an unbroken state2 and this often enhances their value4 ,illustration ,whether with or without the protection of a bee-house1 the supers ought to be covered4 ,for this object an exterior hive or straw cylinder may be used1 similar in form and diameter to the stock-hive1 and of any required height4 ,the zinc shade and its cover1 which will be more particularly described 7under the head of hive-covers71 suitably completes a protection of this kind4 ,at present a reference to the preceding illustrations will suffice4 ,the upper engraving shows a straw super with its moveable crown-board1 and the method of placing it over a stock-hive2 whilst the lower one represents the appearance of the whole when put together1 with zinc shades and a cover4 ,illustration ,we have as yet supposed the stock-hive to be constructed in the usual way1 with a flat straw crown2 but many persons are induced to prefer wood2 in which case the hive may be made in the mode pointed out for the caps1 open at both ends alike4 ,the same kind of moveable crown-board will in that case be suitable2 made1 as already detailed1 of two circular pieces of wood of different diameters1 together about three fourths of an inch in thickness4 ,a little of some kind of luteing can1 if needed1 be used in adjusting the crown-board to its hive2 or the tea lead we have just spoken of may often serve4 ,illustration ,illustration ,illustration ,there is another mode of fitting a wood crown4 ,this may be of the same size as the outside diameter of the hive1 a thin hoop being screwed around its edge1 with an inch additional2 the whole fitting over as a cap4 ,a few small pointed iron pins may pass through the lower edge of the hoop horizontally into the straw1 thus sufficiently holding it2 at the same time that its subsequent removal is easy4 ,instead of a hoop1 ,i have used a strip of zinc1 screwed round1 and pinned1 as just mentioned1 which fits closer than wood1 and when all is painted of one colour1 has a neat appearance4 ,even without any kind of hoop1 the wood top may be fixed by means of moveable pointed pins going through it1 and down into the upper edge of the hive4 ,amateurs often prefer the crown-board cut with three holes1 triangularly in position1 to a single central one2 as convenience is thus given for working three small glasses1 or a large-sized one1 as shown by the circles delineated in our illustration4 ,the holes may be one and a quarter inch in diameter at the larger end1 tapering two inches down to a point4 ,three zinc slides or dividers1 as they are called1 move in grooves1 cut two inches wide from the edge of the crown-board1 over the holes4 ,the supers should be placed each on a separate adapter2 and on removal1 the slide is passed underneath the adapter1 the whole being then lifted off together4 ,various opinions have prevailed as to the expediency of painting the exterior of straw hives1 some believing that absorption of vapour best takes place where it is omitted4 ,my own idea is that1 for exposed hives1 an annual coat of paint is desirable1 and nothing looks better for the purpose than a natural straw colour4 ,we may resort to the words of ,gelieu1 who says1 it is commonly supposed that bees thrive best in straw hives1 because the straw absorbs the moisture1 and the combs are less liable to mould4 ,for my part ,i can perceive no difference4 ,the bees are careful enough to varnish over the interior of the straw hives with a coating of wax1 or rather propolis1 to prevent the settlement of the moths2 and in the old hives this varnish is so thick that no moisture can penetrate between the cords of straw4 ,wooden hives will also absorb moisture to a certain extent2 and experience has shown me that it is a matter of indifference which are employed1 except as to the price4 ,,hive-,,covers4 ,whatever difference of opinion there may be as to the expediency of the practice of placing straw hives in the open air1 independently of a house or shed1 the custom prevails to so great an extent1 that our object would be incomplete were we not to point out some of the modes resorted to for protecting them in such cases4 ,of the commoner kinds of coverings many are sufficiently unsightly2 some being of straw thatch 7or hackles71 others of earthenware1 in various ugly forms1 and often objectionable and injurious to the hive1 from their weight4 ,in the apiary of a friend ,i have seen a dome-formed straw cover to a stock-hive1 constructed with a projection all round of about three inches4 ,on the underneath side are attached three or four bands in a circle1 fitting over the outer diameter of the hive4 ,the appearance of this cover is appropriate2 but unless carefully painted1 wet will eventually find admittance4 ,it may1 however1 be rendered water-proof by means of some kind of cement4 ,i have sometimes used for this purpose a mixture of paint with fine sawdust1 pounded into the consistence of paste1 and afterwards painted and varnished4 ,illustration ,a cover of the same form can be manufactured in zinc1 more or less convex1 or sometimes nearly flat1 its edges being turned down over stiff wire4 ,a descending rim of not less than two inches deep is attached to the underneath side1 encircling the upper edge of the hive4 ,there ought to be perforations immediately under the projection of the rim1 and a space left between the cover and the crown of the hive1 for the passage of air2 or a small worked mat1 of straw bands1 may be interposed to prevent any ill effect from a hot sun4 ,illustration ,illustration ,a modification of the last-described zinc cover ,i have used satisfactorily for the protecting of flat straw depriving hives1 requiring more than one story in height4 ,immediately upon the stock-hive is introduced what1 for want of a more distinctive term1 ,i call a shade1 encircling the upper edge1 as just detailed1 with the same kind of descending rim and air-holes4 ,it is made of moderately thick sheet zinc1 cut of such exterior diameter as to leave a projection round the outer edge of the hive of three to four inches1 and turned a little downwards over stout wire1 to throw off wet4 ,in the centre of the shade is a circular opening1 which1 if required1 may be of the same diameter as the interior of the stock-hive1 and round it is a raised rim1 standing up not less than half an inch4 ,within this central opening it is intended to place the super1 of whatever kind it may be4 ,a reference to what has been said at page #cd1 and the illustrations there given1 as well as those now annexed1 will show the construction of the shade2 also the mode of covering the super by means of a second straw hive 7made with or without a crown71 standing upon the shade1 the upright rim of which keeps it in its place4 ,on the top of this upper hive a second shade1 made like the first1 may be placed4 ,the completion of the whole is a slightly convex zinc cap1 of about two inches in height1 fitting securely over the central opening1 like the top of a canister or pot4 ,there is a projecting lateral rim to the cap1 underneath which air-holes are made1 similar to those under the projection of the shade4 ,in winter1 and at any time when a super hive is not required1 the cap is placed over the shade immediately surmounting the stock-hive1 reducing the edifice to one story4 ,when feeding is needed by the bees1 a pan may be introduced for the purpose within the central opening1 and covered over by the zinc top4 ,in reply to those who are dubious as to the expediency of using metal coverings1 it may be remarked that no inconvenience arises in the present case1 as neither the shade nor its cover come in contact immediately with the crown of the hive4 ,illustration ,if a straw cover to a super is preferred1 it can stand over the rim of the shade1 as seen in the illustration annexed4 ,illustration ,an effectual protection to a round hive may be made by means of an outer case1 in fact merely a straw cylinder1 with open ends4 ,it must in diameter be large enough to drop loosely over the hive1 and rest on the floor-board4 ,the height ought to be sufficient to include any supers that may be required4 ,surmounting the whole1 either one of the zinc covers1 shown at page #ci1 of an enlarged size1 can be used2 or the shade and its top1 as seen at page #dj4 ,,floor ,,or ,,hive-,,boards4 ,the floor on which a hive is placed should be of wood1 and not of any material too retentive either of heat or cold1 as stone1 slate1 c4 ,in summer1 the melting of the combs often results1 and in winter1 numerous lives are lost from chill4 ,every hive1 of whatever kind1 should stand upon its own separate board1 so as to give facility for lifting1 cleaning1 or weighing the whole together at any time1 without disturbance to the bees4 ,illustration ,the entrance into a hive is generally cut out of its bottom edge4 ,this has a tendency to cause decay in that part1 particularly if of straw2 besides that1 a hole so made affords but indifferent protection from driving wet or a scorching sun1 and gives imperfect facility for the escape of moisture from the hive4 ,it is a better plan to sink the passage out of the thickness of the floor-board1 till it reaches the inside of the hive4 ,there are several ways of doing this1 but a simple one is the following3 ,let the board be of thick1 seasoned wood1 and to prevent warping1 screw two strong cross-bars to the underneath side1 seven or eight inches apart4 ,in size the floor-board ought to be a little larger than the exterior of the hive1 from whence it should be chamfered down every way1 to three eighths of an inch at the edge4 ,from the latter1 the entrance must be cut or grooved out1 straight and level till it enters the inside of the hive1 when it may slope upwards4 ,this groove may be about four inches wide1 and three eighths of an inch deep where the hive crosses it2 for it is better in all instances that the requisite space at the door should be given laterally1 rather than in height4 ,this is not only more convenient to the bees1 but shuts out from admission into the hive such guests as the snail or the mouse4 ,in a board thus constructed a convenient mode of occasionally contracting the entrance-way is by means of small wooden blocks1 of different widths1 so formed that the lower half can be pushed within the hive's mouth4 ,the board just described1 and its blocks1 are shown in the engraving beneath4 ,illustration ,illustration ,another kind of hive-board1 suitable for some description of boxes1 is made by cutting a rabbet of any required width1 and three-eighths of an inch deep1 on all its sides1 leaving the raised part of the board the size of the outside of the box1 with an additional half inch beyond this1 every way4 ,the passage into the hive is to be cut from the edge of the rabbet1 and on the same level1 for about two inches2 after which it must slope upwards4 ,it may be four to five inches wide1 and its sides should bevel a little outwards4 ,this gives facilities for the introduction of moveable blocks or mouth-pieces1 for the convenience of contracting or altogether stopping up the entrance1 as may be required4 ,the blocks are an inch wide1 and must all be of one size1 and of the same length and bevel as the entrance-way4 ,in height they should be three quarters of an inch in front2 cut down behind1 half the width to three eighths of an inch4 ,thus made1 the lowest half inch of the block is inserted within the mouth of the hive1 and the other half projects on the outside4 ,to suit all cases and seasons1 blocks so formed may be cut on the lower part1 from front to back1 with any required passage-way through them at pleasure4 ,the preceding engraving exhibits one of these boards1 with a front and back view of four blocks thus varied2 the third one being fitted with perforated zinc4 ,an entirely covered entrance1 for those who desire it1 is afforded by a double board1 in which the passage is cut through the floor1 altogether within the hive2 and it may be thus made3 ,illustration ,take a piece of inch seasoned wood1 an inch or two broader and longer than the hive4 ,smooth both sides1 and underneath it cut a groove four or five inches wide1 and four inches back from the edge4 ,the part next the edge should be there hollowed out three eighths of an inch deep1 increasing to double this at the other end1 where it enters the hive4 ,an opening through from the upper side must be made1 to meet the underneath hollow1 giving a gradual slope down into it4 ,a piece of three-quarter inch board1 seven to nine inches wide1 must then be screwed underneath1 the grain crossing the other2 the doorway for the bees being of course between the two4 ,the lower board should be a little the longest1 the extra length being intended to form a small alighting board in front4 ,all the boards in the preceding illustrations are shown square as to form2 but any of them may at pleasure be made round4 ,,hive-,,stands1 ,,or ,,pedestals4 ,illustration ,hives standing singly1 in the open air1 must be so placed as that there is no risk of their being overthrown by the wind or other casualty1 and various kinds of supports have been devised4 ,whatever is preferred1 it ought to afford facilities for allowing the lifting up of the hive on its board at pleasure4 ,a single pedestal or post is sometimes used1 cut flat at the top to six or seven inches square4 ,it may stand out of the ground fifteen or sixteen inches1 and be firmly fixed1 to avoid shaking1 which alarms the bees4 ,sometimes a higher elevation than this is given1 but it is not expedient to subject the hives unnecessarily to the action of the wind1 any more than it is to place them so near the ground as to cause the bees to be affected by damp exhalations4 ,on the under side of the centre of the hive-board fix four bars of wood 7or three will do71 of about two inches square1 so as to form a cap or socket1 fitting over the top of the pedestal4 ,the board may be there secured by the insertion1 diagonally1 of one or two pins1 through the sides of the cap and into the post4 ,this plan may be varied by means of the two pieces or arms1 let edgewise flush into the top of a post1 crossing it diagonally3 on this the hive-board may rest1 or be secured by a button or two4 ,or1 on the top of a pedestal1 four or five inches in diameter1 a piece of board1 of about nine inches square1 may be fixed as a table4 ,upon this place the hive-board1 of which the cross bars1 appended to its underneath side1 are so adjusted in point of distance apart1 as to come on each side of the table1 being there secured by a pin or turn-button4 ,illustration ,this last-described stand may be improved1 at a little further cost4 ,nail upon the pedestal a piece of strong board1 eight or nine inches wide1 and three inches longer than the outside width of the hive-board4 ,underneath the table thus formed1 a couple of struts or angle-pieces must be fixed1 to render the whole firm4 ,the under-side bars of the hive-board are adjusted to fall on each side the table1 as before detailed4 ,the extra three inches of the latter must be thrown to the front1 where it is designed to form a projecting alighting platform for the bees4 ,this part is occupied by a piece of wood nailed to it1 and chamfered to meet the hive-board1 to which it forms a stay4 ,illustration ,another support to an out-door hive is made by means of four props1 driven upright into the ground1 and cut off level1 at about sixteen inches high4 ,the hive-board must have two cross bars screwed to its under side1 from front to back1 just coming within the uprights3 to make it still more steady1 four small blocks can be appended near the corners1 between the cross bars and the edge of the board1 to hold the latter in the opposite direction1 as seen by the dotted lines in our illustration4 ,the same remark applies to the hive-stands just described as was made in the last section1 viz41 they can be adapted equally well to round as to square hive-boards4 ,it may be well also to observe that1 instead of sinking a pedestal into the earth1 where decay soon ensues1 it can be fixed upon strong cross pieces or feet1 these being fastened to the ground by pins passing downwards through them4 ,illustration ,illustration ,where there are a number of hives1 instead of a separate stand for each1 they may be placed more economically1 and perhaps safely1 on what ,i term a hive-range1 of any required length4 ,the range consists simply of a couple of rails1 about an inch thick1 and four inches in depth1 nailed to the top outer edge of a series of posts1 fixed firmly in or on the ground1 about eighteen inches high4 ,the space between the rails may be about twelve inches1 measured withinside4 ,the most suitable hive-board for a range is that shown at page #dc4 ,the cross bars on its underneath side must be so cut in point of length1 as to fall within the two rails1 where they are held2 whilst what remains of the width of the board lodges upon them1 with a convenient projection before and behind4 ,nor does it matter whether the hive-boards are made square or round4 ,a range of this kind occupies very little space1 and presents few facilities for the incursions of insects or other annoyers of bees4 ,the hives ought to have a good interval between each2 but it is an advantage that on this plan they can be moved1 by sliding the boards to the right or left1 if circumstances call for it4 ,a range on the same principle might readily be made ornamentally1 in part or wholly of iron1 standing on feet1 moveable anywhere1 and setting vermin at defiance4 ,to the intelligent reader it is unnecessary again to repeat1 that bee-stocks ought always to be raised sufficiently from the ground to protect them1 not only from the baneful effects of damp1 but from the incursions of vermin1 c4 ,but inattention on this point is sometimes met with so gross1 that we cannot forbear giving place to the preceding engraving1 from a drawing made on the spot in ,dorsetshire1 illustrating the treatment to which the poor bees may be sometimes subjected by indifference or deplorable ignorance4 ,,wooden ,,box ,,hives4 ,as far as we have proceeded1 our attention has been directed principally to ,straw hives4 ,those1 however1 of ,wood have in modern times come pretty generally into use1 when cost is not an object1 as being more durable1 less liable to harbour vermin1 and better adapted1 from their square form1 for a convenient arrangement of the combs1 besides admitting of glass windows4 ,as regards the plainer kind of boxes1 either intended for use on the swarming system1 or on that where deprivation is practised1 ,i adhere to the opinion expressed as to straw hives1 and prefer those constructed broad and shallow to such as are high and narrow4 ,they may be made of the lighter and more porous kinds of deal1 some preferring red cedar2 but whichever is made use of1 it should be thoroughly seasoned1 and well put together2 observing that the grain of the wood always runs in the horizontal direction1 when its tendency to expansion or contraction is rendered of no importance4 ,conflicting opinions prevail as to the best size for bee-boxes2 but1 like almost everything else where these insects are concerned1 something must be left dependent on circumstances and locality1 as well as the intended mode of working them4 ,a fair average size for a plain box is eleven and a half inches square1 by eight inches deep1 withinside2 or1 perhaps better1 twelve by seven or seven and a half inches1 clear2 the thickness of wood throughout being not less than an inch1 or1 if exposed1 more than this4 ,the cover of the box should have a small projection on all sides1 for better appearance1 and to afford convenience for lifting4 ,on the top a two- or three-inch hole may be cut in the centre1 for the purposes of supering1 of feeding1 or ventilation4 ,instead1 however1 of one central hole1 some persons like to have three smaller ones1 cut triangularly2 affording convenience for the use of a single large1 or three small glasses4 ,it is best to leave the roof of the box1 withinside1 unplaned1 as the bees have sometimes a difficulty in making the first combs adhere to too smooth a surface4 ,a window may be placed at the back1 and another at one side1 about four inches high1 and six wide4 ,the glass should be thick1 and secured by putty2 but it must not fit too tightly1 or it is apt to crack from the swelling of the wood4 ,there are various ways of covering the windows1 but the best is1 perhaps1 by a sliding shutter of zinc4 ,round the window there must be a projecting moulding1 mitred at the corners4 ,on one side the piece of moulding is moveable1 and to the back of this is screwed a plate of sheet zinc4 ,this passes into a rabbet to receive it1 cut1 on the remaining three sides1 at the back of the lower edge of the moulding4 ,where uniformity of appearance is studied1 blank windows may be made opposite to the real ones4,k ,no entrance-way should be cut in the box1 as this more properly belongs to the floor-board4 ,illustration ,k ,as regards windows1 they are always useful to inspect a hive1 but should1 as a rule1 be kept darkened4 ,at the same time there is no doubt that bees will work exposed to the light1 when the option of darkness is not allowed them4 ,a friend put a swarm into a unicomb hive1 made without shutters on each side1 and exposed to the full glare of light at a window1 which ,i frequently inspected4 ,the bees filled the hive in a short time1 paying apparently no attention to the eyes often observing their operations4 ,it is to be remarked1 however1 that whether bees are in light or darkness1 the one or the other must be continuous1 as alternations disturb and alarm them4 ,we shall hereafter give a design for an experimental ,light ,hive4 ,a reference to the engraving will show a box thus made1 with its sliding shutter4 ,it ought to be painted a sufficient time before use1 or the smell is offensive to the bees2 indeed1 ,i have known a swarm forsake a box in consequence4 ,i may observe1 however1 that some persons prefer boxes1 when in a house1 to be unpainted4 ,they are always best placed under some kind of cover1 as protection from wet and a hot sun is necessary to prevent warping and splitting1 and not unfrequently the melting of the combs4 ,some ,german bee-keepers have recommended box-hives made long from back to front1 and narrow from side to side4 ,,wooden ,,bar ,,boxes4 ,an undoubted improvement on the box described in the last section1 consists in the addition of separate moveable bars of wood1 crossing the top of the hive1 in parallel lines1 to which the combs are to be attached4 ,by this means any comb1 on removal of the cover1 can be separately extracted1 adhering to its own particular bar4 ,the bar-system1 as we may call it1 has had many advocates1 but to none are we more indebted than to ,dr4 ,bevan and ,mr4 ,golding1 for reducing to fixed rules what had previously been undefined and uncertain4 ,the latter1 however1 appears to have a preference for straw hives1 and has given instructions for adapting bars to them4 ,we shall hereafter describe a hive of this kind1 but varying in some respects from ,mr4 ,golding's4 ,with ,dr4 ,bevan1 many prefer boxes2 and a square form is better than any other1 as in these every bar has the advantage of being alike1 fitting anywhere1 either in the same or another box4 ,at all events1 whatever the construction of the hive1 says ,mr4 ,golding1 without some such facility as bars1 whereby every comb can be made individually available1 there is something wanted1 something wrong4 ,with no claim1 therefore1 to the invention of any new principle1 the boxes ,i have constructed are modifications of those that preceded them2 the object in view being to render these1 at a small extra cost1 more manageable to the amateur4 ,in short1 ,i know of no hive more completely under control4 ,illustration ,illustration ,i may premise that the boxes 7as illustrated in a former edition71 following those described by ,dr4 ,bevan1 were adapted for the reception of seven bars4 ,subsequent experience has shown that these may be advantageously increased to eight in number1 extending the square of the hive1 but diminishing its height4 ,in thickness the wood ought not to be less than a full inch4 ,the dimensions withinside are thirteen and a quarter inches square2 the height being seven inches1 inclusive of the bars4 ,as regards windows1 there may be one at the back and at the side1 four inches high by seven or eight inches long2 with sliding shutters1 like those described in the preceding section4 ,the glass ought to be so fixed as to leave as little recess as possible withinside the box1 otherwise the extraction of the combs is impeded4 ,indeed1 it is better to have the panes introduced flush1 and cemented from the inner side into a fine rabbet4 ,the best kind of cement for this purpose is a mixture of powdered chalk and glue4 ,the bars must be one and an eighth inch wide1 and half an inch thick2 being best unplaned on the under side1 to enable the combs to adhere to them4 ,recesses of a full eighth of an inch are cut from the upper inner edge of the box1 to receive the ends of the bars1 into which they should fall easily1 ranged from front to back4 ,it is essential to follow the rules laid down by ,dr4 ,bevan1 who says1 if the distances of the bars from each other be nicely adjusted1 there will be interspaces between them of about half an inch4 ,the precise width of the bars should be attended to1 and also their distances from each other1 as any deviation in this respect would throw the combs wrong4 ,it is better to be somewhat within the rule than to exceed it by ever so little1 for the tendency is generally to make the combs approximate4 ,this has induced me to vary a little the relative distances of the bars1 the three 7four7 centre ones being placed only seven sixteenths of an inch from each other1 whilst the rest gradually recede from that distance4 ,for the purpose of ensuring the needful uniformity and correctness of workmanship requisite in all points1 ,i constructed a pattern gauge1 as seen in the annexed engraving4 ,it is made of sheet metal1 brass being the best1 of the same dimensions as the interior square of the boxes1 exclusive of the end projections4 ,these latter denote the exact interspaces between the bars2 so that if the gauge is placed upon the inner edge of the box1 the position of the recesses into which the bars are intended to fall may be indicated at each end4 ,moreover1 the gauge gives a correct pattern for making the bars1 as also the position of the holes through the crown and centre boards4 ,illustration ,it may be well here to allude to what some have thought to be an improvement in the construction of the bars1 the object being to render the combs more accessible1 and the usual cutting1 to detach them from the sides of the hive1 avoided4 ,a reference to the accompanying engraving will exhibit a bar with a frame suspended beneath it1 but so made as not to touch either the sides or bottom of the hive1 and within which the combs are1 or ought to be1 wrought4 ,doubtless1 advantages may arise from the facilities thus given for removal1 provided these are not counterbalanced by the evil of greater complication1 and the inconvenience arising from the possible attachment by the bees of the frame itself to the sides of the hive1 and so setting them fast4 ,moreover1 as such frames curtail space in the hive1 allowance is necessary in its external dimensions4 ,illustration ,a cover or crown board1 three quarters of an inch thick1 clamped at the ends1 and projecting all round nearly half an inch1 is fixed down1 flush with the bars1 with two or three long screws4 ,to prevent rusting1 these may be of brass4 ,some objection has been raised against screws1 as being occasionally troublesome to remove4 ,the engravings annexed 7drawn half size7 show another mode of attaching the crown board by means of brass rings1 elongated like the link of a chain1 and held loosely at the bottom by the head of a screw1 inserted at the side of the box4 ,an aperture is cut in the projection of the crown board1 through which the link passes to the top1 into a recess made to receive it1 and where it is fixed by a moveable lateral pin1 leaving a flush surface4 ,on removing the pin the link drops down upon the screw head1 and the crown board becomes released4 ,instead of a ring1 a similarly formed link can be cut from a piece of sheet metal4 ,it is not always that amateurs are possessed of the nerve requisite to perform1 periodically1 the operation of changing the cover immediately over a populous stock4 ,the construction of my bar-hive renders this unnecessary4 ,through the cover are three openings1 cut as a passage upward for the bees into a super4 ,for convenience1 two of these are placed within three inches of the front of the box 7measuring inside71 to the centre of the holes1 which are one inch and a quarter in diameter at the outer end1 lengthening towards the centre to three inches2 there diminished to a point1 and leaving two intermediate inches between them4 ,i have found it well in this part to give an increased facility to the bees in passing over the bars1 which otherwise too much intercept the passage4 ,to accomplish this1 let the crown board be turned bottom upwards1 grooving out the central portion coming immediately underneath and between the two holes1 for the space of six or seven inches long1 one and a half inch wide1 and three eighths of an inch deep4 ,the third hole is made an inch and a half from the back of the cover 7measured inside72 of the same size and form as the others1 but an inch shorter4 ,this will be useful in working glasses and in feeding4 ,the elongated form given to the holes is best adapted to prevent killing or maiming the bees in introducing the dividing slides4 ,the latter are plates of stout zinc or copper1 two inches wide1 sliding within a recess or groove1 cut their own thickness1 across the top of the crown board1 over the holes4 ,the slides are long enough to meet in the centre1 their outer ends being a little turned up for convenience4 ,if the last inch is perforated with small holes1 the slide becomes a ventilator1 by drawing it out a little4 ,this hive may be used either for single or double hiving1 or with any kind of super2 but to render it complete for all purposes1 there ought to be three boxes1 forming a set1 as seen in the engravings at p4 #ef1 in which the stock-box is the bottom one4 ,in many seasons and localities1 however1 the third box might not be called for4 ,for convenience of description1 the numbers #a1 #b1 and #c1 are used in reference to the stock-box1 the first super1 and the centre box2 all to be of equal size as to the square4 ,no4 #b should be fitted with bars and windows1 like the first2 but in height it may be one inch1 or sometimes two1 lower4 ,moreover1 there must be no holes through its crown board1 for whether two or three boxes are in use1 ,no4 #b is always the upper one4 ,a great convenience is given by the introduction of a loose centre board1 placed on the top of the stock-box1 and of the same dimensions2 being in fact an adapter to the super1 which can be lifted upon it1 on removal4 ,it is of half-inch wood1 clamped1 having openings cut through1 corresponding in form and position with those of the stock-box1 but without any recess4 ,the slides move beneath the centre board1 opening or shutting off the communication from box to box1 as required4 ,no4 #c box differs from the others in being still shallower1 and having no moveable bars4 ,moreover1 the central portion of its cover is cut through into the semblance of a grating1 as shown in the illustration1 with six bars1 nine inches long1 of an inch and an eighth in width1 and with interspaces of half an inch4 ,in certain very productive seasons1 and when the super ,no4 #b is filled1 ,no4 #c may be introduced between the two others2 not removing the upper box till the bees have commenced working in ,no4 #c4 ,a temporary close cover must then be placed over the grated one of the latter4 ,many experienced apiarians1 however1 object to using more than one super hive1 preferring to give any further room that may be required1 at the bottom of the stock4 ,the box ,no4 #c is equally well adapted for either alternative2 for it may go as a nadir1 beneath the stock-hive1 taking its place on the hive-board1 in which latter is the entrance for the bees1 no other being permitted4 ,a hive-board suitable is either like the one shown at p4 #dc1 or that at p4 #dd2 the boxes being placed upon it1 with the bars ranging from front to back4 ,some persons are inclined1 instead of one central entrance to the stock-box1 to prefer two smaller ones1 placed respectively at the outer extremities of the front1 of course cut from the floor board2 and it is probable that this departure from the general practice may not be without its occasional advantage1 in winter especially1 in a broad1 shallow hive4 ,illustration ,these boxes1 like all wooden hives1 should be placed in a house of some kind1 if possible2 but instances occur where such a convenience is not available4 ,to meet these1 ,i will describe a substitute1 which gives effectual protection1 though it would still be better standing under a shed4 ,a recurrence to the engraving in the next page will show that our plan comprises an outer casing1 in two compartments1 and surmounted by a top cover or roof4 ,they may be of half-inch wood1 large enough in the square to drop loosely over the boxes1 the lower compartment resting upon the rabbet of the hive-board1 which may be made as shown at page #dd1 and wide enough to leave1 on three sides1 an outside margin of an inch4 ,on the front side a rather more extended margin may be expedient4 ,the height of the lower compartment1 measuring from the rabbet of the floor board1 reaches to the top of the stock-box1 except just as much as will allow the slides to pass over its edge4 ,a good-sized elliptical opening faces the mouth of the hive2 or increased to two1 where there is a second entrance4 ,the other compartment of the case should be high enough to enclose within it the two upper boxes4 ,to its outer bottom edge1 a band or fillet1 about two inches wide1 and nearly half an inch thick1 is appended1 half its width4 ,the other half-width is intended to overlap the outer upper edge of the lower case1 when placed one upon the other2 and this part should be chamfered1 so as to go on and off easily4 ,for appearance' sake1 another band is appended to the upper case1 near its top2 unless any other exterior architectural embellishment is preferred4 ,a reference to the engraving will show the whole design is completed by a hipped roof or cover4 ,under the four projecting edges of the latter is a suspended cornice1 about two inches deep1 on its outer sides4 ,when in its place1 about three quarters of an inch of the cornice ought to overhang1 dropping loosely over the upper outer edge of the case 7a little chamfered72 to regulate this1 recessed at the four angles1 within the cover1 are attached cross corner blocks4 ,for the purpose of ventilating the roof1 long lateral openings are cut out on the four sides1 from the upper part of the cornice1 under the projecting edges of the roof4 ,the total projection of this may be two inches1 or a little more4 ,the cover ought to fit equally well upon either compartment of the case2 for in winter the edifice can be reduced to one story only4 ,the stand for the whole is simply an open frame1 of the same outside dimensions as the cases2 with inch-thick rails1 four inches deep1 framed at the corners to four posts or legs4 ,these may be two inches square1 and eighteen inches high2 either sunk into the ground1 or placed upon it1 by means of cross-pieces1 pinned or pegged down4 ,the hive-board drops loosely down into the frame1 and rests upon the rails1 showing a projection all round of an inch2 the cross bars on its underneath side retaining it steadily4 ,illustration ,in a former edition1 this kind of hive1 when thus fitted up with an outer covering1 obtained the name of the double bar-hive1 by way of distinction from another mode of constructing it1 which will now be detailed4 ,whatever may be said about the inexpediency of placing wooden hives in exposure to the weather1 the one we are now proceeding to describe was intended to meet the wishes of some bee-proprietors1 who objected to the small degree of trouble1 involved in using any kind of outer casing2 obtaining from this circumstance the appellation of the single bar-hive4 ,illustration ,the three boxes1 forming the set1 differ but little from those last described2 the interior dimensions1 bars1 windows1 crown-boards1 c41 being similar2 but the centre board is omitted1 and the thickness of the wood must be increased to not less than one and a quarter inch4 ,a rabbet of a quarter of an inch is cut round all the crown-boards1 to receive a super box1 or the roof cover2 the better to retain it in its place4 ,the outside projection should be extended to not less than an inch and a half2 this part being chamfered to throw off wet4 ,the plan of the roof cover will be seen on reference to our illustration4 ,the square appended within it is in interior diameter the same as the boxes1 to fit over any of them1 resting upon it sufficiently to allow the projecting parts of the crown-board to be seen as a cornice4 ,beyond this1 there is a further projection of the roof of an inch1 provision for ventilation being made by a double set of openings1 cut as shown in our engraving4 ,for better security in winter1 loose wooden blocks1 to the stock-box1 may be made to fill the space intervening between the glass windows and the sliding shutters4 ,the hive-board may be that shown either at p4 #dc1 or #dd1 of the same dimensions as that of the crown-boards1 and chamfered off4 ,the stand to receive it is like the one described and shown at p4 #ff1 the square of its frame being the same as that of the exterior of the boxes4 ,our engraving exhibits a simple method of adding a useful kind of porch to the entrance of the stock-box1 by means of a strip of zinc or other material1 of the width of the front projection of the floor board4 ,it can be bent into the form of an elliptical arch1 the two lower extremities being held by going down within the sunken part of the board1 whilst the upper part derives support by being pressed back beneath the window moulding4 ,illustration ,those who study economy may1 instead of the entire set of boxes just described1 retain the stock-box only1 with a cover to receive any kind of super1 as shown above4 ,the cover will do if made of half-inch wood1 nine inches high to the square of the roof2 the outside dimensions being the same as in the stock-box4 ,a slanting projecting roof forms a part of the cover4 ,under its projecting edges openings for ventilation can be cut4 ,the cover is retained in its place by a rabbet cut round the top of the stock-box1 and preventing the admission of wet4 ,the object of the bars we have said is to furnish parallel foundations on which the combs are to be worked1 for without an observance of this regularity1 subsequent extraction becomes impossible2 showing the necessity for a proper beginning4 ,to induce the bees to preserve a straight direction1 it has usually been found expedient to append what are termed guide-combs to three or four of the centre bars of the stock-box1 previously to hiving a swarm into it2 and for the purpose some pieces of clean worker-comb ought to be kept in reserve4 ,in giving the needful directions for fixing the guides1 we cannot do better than use the words of ,mr4 ,golding1 who says1 this is easily effected by heating a common flat-iron1 slightly warming the bars with it1 then melting a little bees'-wax upon it4 ,the comb is now drawn quickly across the heated iron1 and held down upon the centre of the bar1 to which it firmly adheres1 if properly managed4 ,these pieces of guide-comb need not be more than two or three inches in diameter4 ,care should be taken that the pitch or inclination of the cells is upwards from the centre of each comb4 ,or it may do equally well1 if the edge of the comb is dipped in melted wax4 ,in the absence of guide-combs another mode of proceeding has been sometimes successfully resorted to4 ,take a flat piece of tin or zinc 7or stiff paper might do71 of the length and width of one of the bars3 cut out the central portion to the extent of half an inch in width4 ,lay the pattern thus prepared upon the bar1 and with a brush smear1 in a straight line1 some melted bees'-wax along the central half-inch opening1 and so proceed with four or five other bars4 ,the bees will usually commence working first upon the waxed part of the bar1 and this tends to uniformity subsequently4 ,nothing can be more beautiful than a box of honey-combs thus regularly worked2 nor is it possible in any other way to have them so perfect and unbroken1 when detached4 ,indeed1 the convenience of moveable bars can only be appreciated by those accustomed to their use4 ,their advantage is apparent when it has become expedient to remove old combs from stock-hives4 ,they may be made available in cases where one box has more and another less of sufficient store of honey3 in such event1 or as a substitute for feeding1 a loaded bar or two can be transferred from the one to the other2 or from a super to a stock-box4 ,for the object of making artificial swarms great facility is given1 more especially when a comb contains a royal cell4 ,a brood-comb may in like manner be taken and inserted in a weak stock1 to strengthen the population2 or for the purpose of rearing a ,queen artificially1 in a hive wanting one4 ,so also1 in the swarming season1 supernumerary royal cells may be cut out3 likewise1 a superabundance of drone-combs can be removed1 and the bees will fill the vacancies with common ones4 ,we shall1 under the head of ,autumnal management1 give general directions for the removal or deprivation of full super boxes2 but it may be well here to describe the method to be pursued where it is necessary to operate on a stock-hive4 ,in such a case1 a piece of board is useful1 of the same width and thickness as the top1 or crown-board4 ,in the middle of the day1 unscrew the latter1 sliding it sideways2 the extra board covering over the vacancy as you proceed4 ,in this way1 only as much space as is wanted to get at any given bar need be exposed4 ,a few puffs of smoke1 says ,mr4 ,golding1 may now be blown down the sides of the comb to be taken out1 which will intimidate the bees1 and drive them away4 ,a double-edged knife-blade1 an inch and a half long1 and three eighths of an inch wide1 turned at right angles from the end of an iron rod of about a foot in length1 is now passed down the edges of the comb1 to detach them from the hive4 ,after this is done1 the comb may be easily lifted2 such bees as still adhere to it being swept down into the hive as the bar is lifted upwards4 ,such operations as these are much less formidable than many persons believe4 ,the fact is1 the bees1 when once intimidated by the smoke1 may be done almost anything with4 ,quietness and a little tact are all that is required4 ,when combs are taken out1 they may be either detached from the bars at once1 and the bars returned1 or spare bars may be kept on hand wherewith to replace such as have been extracted4 ,,bar ,,glass-,,hive4 ,illustration ,before we leave the subject of box-hives1 it may be interesting to give a description of one recently constructed by me for experimental purposes1 as referred to in the note at page #ec1 and here illustrated4 ,it may not improperly be termed a ,light1 or ,observatory ,hive1 in distinction from the usual mode of rendering the dwelling as dark as possible4 ,the hive itself resembles the bar-boxes just described1 as to its interior dimensions1 bars1 crown-board1 c42 but differs inasmuch as it is made simply as a frame1 filled in on the four sides with thick glass1 flush with the inside surface of the wood4 ,for the purpose of preventing the bees from attaching the combs to the glass1 thin upright strips of wood1 rather more than half an inch wide1 are tacked under the centre of each bar1 at both ends1 extending from top to bottom inside of the hive4 ,or some might prefer to use frame-bars1 like the one described and illustrated at page #eh2 but guides or waxed bars must be used1 to ensure the regularity of the combs1 and prevent an obstruction to the sight4 ,the hive ought to be placed in a house1 and in winter should be carefully covered2 an outer case or box going over all4 ,,straw ,,bar-,,hive4 ,we have already alluded to hives of straw1 fitted with bars4 ,the one now about to be described differs from those commonly used1 in several respects1 as will be seen on reference to the annexed illustration4 ,illustration ,illustration ,illustration ,in form1 my hive is an open cylinder1 #ad inches in inside diameter1 and #g inches in height1 to the upper side of the bars1 which are eight in number2 similar in size1 and interspaced like those in the square bar-hive1 described at page #ef4 ,for the purpose of supporting the bars1 a well-seasoned hoop is introduced within1 and on a level with1 the upper edge of the hive--nearly two inches in depth1 and a quarter inch thick2 its interior diameter being the same as that of the hive4 ,the two upper straw bands of the latter are reduced in size1 sufficiently to form a recess equal to the thickness of the hoop1--the outside of the hive remaining flush4 ,the hoop is there retained by a few small brad-nails1 driven through it and into the straw2 and thus no impediment is offered on extracting the combs4 ,a difficulty presented itself in attaching the bars to the edge of the hoop1 to overcome which ,i constructed a pattern-gauge1 differing in form from that seen at page #eg4 ,our illustration will show that the outer edges of the gauge are divided1 so as1 when laid flat upon the hoop1 to give the precise position of the indentations for the reception of the ends of the bars3 moreover1 these may severally be correctly fashioned by following the form shown upon the gauge4 ,the adjustment of the bars should be done previously to attaching the hoop to the hive1 not allowing them to fit too tight4 ,the cover is a flat piece of worked straw1 which ought to lie close upon the bars4 ,i have found no better method of securing the cover in its place than by the use of a few pointed iron pins1 going down through it and into the upper edge of the hive4 ,for convenience of working supers1 a three-inch hole is left in the centre of the cover2 stopped1 when not in use1 by a small piece of worked straw1 pinned down4 ,some persons might prefer a wooden top1 which may be perforated either with one hole or three4 ,it should rest upon the bars1 and can be held in its place by pins1 in the way we have just mentioned1 and which at any time are removable2 or a hoop may be attached to the edge of the crown-board1 as described and shown at page #ce4 ,illustration ,illustration ,illustration ,,circular ,,wooden ,,hives4 ,i have sometimes turned my attention to cylinders of wood1 as offering great advantages in constructing a hive2 not only in attaching bars1 but also the desirable convenience of windows4 ,the facilities for procuring them made with the requisite correctness of form1 however1 depends on circumstances not always at command2 the process of construction being the same of steaming1 rolling1 and shaping1 employed by the manufacturers of our common wooden corn measures1 c4 ,the cost of the wood cylinders alone are not much more than the straw ones1 and being made of oak or ash1 they are very durable4 ,softer and more porous wood would doubtless be preferable1 but a difficulty attends the use of such4 ,in size1 the dimensions before recommended are adhered to2 viz41 #ad inches clear1 by seven inches in height1 for hives with or without bars2 the thickness being about half an inch4 ,a reference to our illustration1 and to the accompanying pattern gauge1 will show the mode of cutting and adjusting the bars2 these resting rather loosely in rabbets1 cut the width of the bar1 half through the thickness of the hive4 ,the crown-board may be made and cut in the way already described1 and can be fixed by means of a few small screws2 or1 if preferred1 in the method detailed and illustrated at page #ei4 ,when the hive is not fitted with bars1 it is an advantage partially to sink the crown-board within the diameter of the cylinder1 which ensures a more perfect joint4 ,at the back is a window of bent glass1 protected by a sliding zinc shutter1 moving in a frame of rabbeted moulding2 all following the curved form of the wood4 ,a suitable staining and varnishing gives to the whole a neat appearance4 ,two of the hives may be placed one upon the other1 for supering2 an adapter or centre board going between them3 or smaller wooden round hives1 of any size1 with thin tops1 can be used for the same purpose2 and these might be made by a common cooper4 ,illustration ,these hives are of too recent introduction to warrant saying more than that1 to adapt them to the object in view1 it is essential that they be placed in a house or cover1 as from the density of the wood they are not calculated to bear exposure to the sun and weather4 ,in winter attention should be given to close covering them4 ,i may add that1 in using a thinner cylinder1 ,i have tried the experiment of coating the outside with an envelope of gutta percha1 giving the advantage of improved appearance1 and doubtless of utility1 but at a considerable increase of cost4 ,,collateral ,,system4 ,illustration ,various modes of working hives collaterally1 or side by side1 have been devised1 but a very simple one has been practised with success by a correspondent1 which as adapted by me may with propriety be termed a doubling-board4 ,it is formed of a plain board not less than an inch thick4 ,it must be of sufficient width to take a broad shallow hive1 and long enough to contain two of these1 with six or eight inches to spare4 ,a stock-hive is in the first instance placed over the centre circular mark1 within which is the double outlet for the bees4 ,when more space is required1 it must be moved over one of the side circles1 and a second hive placed over the other4 ,the double outlet forms a communication within the floor-board from hive to hive4 ,the part hollowed out for this purpose is five inches wide1 six inches long1 and half an inch high inside1 a sloping way being cut on the two further sides down into it4 ,two covered passages lead from this1 terminating at one point on the alighting-board4 ,the bees1 having been accustomed to both these passages1 will commonly take to the second hive1 and commence working therein1 particularly if smeared with honey4 ,in order to show the position of the parts hollowed out1 these are slightly shaded in the engraving4 ,they are cut from the bottom side of the board1 in the way described at page #de4 ,a second piece of wood1 nine or ten inches wide1 must be screwed to the under side1 to enclose the openings4 ,this ought to reach back nearly the width of the upper board2 at the same time projecting far enough in front to form the alighting-place4 ,another cross piece may be screwed to the under side1 at each end4 ,when it is required to take away one of the hives1 the communication below must be cut off between them4 ,this is done by means of a divider of strong tin1 copper1 or iron1 pushed in from behind1 in a groove cut edgewise in the bottom side of the main board1 and resting on the under one4 ,the dotted line in the engraving shows the position of the divider1 which must in depth be the same as the passage between the two hives1 so as1 when in its place1 to stop it entirely across the centre4 ,another plan of working hives side by side is shown below1 two boards being required4 ,illustration ,they are made on the double plan1 as described at page #de2 alike in size and thickness1 with the entrance passages cut out from beneath4 ,there must1 however1 be two entrances to the board intended for the second hive--one in front1 and the other at the side1 with doorways not less than six inches wide4 ,a wedge or two of wood will contract them as needed4 ,when room is required1 the first board with its hive must be moved so far sideways that the second one can precisely occupy its place4 ,at the same time it must be turned half round1 so that its mouth and that on the side of the new hive meet and fit close together4 ,the bees will pass into the other hive on going out3 on returning it will be the same1 for the alighting-board 7which ought to be a fixture7 will remain as usual4 ,on removing a full hive1 the other must be restored to its original position4 ,illustration ,,white',s ,,collateral ,,hive4 ,as regards collateral bee-boxes1 we owe our original acquaintance with them principally to ,white1 nearly a century ago4,l ,his plan requires two boxes1 placed side by side1 with means of communication1 open or stopped at pleasure4 ,these hives do not appear to have been very extensively used2 perhaps a good deal owing to the imperfect way in which they were made4 ,for my own use1 ,i endeavoured to improve upon the original design1 of which the engraving following will give an idea4 ,the boxes and their boards are shown a little separated2 the passages from one to the other being made along the top and bottom of each box4 ,these openings can be closed by the introduction horizontally of slides of thick tin or copper1 of an inch and a quarter wide1 inserted from behind2 let into the boxes their own thickness1 and there loosely kept by cases or strips of tin1 cut to correspond with the openings4 ,the tins may be about two and a half inches wide4 ,their form1 and that of the slides1 is here shown4 ,l ,see ',collateral ,bee-boxes2 or a new1 easy1 and advantageous method of managing ,bees4' ,by ,stephen ,white1 ,holton1 ,suffolk1 ,london1 three editions1 #agef1 #agfc1 and #agfd4 ,illustration ,,nutt',s ,,collateral ,,hive4 ,the modes we have hitherto noticed as applicable to hives worked side by side suppose two to be employed2 but ,nutt1 a few years ago1 introduced three boxes1 as forming a set2 and these hives had their day1 where cost and space were not objects4,m ,m ,see ',humanity to ,honey ,bees4' ,by ,thomas ,nutt4 ,the three boxes are placed together collaterally1 with an entrance from the centre box to the side ones1 each way1 through what may be termed a grating2 which communication can either be open1 or cut off by means of a divider1 made of sheet tin1 pushed between4 ,the centre box ,nutt named the ,pavilion1 into which the bees must be hived1 and not afterwards disturbed4 ,as more space is required by the bees1 it is given by withdrawing the divider4 ,they then take possession of one or both of the side boxes1 which when filled can be removed4 ,there are holes on the top of the side boxes for the reception of ventilators4 ,in the construction of these hives the theory of ,nutt supposes that a warmer temperature is required in the seat of breeding from that in which comb-building and the storing of honey ought to take place1 than which no greater fallacy is possible1 as during the formation of a comb the bees cluster round it in masses1 to generate the highest degree of warmth4 ,by the agency of ventilation in his side boxes1 these are injuriously rendered cooler than the centre one2 a thermometer inserted within the ventilator determining the relative degrees of heat4,n ,n ,another point on which ,nutt laid much stress may be mentioned1 viz41 the supposed advantage to the bees in working on one level1 without the necessity of climbing1 as in storified hives4 ,i long thought this was indisputable4 ,further consideration led me more minutely to examine the habits of the bee in this respect1 and ,i became convinced that nature had given it equal facilities for moving in every direction4 ,a scientific correspondent thus writes on this subject3 ,i once propounded the question to a very eminent mathematician1 and his reply was1 that1 if any1 the difference was too minute to admit of calculation between the horizontal and the perpendicular movement2 it was1 in the language of the present day1 infinitesimal4 ,although few of ,nutt's positions have been found to stand the test of practice1 it ought not to be said that his crude speculations and rash assertions have been altogether without useful results1 as they undoubtedly led to farther investigation1 and several modern improvements had thus their origin4 ,illustration ,although at one time ,i inclined to the principle propounded by ,nutt1 yet in the working of his hives1 ,i found several disadvantages in their details4 ,i therefore1 for my own convenience1 altered in part the form1 and mode of communication between the boxes1 as shown in ,white's hive2 in the absence of a bee-house1 completing the fabric by the addition of an outer cover and weather-boarded roof4 ,the details of this hive have so frequently been repeated in former editions1 that a reference to the preceding engravings will now suffice to give a general idea of the ground and separated plan1 and elevation4 ,illustration ,the ventilators ,i constructed for my ,nutt's hive1 after trying various forms1 consist of double tin or zinc tubes1 both resting on a flanch or rim1 in the holes prepared for them on the top of the box1 usually near the back4 ,the outer tube is of one inch diameter1 and six inches long1 with six half-inch holes dispersed over it4 ,it is soon fixed down in its place by the bees1 and so must remain4 ,the inner tube is of perforated zinc1 with a projecting top as a handle1 and a cap to put on or off this1 as required4 ,the bees will stop up the inner tube where they can get at it1 when it may be turned round a little to present a new surface4 ,when wholly stopped1 it can be withdrawn from its place1 and a clean tube substituted4 ,a small thermometer fits within the inner tube4 ,the scientific apiarian1 with experimental objects in view1 will often find this kind of apparatus1 which is applicable to any plain box-hive1 of use4 ,illustration ,there is nothing to prevent the adoption1 in this hive1 of an entrance from beneath the floor-board1 in the way described at page #de4 ,in this case1 the portico and its adjuncts are superseded2 as seen below1 in an improved elevation4 ,,nadir ,,hive4 ,illustration3 ,elevation ,bees not unfrequently take advantage of a hole or crack in the floor of their domicile to commence building combs underneath it1 a position possessing some advantages4 ,deriving a hint from themselves1 ,i contrived what1 from this peculiarity1 ,i used to term by way of distinction a ,nadir ,hive1 the store box being placed underneath the stock1 coming out at the back1 as a drawer4 ,the details of construction of the ,nadir ,hive have appeared several times in our former editions1 but by way of illustrating the principle and methods of its application1 the engravings annexed will not be without their utility4 ,in practice ,i found no indisposition on the part of the bees to enter and work in the store drawer1 into which they have access through the floor-board above1 and which is in part made like that shown at page #gh4 ,it will be seen that the entire design supposes an out-door hive1 with a hipped cover4 ,the stock-box is enclosed by four panels1 moving up and down in grooves or rabbets1 cut in the corner pilasters1 the latter being attached to the box4 ,illustration3 ,separated ,plan4 ,illustration3 ,floor-board4 ,illustration3 ,nadir drawer and loose cover4 ,this mode of applying the ,nadir1 or rather ,nether principle1 must not be confounded with the usual plan of disturbing the stock-hive for the purpose of placing an empty one beneath it1 with a new entrance in the latter for the bees4 ,under such circumstances the ,queen will commonly descend and breed in the nadir1 which is converted into the stock1 occasioning much subsequent inconvenience4 ,i have not found such to be the case where the stock1 and the entrance into it1 is not interfered with2 and am inclined to believe that this adaptation of bottom-hiving is worthy of much more attention than it has received2 to say nothing of its simplicity1 safety in management1 and obvious convenience to the bees4 ,i will therefore proceed to show in what way it may be made applicable1 generally1 to the purposes of an apiary4 ,we have just pointed out that the mode we are now discussing differs from the ,nadir principle1 and by way of distinction1 the term ,nether will be used1 not only to mark the difference1 but as presenting a contrast to the opposite word ,super4 ,we are to suppose that the shelf on which the hives are ranged in a bee-house is perforated under the centre of each1 from back to front1 with an opening through1 three inches long1 and about three quarter inch wide4 ,the hive-board must be a separate loose one2 and it ought to lie flat on the shelf1 with a perforation similar to the other1 the holes in each coming together3 to ensure this the shelf can be marked4 ,by moving the hive-board 7which is best square7 a little sideways of this mark1 the position of the two holes is altered1 and the communication downwards becomes stopped2 always doing this cautiously1 to avoid injuring the bees4 ,or1 the same object is perhaps better attained by means of a narrow zinc or tin slide1 inserted from behind1 between the two boards1 moving in a groove ploughed its own thickness out of the shelf4 ,a reference to our last engraving sufficiently exhibits a box1 or rather drawer 7of suitable size71 which1 when in its place1 moves close on the underneath side of the bee-house shelf1 by means of blocks and runners2 drawing out at the back by a handle4 ,it may have a window and shutter1 but no entrance for the bees1 except downwards through the cover1 in which is an aperture1 corresponding in size and position with those in the boards above it4 ,it will be seen that the cover of the drawer is a moveable one1 of half inch board1 fitting down flush into it1 and resting at the four corners upon wire supports1 or small blocks1 placed the thickness of the cover1 across the angles4 ,the edges of the cover 7except at the corners7 are cut away just enough to admit of passing a knife-blade down1 to separate the combs from the sides1 when the whole may be lifted up1 with the combs attached4 ,the honey thus obtained is of the purest kind1 and ,i have known a large quantity made available with the least possible disturbance to the bees1 on removal4 ,the drawer may be sometimes further made useful for the purpose of feeding1 a trough being placed in it1 close up to the opening in the cover4 ,a small opening or perforation1 at or near the bottom of the drawer1 will give ventilation should it be needed4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #a4 ,,front4 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #a4 ,,back4 ,with a further view of facilitating the practice of under-hiving1 when favorable circumstances allow of it1 we will proceed to describe what ,i have termed a ,nether1 which may be used as an adjunct to a straw or any other hive1 as shown in the illustrations ,fig4 #a1 back and front4 ,it may be of half inch wood1 #aa or #aa-a_/b inches square withinside1 and #f to #g inches deep1 as circumstances require 7see ,fig4 #d74 ,it has a window and shutter at the back1 but neither a fixed top nor bottom1 these being moveable boards1 of half inch wood1 made to project half an inch beyond the ,nether box2 except that1 as respects the bottom board1 the projection is increased at the back1 with a view to give facilities on the removal of the ,nether4 7,see ,figs4 #c and #e47 ,to receive and enclose the ,nether1 there is an outer case or cover1 also of half inch wood1 #ac to #ac-a_/b inches square withinside1 made half an inch higher than the ,nether1 its top and bottom boards inclusive4 ,the outer case is closed on all sides except the top and back4 7,see ,fig4 #b47 ,upon it rests the floor-board of the stock-hive1 which may be of inch wood1 showing a projection all round of an inch1 except at the front1 where an additional three inches is given1 to form the alighting board1 this part bevelling forwards4 ,a square of half inch wood must be screwed to the under side of the floor-board1 of a size to drop easily within the square of the outer case1 and thus retaining it in its place4 ,between the two pieces of which the floor-board is composed1 a groove is ploughed out1 from front to back1 two inches wide1 to receive a zinc dividing slide1 pushing in from behind4 ,an opening1 about three inches long1 is cut through the floor-board1 towards the front1 and also through the cover of the ,nether1 to correspond1 so that a passage for the bees can be opened on withdrawing the divider4 7,see ,figs4 #f1 front and back47 ,illustration3 ,,fig4 #f4 ,,back3 #f4 ,,front3 #e1 #d1 #c1 #b ,a reversal of this proceeding enables possession or inspection to be had of the ,nether box1 by withdrawing it 7upon its bottom board7 from behind1 the stock-hive being entirely undisturbed by the operation4 ,it is well here to remark that experience has shown that it is seldom expedient to apply the ,nether principle to any but strong and populous stocks1 and especially in only moderately warm weather1 as otherwise the bees will prefer to follow the warmth upwards1 into a super4 ,on their first admission into the ,nether1 a few bees will often be lost in consequence of their inability to find the way out1 so that1 as a precaution1 a frequent inspection of the window is at such time desirable4 ,a small aperture behind1 at the bottom or side of the ,nether1 may be made1 as a mode of exit for the prisoners1 to be closed at pleasure4 ,,bee ,,sheds ,,and ,,houses4 ,under the head of ,hive-covers we have shown in what way exposed hives can be protected from the effects of weather2 and where only one or two of them are kept1 any of these might suffice4 ,the case1 however1 is altered when a well-stocked apiary is aimed at1 requiring a more complete provision for permanent safety4 ,for this purpose1 some proprietors like a covered shed or verandah1 in a well-screened spot1 partially open in the front only4 ,there should be ample space inside for a passage behind the hives1 which may be ranged far enough from the front to be beyond the reach of wet and too much sun4 ,at page #di1 is given a description of a ,hive-range well adapted for a position like this4 ,the common wooden bee-houses1 as usually constructed1 open in front1 and closed altogether behind1 retaining the sun's heat as an oven1 are objectionable4 ,these are frequently the receptacles of dirt and vermin1 and most inconvenient to operate in4 ,it would be an improvement to make them deeper backwards2 or with a falling front1 moving on hinges1 so that the hives can be recessed behind it1 away from the influence of weather4 ,at the back should be folding doors1 opening from top to bottom1 allowing a good access to the hives4 ,for greater convenience1 it is best only to have them in a single row1 with good head room4 ,but a still more desirable plan is to board up the front of the house entirely1 making oblong openings through for a passage to the bees1 with an exterior alighting board1 a good deal slanted downwards 7the bees preferring this to a flat surface74 ,the hives are arranged immediately behind1 upon a shelf1 the further apart the better1 as the bees occasionally mistake their own homes1 and fall a sacrifice in consequence4 ,this kind of house is capable of receiving some architectural form2 and1 with locked doors at the back1 gives better security than most others against depredation2 for hive-stealing is by no means rare1 in many localities4 ,illustration ,a spare room in a dwelling or an outhouse may often be fitted up to serve the purpose of an apiary1 with great convenience2 but a lower room is to be preferred1 as bees placed at a high elevation often fly a long distance before they alight when swarming1 or1 perhaps1 may settle on the top of a tree4 ,a shelf can be fixed along the wall1 with perforated passages facing the hives1 leading outside4 ,any space there may be between the mouth of the hive and the wall should be filled up by means of a suitably formed wooden block or covered passage1 well hollowed out on the underneath side2 admitting the bees freely through it into their dwelling1 but excluding them from the room itself1 and thus ensuring safety in operating4 ,even at a common window1 ,i have sometimes placed a stock-hive on a doubling-board2 the latter fitting within the frame of the window1 which is raised1 to admit of its being projected under the lower edge1 so that the bees have no admission except to their domicile4 ,illustration ,,position ,,and ,,aspect4 ,as regards position1 it is of great importance that an apiary should be as free from damp1 or the drippings of trees1 and as little exposed to the direct influence of the wind as possible1 for which end a sheltered nook on a low level is preferable to an elevated one4 ,a dry gravel1 or well-mown grass plot1 is often to be preferred2 closed in with evergreens1 especially the laurel and laurustinus1 which are much resorted to by the bees2 but always leaving an approach at the back of the hives4 ,let these not be placed too near water1 into which the bees are apt to fall or be blown2 and it is desirable that they should be within sight of some dwelling-house1 to prevent losses in swarming time4 ,the absence from noise and of bad smells ought to be studied2 for no sense in bees is so acute as that of scent4 ,disturbers of any kind1 as fowls1 dogs1 pigs1 c41 should be kept at a distance4 ,experience has shown that where bees are very extensively kept1 the apiary is best divided on the same premises1 so as not to have the whole crowded together2 often inconvenient1 particularly in the season of swarming4 ,nothing high enough to obstruct the direct flight of the bees should be allowed immediately in front of the hives2 but a few low plants are rather useful as resting-places2 for bees1 from fatigue1 often fall to the ground just on reaching home1 especially in an evening1 and numbers in consequence fall a prey to cold1 and various enemies4 ,many lives may be saved by spreading out a cloth or mat in front of a hive1 when this is observed4 ,shrubs or bushes1 at no great distance1 are convenient in the swarming season for the bees to alight upon2 and often prevent a longer flight1 or collecting on high trees1 c4 ,as regards aspect for bees1 many and conflicting have been the recommendations relative to it1 influenced by locality and climate4 ,so many circumstances have to be taken into account1 that it is difficult to lay down any rule of universal application1 and they have been known to prosper in all positions1 from due south to north4 ,we know that it has been sometimes advised to turn the hives from the sun in winter1 and to screen them from its direct rays in summer3 this has led to an opinion that a permanent north aspect is the best2 and often it is so4 ,still local considerations must have their weight1 and we are to look to these as regards shelter from cutting winds2 the more necessary where no sun reaches the front of the hives4 ,a north aspect need not necessarily be an exposed one in winter2 nor at other times one wholly uninfluenced by the effects of the sun4 ,we have recommended doors at the back of a bee-house1 by opening which at proper times1 in the case of a north frontage1 the sun's rays have access from behind1 with sufficiently good effect in producing a genial general warmth4 ,in forming a decision as to aspect1 we ought to take into account the position of buildings1 trees1 c41 for we have already observed that the flight of the bees from the hives should be uninterrupted4 ,moreover1 the kind of house must have its weight in the scale2 for where this is one closed at the front from the immediate influence of the sun1 aspect is of less importance4 ,dr4 ,bevan placed his hives around the interior of an octagon erection1 without perceiving any sensible difference in their well-doing4 ,it may1 however1 be remarked that1 occasionally1 in a hive exposed to the earliest rays of the sun1 the bees have been prematurely tempted out in the spring months1 and fallen victims to the effects of a damp and chilly atmosphere4 ,when once fixed1 do not move your bees1 the mischief of which is self-evident4 ,i cannot enforce this recommendation better than ,gelieu has done4 ,i have seen people1 says he1 shift about their hives very inconsiderately2 but change of place invariably weakens them1 as the bees will return to their old residence1 the environs of which are so familiar to them4 ,a hive should remain as fixed to the spot as the ancient oaks1 in the hollows of which they delight to establish themselves2 where they have their young1 their companions1 their beloved queen1 and all their treasures4 ,when the young bees take wing for the first time1 they do it with great precaution1 turning round and round1 and fluttering about the entrance1 to examine the hive well before taking flight4 ,they do the same in returning1 so that they may be easily distinguished1 conducting themselves nearly after the same manner as the workers of a newly-hived swarm4 ,when they have made a few excursions1 they set off without examining the locality2 and returning in full flight will know their own hive in the midst of a hundred others4 ,but if you change its place you perplex them1 much the same as you would be if1 during a short absence1 some one lifted your house and placed it a mile off4 ,the poor bees return loaded1 and1 seeking in vain for their habitation1 either fall down and perish with fatigue1 or throw themselves into the neighbouring hives1 where they are speedily put to death4 ,when hives are transported to a considerable distance1 there is no fear that the bees will return4 ,but this inconvenience would be sure to take place if they were removed only a few hundred paces from the spot they have been accustomed to4 ,the hive may not perish1 but it will be greatly weakened4 ,in my opinion1 if the situation is to be changed at all1 they should be taken at least a mile and a half4 ,this removal should only be attempted in winter or early spring1 under usual circumstances4 ,it might1 however1 happen that it was required to move a hive only a very short distance1 in the summer time2 when no harm would arise were the change of location made by daily shifting it a few inches4 ,,bee ,,pasturage1 ,,and ,,number ,,of ,,hives4 ,it is almost needless to say that on the nature and extent of the vegetable productions1 following in succession1 in the immediate neighbourhood of an apiary1 must mainly depend its prosperity4 ,after every care has been bestowed on all points of housing and management1 it is in vain to expect a large harvest of honey where nature has limited the sources of supply1 or restricted them to a particular season of the year4 ,the most highly-cultivated corn districts are rarely so favorable to bees as those in which wild commons1 woods1 and heathy moors prevail2 or where some such farm products as ,dutch clover1 trefoil1 saintfoin1 buck-wheat1 tares1 mustard1 colewort1 turnip and cabbage blossoms1 c41 do not enter largely into the staple of the country4 ,the neighbourhood of certain kinds of willows1 and of hazels1 in the opening spring1 is of great advantage to our little collectors in furnishing farina2 as also the blossoms of the furze1 broom1 bramble1 wild thyme1 c4 ,to these we may add the large early stores of honey and farina available from many of the products of our horticultural gardens and orchards1 as gooseberries1 currants1 raspberries1 apples1 pears1 plums1 and other fruits4 ,payne says1 ,i have always found the advantage of planting in the vicinity of my hives a large quantity of the common kinds of crocus1 single blue hepatica1 helleborus niger1 and tussilago petasites1 all of which flower early1 and are rich in honey and farina4 ,salvia memorosa 7of ,sir ,james ,smith71 which flowers very early in ,june1 and lasts all the summer1 is in an extraordinary manner sought after by the bees2 and1 when room is not an object1 twenty or thirty square yards of it may be grown with advantage4 ,origanum humile1 and origanum rubescens 7of ,haworth71 and mignonette may also be grown4 ,cuscuta sinensis is a great favorite with them2 and the pretty little plant anacampseros populifolium1 when in flower1 is literally covered by them4 ,garden cultivation1 beyond this1 exclusively for bees1 ,i believe answers very little purpose4 ,it will follow as a matter of course from what we have said1 that the size of an apiary in any district must be mainly determined by circumstances4 ,in some seasons1 so prolific a harvest of blossoms and honey comes all at once1 that a large number of hives may abundantly be filled together4 ,the locality must be the chief guide2 and ,i have known instances where fewer stocks would have yielded a much better return2 for one rich colony is worth more than two or three half-starved ones4 ,the distance to which bees will resort during the honey harvest has been the subject of controversy2 some limiting their flight to one mile1 and others extending it to three or four4 ,when pressed for stores1 they will doubtless fly a long distance1 directed probably by their very acute sense of smell2 but ,i am inclined to believe1 with ,dr4 ,dunbar1 that the ordinary range of their excursions is comprised within the radius of a comparatively small circle4 ,illustration ,,summer ,,management4 ,the question has often been put to me1 ,how and at what time can an apiary be best commenced8 ,some remarks in reference to this subject will be found under the heads both of ,autumnal and ,spring ,management4 ,at present the reader is supposed to have been put in possession of a prime swarm1 in the season1 which is the best method of stocking a new hive of whatever kind1 and the earlier the better4,o ,on this head we may with advantage quote the words of ,mr4 ,golding4 ,notwithstanding1 says he1 all that has been said about tenanting hives by the removal of the bees of other hives into them1 there is no plan so safe or certain as peopling them by good early swarms4 ,when these are brought from a distance1 it should be on the day in which they are hived1 and in a cloth of coarse texture1 which should be tied round near the bottom of the hive1 so as to prevent the escape of the bees4 ,tie up the cloth by its corners over the top of the hive2 and1 if carried by the hand1 or properly suspended1 a swarm may be removed in this manner for miles4 ,o ,all careful bee proprietors will take the precaution to record the weight of the empty hive1 and of its floor-board1 before stocking it2 a matter of subsequent importance in ascertaining the contents4 ,a journal1 also1 recording dates1 and the various operations of the hive1 as they arise1 will be useful in many ways4 ,all experienced apiculturists know that no colony of bees thrives1 or works so well1 as one that is populous at the outset4 ,should any doubt exist on this point1 it is often expedient to unite a second smaller swarm to the first1 but this can only be attempted within a few days1 before many combs are made1 or mischief would result4 ,our recommendation applies with greater force in a late season1 or to the case of second swarms1 which are rarely strong enough1 separately1 to collect sufficient winter stores4 ,of the mode of proceeding in effecting these junctions we shall hereafter speak1 when treating of ,uniting ,swarms1 under the section ,spring ,management4 ,the plan originally proposed in the ,bee-keeper's ,manual supposes1 as has before been intimated1 an arrangement embracing directions for the management of an apiary1 according to the order of the seasons4 ,our legitimate commencement1 therefore1 must practically date from the separate existence of the recently established colony2 noticing1 as we proceed1 the various substances stored or used in a hive1 and collected more or less abundantly1 according to circumstances and season4 ,should the weather now be fine1 operations are commenced with astonishing activity1 the bees being at first solely intent on preparing their new dwelling for its intended objects--the rearing of young1 and storing supplies for the future requirements of the family4 ,if1 however1 circumstances are such as to prevent them from quitting the hive for several successive days following swarming1 and before provision is accumulated1 recourse to feeding becomes expedient1 or starvation might ensue4 ,under any circumstances1 some apiculturists have advised giving honey1 or a syrup of sugar1 to a newly-hived colony4 ,it is well known that1 on leaving the parent stock1 the bees carry with them a good deal of honey4 ,there is little doubt that the main object in this provident proceeding is to enable them at once to commence the work of building3 this they do almost as soon as they are hived1 a piece of comb being frequently made on the same day1 which is as quickly appropriated1 either as a receptacle of honey or of eggs1 if the ,queen is already fertile4 ,where a young ,queen has accompanied the swarm1 such is not always the case1 and this occasions a delay in laying of several days4 ,the entrance of the hive should now 7and at all times when the bees are at full work7 be opened to its whole extent4,p ,p ,to the spectator the view of a recent swarm is animated in the extreme1 and probably suggested the ,,song ,,of ,,the ,,bees4 ,we watch for the light of the morn to break1 ,and colour the gray eastern sky ,with its blended hues of saffron and lake2 ,then say to each other1 ,awake1 awake6 ,for our winter's honey is all to make1 ,and our bread for a long supply4 ,then off we hie to the hill and the dell1 ,to the field1 the wild-wood and bower2 ,in the columbine's horn we love to dwell1 ,to dip in the lily1 with snow-white bell1 ,to search the balm in its odorous cell1 ,the thyme and the rosemary flower4 ,we seek for the bloom of the eglantine1 ,the lime1 pointed thistle1 and brier2 ,and follow the course of the wandering vine1 ,whether it trail on the earth supine1 ,or round the aspiring tree-top twine1 ,and reach for a stage still higher4 ,as each for the good of the whole is bent1 ,and stores up its treasure for all1 ,we hope for an evening with hearts content1 ,for the winter of life1 without lament ,that summer is gone1 with its hours misspent1 ,and the harvest is past recall6 ,wax and ,combs4--,the material of which the combs are so curiously formed is wax1 secreted by the bees themselves1 and not any substance directly conveyed into the hive1 as is generally1 but erroneously1 supposed4 ,its component parts are carbon1 oxygen1 and hydrogen4 ,to enable them to form this secretion1 the workers must have access to honey or some other saccharine matter2 and this is the first thing sought by a new colony4 ,the quantity required is very great1 it being estimated that thirteen to twenty pounds are necessary to make one pound of wax4 ,the common opinion is1 that the substance often seen adhering so abundantly to the legs of bees is wax1 and as such is the basis of the combs4 ,has it never appeared strange to the observer of a new swarm1 that at the time when comb-building is proceeding more rapidly than at any other period1 the bees are loaded with but little of this substance8 ,on the other hand1 is it not equally clear1 that in the early spring1 when few or no combs are constructed1 they carry it into the hive with the utmost avidity8 ,to see the wax-pockets in the hive-bee1 observes ,kirby and ,spence1 you must press the abdomen1 so as to cause its distension2 you will then find on each of the four intermediate ventral segments1 separated by the carina or elevated central part1 two trapeziform whitish pockets1 of a soft membranaceous texture2 on these the lamin of wax are formed1 in different states1 more or less perceptible4 ,whenever combs are wanted1 says ,dr4 ,bevan1 bees fill their crops with honey1 and1 retaining it in them1 hang together in a cluster from the top of the hive1 and remain apparently in a state of profound inactivity about twenty-four hours4 ,during this time1 the wax is secreted1 and may be seen in lamin1 under the abdominal scales1 whence it is removed by the hind legs of the bee1 and transferred to the fore legs2 from them it is taken by the jaws1 and after being masticated1 the fabrication of comb commences4 ,an extraordinary degree of heat always accompanies comb-building1 supplied no doubt by the large quantity of oxygen at that time generated4 ,in the height of the honey season1 ,dr4 ,dunbar observes1 in one day the bees will construct no fewer than #djjj cells4 ,the whole structure is so delicately thin1 that three or four of their sides1 placed upon one another1 have no more thickness than a leaf of common paper4 ,the best authorities have estimated that about half a pound of wax is yielded to fifteen pounds of honey4 ,the form and number of the combs in a hive vary considerably1 the bees adapting them according to the shape of their domicile1 so as to fit and fill in every part1 and often very irregularly4 ,at first they are beautifully white1 but soon1 from the heat of the hive1 become tinged1 and finally turn nearly black4 ,the worker-breeding cells are made the first3 they are invariably hexagonal in form1 and of one uniform size and depth2 but those intended only for the storing of honey are often somewhat larger and elongated2 sometimes more so on one side than the other4 ,a small dip or inclination upwards is given to the cells1 the better to prevent the honey from running out1 assisted1 moreover1 by a small bar or thickened border of wax1 at the entrances4 ,the cells in which the drones are bred are larger in diameter than the common ones1 and they are generally placed nearer the outside of the hive1 though occasionally joined on to the others4 ,when this takes place1 our little architects have the sagacity to interpose two or three rows of cells of an intermediate size1 gradually enlarged to the proper dimensions4 ,in this1 as in everything else1 the bees adapt their operations according to circumstances2 constructing their combs1 either by suspending them from the top of their dwelling1 or occasionally by working them from the bottom1 upwards4 ,propolis4--,to attach the combs firmly in their place1 the bees employ a pliable substance of balsamic odour1 called propolis1 a glutinous exudation from certain trees1 or their buds1 of a grayish colour1 which they collect immediately on swarming1 blending with it a portion of wax4 ,with this material they varnish the lids of the closed honey-cells1 glue up all crevices in the hive1 and cement it down to the floor4 ,honey4--,we have seen that the first want of the swarm is honey1 for the purpose of comb-building4 ,this valuable article the bees collect1 by means of their proboscis1 from the nectaries of certain flowers1 from whence it derives a higher or less degree of flavour1 together with its colouring matter2 sometimes nearly transparent1 to various shades of brown4 ,they receive it into their first stomach or honey-bag1 the greater portion being subsequently regurgitated into the cells1 employing for the purpose those of both workers and drones4 ,as these become severally filled1 they are coated over or sealed with a thin covering of wax4 ,the honey-cells1 when thus closed1 are distinguishable from those containing brood1 by being whiter in appearance1 and often slightly concave4 ,the brood-cells are more coloured1 besides being a little convex4 ,in some seasons honey is abundantly collected when in the state of what is termed honey-dew1 a viscous substance found adhering to the leaves of particular trees1 especially the oak4 ,this only occurs in certain years1 for in others it is found very sparingly1 or not at all4 ,pollen1 or ,farina4--,the hive will be rapidly filled with combs1 and progressively with an increased population1 for the eggs1 as we have seen in page #ac1 are matured in three weeks4 ,in the mean time1 the bees will have commenced a new labour--that of collecting pollen or farina4 ,this is the anther-dust of the stamina of flowers1 varying in colour according to the source from whence it is derived2 and it may be remarked that the bees in their collection never mix together the pollen of different plants1 but in each excursion visit only one species of flower4 ,by a peculiar adaptation1 they are enabled to brush this off1 and pack it into the spoon-like cavities 7or baskets as they have been termed71 furnished for this object1 on the centre joint of their hind legs2 being often1 as has been already pointed out1 mistaken for wax4 ,the powder or meal thus conveyed into the hive is by other bees afterwards kneaded up into paste1 and stored for use in the worker cells1 adjoining those containing brood4 ,to preserve it from the air1 a small portion of honey is put on the top of each cell1 coated over with wax4 ,thus prepared1 it is a very heavy substance2 and this often leads to a false estimate of the value of a hive2 for the annual collection of pollen has been variously estimated at thirty to one hundred pounds in a single family4 ,naturalists are1 ,i believe1 pretty well agreed that the store of pollen or farina is used 7with a mixture of honey and water7 chiefly for feeding the larv2 though a portion of such compound may form1 occasionally1 the sustenance of the bees themselves4 ,indeed1 it has been asserted that pollen is often found in the stomach of bees engaged in the fabrication of wax4 ,water4--,at certain dry periods1 but always in the breeding time1 bees require a supply of water1 which is necessary in preparing the farina and honey for the brood1 as well as to enable them to secrete wax4 ,if no pond or brook is within a reasonable distance1 a shallow vessel will do1 filled frequently to the brim1 having a piece of thin perforated wood floating on it and covering the whole surface2 or it may be filled with moss or pebbles1 pouring in water to the top1 and placing it near the apiary4 ,precaution is necessary1 for the bees easily slip into the water and are drowned4 ,so essential is water1 that it has been recommended to place a supply1 early in the year1 within the hive4 ,shade4--,it has already been observed that out-door hives ought not to be left exposed to the mid-day and afternoon sun in sultry weather2 the heat not only rendering the bees extremely irascible1 but subjecting the combs to melting1 and especially in wooden boxes1 with most disastrous consequences4 ,in all such cases it is well1 therefore1 to give the comfort of a mat1 or something of the kind1 thrown over them4 ,in the words of ,gelieu1 they delight best in thick forests1 because they there find a uniform temperature and a propitious shade4 ,it is a mistake to suppose that bees exposed to the sun produce the earliest and strongest swarms3 ,i have often experienced the reverse4 ,bees like the shade when working1 and the sun only when in the fields4 ,moths1 ,wasps1 ,hornets1 and other ,enemies4--,in the warm summer evenings1 bees are often much annoyed by the attempted inroads of moths1 particularly the small ,wax ,moth 7,tinea ,mellonella71 of a whitish gray colour4 ,these are sometimes formidable foes1 and their appearance at dusk on the alighting-board is the signal for a commotion4 ,it is difficult to eject them if they obtain a footing in a hive1 where they will deposit their eggs1 spinning their silken webs1 and they now and then increase so as to cause its entire destruction4 ,when these vermin have established themselves1 there is no remedy but driving the bees into another hive4 ,to prevent the ingress of these troublesome invaders1 it is sometimes desirable for an hour or two in an evening to close the entrance1 by placing before it a screen of gauze1 wire-grating1 or perforated zinc1 to be removed at dark4,q ,q ,a difficulty sometimes occurs when it is necessary to confine bees1 or drive them into the hive1 as the alighting-board is often covered with them in an evening1 and the numbers are increased on the least alarm4 ,in this case take a small watering-pot1 and gently sprinkle the board and entrance1 when the bees1 mistaking this for rain1 will retire withinside4 ,poultry1 and some kinds of birds1 are destroyers of bees2 and many1 that from weakness or other causes fall to the ground1 become a sacrifice to them4 ,in particular1 that little marauder1 the ,blue ,tomtit or ,titmouse 7,parus major of ,linnus71 must not be tolerated4 ,in summer he will devour bees1 and feed his young with them2 and in winter he will even try to force an entrance into the hive4,r ,rats and mice must also be guarded against1 as well as slugs and snails4 ,r ,in some parts these birds are very numerous2 and poison has been found efficacious1 placed at the hive mouth1 in little balls of lard1 oatmeal1 and nux vomica1 mixed together4 ,the nests of wasps ought to be destroyed3 from their superiority in strength and activity1 they are very annoying1 and often destructive1 to bees towards the end of summer2 and the nuisance must forthwith be met by contracting the entrance to the hive1 when the passage is more readily defended4,s ,in this place it may be well to draw attention to a very simple mode of dealing with wasps attacking a hive4 ,we shall have occasion hereafter to notice the fondness of bees for barley-sugar3 let a piece of this be laid across1 or just within1 the entrance of the hive1 so as greatly to narrow it4 ,this is so attractive to the bees1 that they muster at the door in greater force than the wasps durst venture to assail4 ,as fast as the fortification is devoured1 it ought to be renewed1 and the out-generalled enemy will retire from a hopeless contest4 ,s ,amongst well-informed apiculturists an apology might seem to be necessary in referring to so bigoted an author as ,huish2 but ,huber's observations on some of the habits of bees have frequently been the subject of his ignorant ridicule2 and particularly where he says that they occasionally erect barricades1 for greater security4 ,mr4 ,golding has given a confirmation of ,huber's assertion4 ,he says1 ,at the end of summer1 a kind of curtain1 apparently a compound of wax and propolis1 and about a sixteenth of an inch thick1 was erected before the entrance of one of my hives2 about two inches and a half in length1 and half an inch in height1 with the exception of a small aperture at each end4 ,dr4 ,bevan1 in the ',honey-,bee1' exhibits a drawing of this piece of fortification4 ,my own experience is perfectly conclusive1 as the following extract from my journal will show3--,july #ca1 #ahdb4 ,weather fine4 ,removed a box of honey from a collateral hive4 ,the wasps had been troublesome for some days1 and as the entrance to the centre box was left fully open1 the bees had contracted it for better defence4 ,a thin wall of what appeared to be propolis was attached from the upper edge of the doorway1 extending along its centre1 and closing all up but a space of about three quarters of an inch at each end4 ,i never witnessed a more convincing proof of the sagacity of the bees than this beautiful proceeding4 ,so runs my journal2 to which ,i may add1 that the entrance to the box1 so contracted1 was five inches in length1 and three eighths of an inch high2 or double that of ,mr4 ,golding's4 ,from the hint thus derived from the bees themselves1 ,i constructed the moveable blocks or mouth-pieces described and shown at page #dd4 ,insects of all kinds1 as earwigs1 spiders1 wood-lice1 c41 should be cleared away from the hives and stands1 and ants' nests destroyed4 ,cobwebs must not be permitted to remain1 or numerous deaths would ensue to the bees from entanglement in them4 ,in short1 we may sum up by a general recommendation of cleanliness1 in every way1 and the removal of whatever serves as a harbour to dirt and vermin4 ,super-hiving4--,should the weather continue favorable for honey-gathering1 the colony must be inspected in about three weeks from the time of hiving4 ,indeed in sultry weather1 and where the swarm is a large one1 it is often politic to place a glass or small super upon it very soon1 as a ventilator1 to moderate the temperature1 and prevent the clustering of the bees at the mouth of the hive4 ,if the combs are worked pretty nearly down to the floor1 and the cells in a good measure filled1 no time should be lost in supplying additional working-room2 more especially if symptoms of crowding are apparent1 for by this time young bees are coming forth4 ,we may here observe that many experienced bee-keepers object to supering in the case of a new colony1 preferring to give the requisite room at the bottom1 by means of a ,nadir2 which1 as the bees carry their stores upwards1 often ensures abundance in the stock-hive1 the nadir being removed in the autumn4 ,under the head ,depriving ,system1 are some remarks as to the mode of using nadirs2 as also under that of ,nadir ,hive1 and ,nadiring ,stocks4 ,illustration ,bell-glasses4--,as these are commonly formed1 nothing can be more objectionable3 inconveniently high and narrow1 a few misshapen combs are all that can be packed into the space2 and these are afterwards only to be extracted by a general mash4 ,the same remark applies to all supers1 of any material1 where breadth of surface enough is not afforded for a large number of bees to cluster and labour at one time4 ,can it be a matter of wonder1 that a chimney-formed vessel should be twice as long in being filled 7supposing that the bees do not forsake it7 as a broad one1 in which a genial warmth is concentrated1 and where several combs can be in progress simultaneously8 ,a reversal of the usual proportions1 both in straw and glass supers1 is therefore to be recommended4 ,the latter may advantageously be from nine to eleven inches across2 the depth being about half the diameter3 straight at the sides1 and flat on the top4 ,a piece or two of guide-comb1 slightly melted1 and fixed by its edge to the top of the glass1 previously made warm1 will serve as an attraction2 or in a large glass1 four or eight pieces1 radiating from the centre uniformly1 will direct the bees in working with a regular design1 producing a pleasing effect4 ,a useful adjunct to a glass is a small circular tube of perforated zinc1 having a rim round its upper end1 by which it is held suspended within a small hole on the top4 ,it should be long enough to reach nearly down to the level of the floor4 ,to the tube1 when a little warmed1 a narrow piece of guide-comb will adhere1 and act as an attraction to the bees3 it will be further useful as a central support to the loaded combs4 ,whatever may be said as to the pleasing appearance of glass supers1 it is doubtful whether in point of utility and economy they can compete with those of straw1 made as directed under the head of ,straw ,depriving ,hives1 and which can readily be packed and sent to a distance1 if needed3 or shallow supers1 as wide as the stock-hive admits1 may be cheaply made by means of a wood hoop1 three or four inches deep1 on which is fixed a thin top1 by two or three small screws4 ,these are readily withdrawn1 when the top can be lifted up with the combs suspended4 ,under the head ,circular ,wooden ,hives are some remarks on the subject of wood supers4 ,in the use of ,glasses it is always well at first to prevent the escape of warmth1 especially at night1 till the bees are well established in their new work-room2 and the admission of light is best avoided4 ,a little ventilation afterwards1 in sultry weather1 is desirable2 which may be given by slightly wedging up the lower edge of the super4 ,if a double adapter is in use1 it is easy to insert a slip or two of tin or zinc between the two boards1 so as to keep them a little separated1 for the passage of air1 when it seems necessary4 ,sometimes it is even advisable to introduce between the stock and the super a very shallow box1 as a moderator of the temperature4 ,i have found1 by experiment with the thermometer1 that at a temperature between #ie and #ajj1 the combs will soften so much as to be in danger of collapsing4 ,triplets and ,nadirs4--,in good seasons and localities1 the first super is sometimes filled in time to admit of the introduction of another 7or triplet71 on an adapter1 observing the rules laid down at page #cb4 ,but even where the first super is completely filled1 it is often politic not to remove it for a few days1 as its attraction induces the bees to occupy the triplet4 ,on the other hand1 if from any cause a super has been left only partially filled upon one hive1 it may be removed 7the bees being first ejected71 and placed upon some other for completion4 ,instead of a separate triplet1 an addition may often be made to the first super1 especially if of straw1 by placing beneath it an eke1 consisting merely of two or three bands of the same material2 in fact a hoop4 ,this will save the bees the labour of laying the foundations of fresh combs1 as they have but to continue the old ones downwards4 ,we may here call attention to what has been said at page #fb1 respecting the use of box1 ,no4 #c1 of the bar-hive1 and of ,nadiring4 ,after the main honey season is over1 which is usually as soon as the dry ,july weather sets in1 it is useless1 in most localities1 to give any further extension of working room2 and1 indeed1 from the end of this month there is1 under common circumstances1 often rather a diminution than an increase of store4 ,in proportion to the wealth of the colony is the determination of the bees to defend it2 and their irascibility and vigilance are now greater than heretofore1 the strongest stocks showing it the most4 ,the work of the year being pretty well over1 all their attention is turned towards home4 ,they become more and more suspicious1 and the less they are approached or annoyed the better2 for they are slow to forget or forgive an injury4 ,,autumnal ,,management4 ,much of what has been said in the preceding section is equally applicable in practice to the later periods of the summer4 ,the month of ,august is usually associated with the collection of harvest4 ,though this may often hold good as regards honey1 yet the storified or doubled stocks of the spring are commonly ready for deprivation at an earlier period1 occasionally in ,may1 and so on throughout ,july2 the spring-gathered honey being usually to be preferred in point of quality4 ,i know of no better rule as to the fitness of a super1 or side hive1 for removal1 than an observation of the state of the combs and cells1 which ought to be completely filled and sealed over1 to prevent a loss of honey by running out4 ,in this stage the sooner it is appropriated the better1 as a longer continuance only leads to discoloration4 ,as respects a colony of the same year1 ,dr4 ,bevan remarks1 as a general rule1 no honey should be taken from a colony the first season of its being planted1 though there may be an extraordinary season now and then1 which may justify a departure from this rule3 the produce in such a case is usually denominated virgin honey1 though that term is often applied indiscriminately to any in combs free from brood4 ,but in any event the stock-hive should be previously examined1 for there is a disposition in bees to carry their stores into a super1 though afterwards they sometimes remove it into the stock-hive4 ,in cases where doubt exists as to a sufficiency of winter store1 it is often well to allow them to do this2 recollecting the further advice of ,dr4 ,bevan1 that1 it should be an invariable rule never to remove an upper box or hive till an under one be quite full2 nor to diminish the weight of a stock-box below seventeen or eighteen pounds1 exclusive of the box itself4 ,to remove a full ,box or ,super4--,the middle of a sunny day may be recommended as the best time to take away for deprivation a box or glass of honey4 ,the mode usually adopted is at once to remove it from its position to a distance from the stock-hive1 and there get rid of the bees4 ,i have often found it well to reverse this proceeding4 ,whether the box to be taken is a collateral or storified one1 let the communication from the parent hive be previously cut off1 and without any jarring4 ,entire quietness is the main requisite4 ,gently lift up the super on one side1 inserting under it a small wedge or two1 so as just to allow an exit for the bees4 ,the position of the queen bee will soon become apparent4 ,if she is not in the super 7and she seldom is there after it is filled71 the silence that at first prevailed will be exchanged for a murmuring hum1 attended by a commotion among the bees2 and they shortly after begin to quit the super1 without attempting any attack4 ,should the queen be present1 however1 a very different scene would ensue1 and a hubbub would then commence in the stock-hive2 though the loss of their queen is sometimes not discovered by the bees for a considerable time4 ,in such a case1 the box must be reinstated in its former position1 and the communication reopened till some other day4 ,the process might happen to be complicated by the presence of brood1 for this the bees leave very reluctantly1 and often not at all4 ,in an emergency of this kind1 it is best to restore matters to their previous state1 and let the super remain till the brood is perfected4 ,a little patience is sometimes necessary3 but all attempts at ejection of the bees by tapping1 smoking1 or driving usually do more harm than good4 ,so long as they continue to leave the super1 it may remain where it is1 for on these occasions young bees are sometimes numerous2 and if the super is removed1 though only to a short distance1 these are in part lost1 not having become sufficiently acquainted with the position of their home2 or1 if they enter a wrong hive1 they pay the penalty with their lives4 ,this freedom from disturbance has the further good effect of preventing in a great degree the intrusion of robber bees1 readily distinguishable from the others by their hovering about the box1 instead of flying from it4 ,these are strangers from various quarters1 immediately attracted by the scent attending the removal of a full box or glass4 ,should a few of these plunderers once obtain a taste or sample of the honey1 they speedily convey the good news to their associates1 when large reinforcements from every hive in the neighbourhood will be at once on the alert1 and quickly leave nothing behind but empty combs4 ,let the separated super1 therefore1 not be left or lost sight of1 but if scented out by robbers1 be conveyed into some room or out-building to prevent a general battle2 and which might extend itself to all the neighbouring hives4 ,the remaining bees may here be brushed out1 escaping by the window or door4 ,mr4 ,golding has sometimes found the advantage of using for the purpose a darkened room1 with the exception of a very small aperture1 to which the bees will fly and make their exit4 ,others like to remove a super at once to a short distance from the stock-hive1 leaving it shut up in perfect darkness1 for an hour or two4 ,its edge is then raised up1 when the bees will evacuate it4 ,in the case of a bar-hive super1 after most of the bees have left it1 it can be placed across a couple of rails or sticks1 when the top cover may be unscrewed and detached4 ,it is then readily cleared of bees by brushing them downwards between the bars1 with a feather or a twig4 ,the same general directions apply when a full glass is to be removed4 ,if it stands on a double adapter1 a piece of tin or zinc can be inserted between them1 and the upper part then lifted with the glass4 ,payne1 however1 says1 ,i have found the process much simplified by placing an empty box between the glass and the parent hive1 and leaving it a few hours4 ,the bees by that time have quitted the glass1 and by this plan robbing is entirely prevented1 whilst the bees are less irritated4 ,it might occasionally happen that a piece of comb had been worked upwards1 so as to be connected with the underneath hive1 and thus causing a difficulty on attempting a separation4 ,there is no better way of meeting such an emergency than by passing a bit of fine wire beneath the lower edge of the super1 from side to side1 and thus cutting through the obstruction4 ,it may be well to observe that on removal1 the box or glass ought to be kept in its original position1 to prevent the honey1 which at first is thin and fluid1 from running out of the cells1 and especially in hot weather4 ,honey ,harvest4--,as regards the quantity of honey to be taken from a hive in any one year1 there can1 in our uncertain climate1 be no general rule1 though now and then ,i have known a very large amount obtained by deprivation4 ,payne says1 as the result of his own experience with depriving hives1 ,it is usual to obtain from every good stock twenty or perhaps thirty pounds of honey annually4 ,this would be thought too high an estimate1 in many districts2 as in my own1 near ,london4 ,it must be remembered that honey thus harvested sells at a higher rate than that procured by suffocating the bees1 as in the common single hives2 for then the brimstone not only imparts a disagreeable flavour1 but there is no means of preventing the intermixture with the honey more or less of pollen and brood4 ,after deprivation1 the sooner the honey is drained from the comb the better1 as it soon thickens1 particularly if not kept warm4 ,for the purpose of straining it off1 a hair sieve is commonly used1 within which the combs are inverted2 the waxen seals on both sides being first sliced off4 ,the honey will of course run off the sooner if placed before a fire1 but exposure to heat is injurious to fine flavour4 ,we may here resort to the advice of ,payne1 who says1 the honey should be put into jars1 quite filled1 and tied down with a bladder2 for exposure to the air1 even for a few hours1 very much deteriorates its flavour4 ,i may observe that honey in the combs keeps remarkably well1 if folded in writing paper1 sealed up to exclude the air1 and kept dry4 ,illustration ,illustration ,comb-knives4--,a difficulty sometimes arises in extracting the combs from common hives or boxes4 ,a large spatula will separate them from the sides1 but to detach them from the top1 an instrument of a different kind is requisite4 ,the one often preferred is simply a bar of steel about fourteen inches in total length1 half an inch wide1 and an eighth of an inch thick4 ,at one end it is bent at a right angle with the handle1 and at the other at an angle of #hj or #ij4 ,the part thus turned up is in both cases an inch and a half long1 rather less than half an inch wide1 and made spear-pointed1 or lancet-shaped2 sharp on both sides1 to cut either way4 ,the one end is used when the top of the hive is flat2 and the other is adapted to the common dome-formed roof4 ,another useful instrument is the one employed in detaching the combs from the bar-hives1 made as recommended by ,mr4 ,golding1 with a double-edge blade1 an inch and a half long1 and three eighths of an inch wide2 turned at right angles from the end of a rod1 which may be of quarter-inch square iron4 ,for occasional convenience1 the other end may be turned the flat way1 sharpened at both edges4 ,robbers4--,should an attack upon a hive from strange bees take place1 which sometimes occurs at this season 7the strong robbing the weak71 no time ought to be lost in narrowing the entrance1 for if allowed to continue a day or two the ruin of the family might be the consequence4 ,indeed1 it is always well gradually to do this as the working season draws to a close4 ,an assault from robber bees is often a much more formidable evil than one from wasps1 although it is said that one of these is a match for three bees4 ,unless the colony is very weak1 they are usually soon expelled1 if the methods pointed out at page #aag are resorted to4 ,not so with bees1 for if but one or two strangers gain admittance into a hive they will return again and again1 always with an accession of force2 and for a day or two it is often necessary entirely to close the entrance against them1 opening it only at night4 ,in such case the robber bees will sometimes collect in vast numbers at the mouth of the hive1 when a shower from a watering-pot will send them away to dry themselves4 ,the thieves are generally distinguishable2 and they are often cunning enough to commence their marauding practices early in the morning and late at night4 ,a supply of honey given on the top1 or even sprinkled among the combs of contending hives1 will often divert the attention of the combatants2 or smoke is sometimes effectual1 puffed into both hives4 ,if fighting recommences on the succeeding day1 the smoking should be repeated1 followed by a feed of honey4 ,others have found it advantageous to remove for some days a plundered hive to a distance2 or even to make the belligerent hives change places in the apiary2 which1 as a friend remarked to me1 gives a new turn to their ideas of meum and tuum4 ,a ,german proprietor1 after removing an attacked stock1 put in its place a hive filled with wormwood leaves1 so distasteful to the robbers that they forsook the spot1 when the stock was brought back again4 ,autumnal ,feeding4--,all labour is now usually suspended for the year1 and it remains to see that ample provision is laid up for the coming winter and spring4 ,there ought not to be less than seventeen to twenty pounds of honey in a hive of the same year2 but in the case of an old one1 eight or ten pounds more must be allowed in estimating the weight2 for old combs are much heavier than new ones2 besides that they are a good deal filled with stale pollen1 and sometimes contain candied honey1 of no use to the bees4,t ,in a healthy stock there should be no scarcity of food1 if the season has been tolerable4 ,the worst1 however1 must be provided for2 and if1 from any cause1 it should be necessary1 recourse must be had to supplying the deficiencies of nature4 ,a stock of bees1 observes ,dr4 ,bevan1 generally consumes from a pound to a pound and a half of honey per month1 betwixt the first of ,october and the first of ,march4 ,from this time to the end of ,may1 they will consume double that quantity4 ,t ,in reference to this part of our subject1 it may be useful to quote the following estimate1 as given by ,dr4 ,dunbar3--,a common straw hive weighs1 when empty1 from five to six pounds2 an ordinary swarm about four pounds2 the wax of a full hive of the current year1 nearly two pounds2 of the preceding year1 at least three pounds2 and the farina in the cells1 not less than one pound2 making in all about fifteen pounds4 ,a stock1 therefore1 to be secure1 ought to be double that weight in the gross2 that is1 should contain not less than fifteen pounds of honey4--,naturalists' ,library4 ,the requisite feeding to make up the winter store ought not to be delayed later than the beginning of ,october1 and the weather should be fine4 ,food must never be placed in the open air1 but under a cover2 otherwise the smell would attract wasps or1 what is worse1 strange bees2 in the latter case a battle generally following4 ,feeding-troughs4--,the feeding of bees1 though apparently a simple matter1 is often a troublesome process1 and without due precaution sometimes leads to a good deal of commotion4 ,the common swarming hives present much difficulty1 from their construction4 ,having no opening at the crown1 the clumsy and dangerous mode must be resorted to of bottom-feeding1 in any way possible2 either by tearing up the hive for every supply of food1 or by means of an eke1 pushed for the purpose beneath it4 ,an improved hive gives facilities for presenting food on the top1 obviating these inconveniences2 and where it may be supplied in any quantity1 without disturbance2 at the same time that it is inaccessible to all enemies4 ,illustration ,when there is a hole in the centre of the top of the hive1 a trough may be used1 made of tin or zinc1 seven or eight inches square1 and one inch and a quarter deep2 having a circular two-inch hole in the middle of the bottom1 with a rim round it1 standing up half an inch1 through which the bees enter the pan from below4 ,another circular rim or partition1 as large in diameter as the square of the pan will admit1 is soldered down within it at the four points where it touches the sides4 ,it must not go down to the bottom1 but a space should there be left of nearly an eighth of an inch1 as a passage for the food1 which is poured in at the four angles4 ,a perforated thin wooden bottom or float is fitted loosely into the pan1 between the circles1 removing an objection sometimes made against the chilling effects of metal upon bees4 ,the float should be a little raised by means of two thin strips of wood1 appended below1 to allow the liquid to flow beneath4 ,a cover is made by a piece of glass1 resting on the larger circle1 but cut nearly octagonal in form1 so as to leave the corners open4 ,the circle on which the glass rests should be an eighth of an inch lower than the outer rim4 ,in making a trough of this kind1 it is sometimes customary to append beneath it a central descending rim or tube1 fitting down into the hole on the top of the hive4 ,this is worse than useless1 and it is in the way on the removal of the pan2 on which occasion it is expedient to push beneath it a piece of sheet tin or zinc1 to stop the communication from below4 ,such a pan is perhaps made more readily without the inner circle2 in which case1 all that is needed for pouring in the food is a partition going nearly down to the bottom1 so as to cut off a portion at one corner4 ,the glass pane can rest on angle-pieces1 sunk an eighth of an inch1 at three of the corners1 and upon the partition at the fourth one1 this part being left open4 ,illustration ,a charge is sometimes brought against zinc feeding-pans1 as tending to create acidity in the food4 ,there is perhaps some truth in this1 where it is suffered to remain too long2 together with another cause of mischief1--a very general neglect of cleanliness4 ,those1 however1 who prefer wood altogether may have troughs made of that material1 either square or round in form1 as that given in our illustration1 which is turned from hard wood in a lathe2 a piece being divided off on one side by a partition1 under which the food passes1 beneath a wood float4 ,a pane of glass rests upon a circular rabbet turned out to receive it1 leaving uncovered the part beyond the partition4 ,illustration ,for the purpose of feeding the bees in my bar-hive1 a zinc or tin trough is provided1 of a form adapted to the position of the openings cut through the crown-board to the stock-box4 ,the extreme length is ten inches and a half1 four inches wide1 and an inch and a half deep4 ,at one end is a partition an inch and a quarter wide1 going down nearly to the bottom4 ,into this the honey or other food is poured1 running under a wooden perforated float1 and fitted loosely within the bottom4 ,a pane of glass rests on two angle pieces1 at one end1 and on the cross division at the other1 all sunk a quarter of an inch1 and covering the pan as far as the partition4 ,the latter is strengthened in the centre by a cross-stay1 against which the glass rests4 ,at the bottom is an opening seven inches long and half an inch wide1 with a rim around it1 about half an inch high4 ,this opening is placed so as to correspond with that communicating through the bars beneath4 ,draw out the slides1 and the bees will have access to the pan4 ,this proceeding is of course reversed on its removal4 ,illustration ,bee ,food4--,nothing that can be presented to bees is so acceptable as their natural food--pure honey4 ,at this season1 as it is chiefly stored for future consumption1 it is best unmixed with water4 ,fill the pan every evening till the requisite quantity is given1 for it will speedily be emptied4 ,refuse honey may be given to the bees in the combs1 piled in a pan1 a little separated1 and covered by a box or hive4 ,the sooner the feeding is ended the better1 the bees1 if in health1 being on these occasions much excited and often irascible4 ,let enough be given when you are about it4 ,gelieu says1 ,let there be no higgling with bees2 better that they have too much than too little4 ,recollect that little of your bounty is now eaten1 but is conveyed and stored for the day of need2 the bees sometimes extending the combs purposely to receive it1 and often of pollen as well2 for it is observable that feeding at any time stimulates them to foraging abroad4 ,nothing is wasted1 and whatever there is to spare will be repaid with interest in the spring4 ,it must also be borne in mind1 that what food is likely to be wanted must be supplied now1 for very rarely should any further attempts at feeding be made till the returning spring restores animation to the family4 ,a reference to ,spring ,feeding will supply information as to various substitutes for honey4 ,winter ,store4--,under the head of ,autumnal ,feeding we have mentioned the usual estimate as to the requisite supply of honey for the winter4 ,anomalous as it may seem1 it has been remarked1 that the quantity apparently required is not dependent on the population of the hive4 ,the number of mouths make little sensible difference1 even when two or three stocks have been united4 ,this fact was first noticed by ,gelieu1 and has been corroborated by other observers4 ,in doubling the population1 says ,gelieu1 ,i naturally conceived that we must also double the quantity of food2 for ,i had always seen that two or three families1 living together1 used more meat than each would have done singly1 however rigid their economy4 ,the more mouths the more meat1 thought ,i2 and1 in consequence1 ,i augmented greatly the amount of provision the first time that ,i doubled a hive2 but to my astonishment1 when ,i weighed it again in the spring1 ,i found that the united swarm had not consumed more than each would have done singly4 ,i could not believe my eyes1 but thought there must be some mistake2 nor could ,i be convinced until ,i had repeated the experiment a hundred times over1 and had always the same result4 ,this seeming anomaly1 ,gelieu and others have attempted to account for on the principle that the increased heat of an augmented population is in some measure a substitute for food2 but this is opposed to all experience1 which proves that warmth is a stimulus to consumption4 ,a more satisfactory way of disposing of the question seems to be1 in the first place1 that the bees in a well-peopled hive feel in a lower degree the evils consequent on frequent changes of temperature occurring in winter1 than is observable in a less populous one2 for alternations of cold and warmth have an injurious effect1 generally leading to an increased consumption of stores4 ,the next consideration is that the junction of stocks1 alluded to by ,gelieu1 ensures a larger supply of labourers in the early spring4 ,it is not in the cold weather that much consumption of food takes place1 but after the month of ,february1 when the great hatching comes on2 and then not so much by the bees1 as by the brood4 ,in a thinly-populated hive1 almost the whole family is required within-doors at this time1 to warm the eggs and feed the young2 and consequently little is added to the continually diminishing stock of honey and farina4 ,nothing is more common than to see a hive1 apparently well stored in ,february1 on the point of perishing in the month of ,april4 ,this is not the case where a large number of bees can be spared to go abroad and bring in fresh supplies1 to keep pace with1 or even to exceed1 the demands of the craving brood4 ,autumnal ,unions1 ,fuming1 and ,transferring ,bees4,u--,the subject of autumnal unions of bee stocks is strongly advocated by ,gelieu2 and in this country has not always received the attention it demands4 ,perhaps this is in part owing to ignorance as to a ready mode of accomplishing the object2 and in some degree from the supposed doubt about maintaining the bees1 when collected in a large body1 through the winter4 ,the latter difficulty is removed by a reference to what has been said on the subject of winter store1 in the last section4 ,i hope ,i shall be able to show that1 by a safe and simple expedient1 the bees of two or three weak or worn-out families may be joined together1 to form one vigorous stock2 at the same time saving thousands of valuable lives4 ,the late ,apiarian ,society of ,oxford is entitled to credit for the care it bestowed on this branch of bee economy2 and the method of procedure now to be explained was there successfully practised4 ,it should be done about ,september1 and in warm weather4 ,u ,it may be well in this place to call attention to the distinction between the system of ,transferring ,bees1 in ,autumn1 in the way now pointed out1 and what has sometimes been confounded with it2 namely1 the practice of ,transferring ,bees and ,combs together1 from one hive to another4 ,this ,i never advocated1 except in bar-hives1 when it is sometimes practicable1 provided the combs are built in straight lines4 ,illustration ,the custom of stupefying bees by some narcotic substance has long been in practice2 and1 observes ,dr4 ,dunbar1 there is no more useful auxiliary in every operation in an apiary than smoke4 ,by subjecting them to the fumes1 the bees are rendered insensible and harmless for a time2 but soon recover1 with no ill-effects subsequently4 ,apparatus more or less complicated has been invented for fuming2 but perhaps the most simple was that used at ,oxford1 which is a tin tube1 eighteen inches long1 and three quarters of an inch in diameter2 readily made by any tin-worker4 ,one end is extended and flattened to adapt it to the entrance of the hive1 whilst the other is applied to the mouth of the operator4 ,in the centre of the tube is a box1 two inches and a half long1 and two inches in diameter1 to contain the fumigating material2 and to receive which1 one end is made to draw out like a telescope4 ,the two ends of the box1 where the tubes join it1 are stopped withinside by divisions of perforated tin4 ,this part must be put together1 by rivetting1 and without solder1 which the heat would melt4 ,an instrument of this form is adapted for most purposes where smoke is needed1 it being applicable to fuming a hive at the mouth1 or1 in some cases1 from the top2 for it is1 occasionally1 more in accordance with the object in view that the bees should be driven down1 rather than upwards4 ,when1 therefore1 this is proposed1 a bend in the tube becomes expedient1 which is readily managed by having the farther end made in two pieces to be disconnected at pleasure1 after the plan of a watering-pot4 ,another end-piece can then be slipped on like a nozzle1 turned downwards1 to enter the hole through the top of the hive4 ,the instrument just described is of course used in the hand2 but another kind is sometimes applicable1 made not unlike a pepper-box1 upon a foot1 which stands on1 or in a hole in1 the ground1 whilst the hive about to be fumed is placed over it4 ,the top lifts off to receive the fungus2 and this1 as well as the lower end1 is pierced with holes4 ,illustration ,the substance hitherto chiefly recommended for the fumigation or stupefying of bees is a kind of fungus1 found growing often very large and round1 mostly in rich pastures or plantations1 in the autumn4 ,it is the ,lycoperdon ,giganteum1 but variously called1 as ,devil's snuff-box1 fuzz-ball1 or puff-ball4 ,it should be gathered when nearly ripe4 ,dry it in the sun1 or a cool oven1 and preserve it from damp4 ,it is then a spongy substance1 containing brown dust2 and burns with an offensive smell4 ,the difficulty often of procuring this material led me to make trial of another kind of fungus1 called ,racodium ,cellare1 or mouse-skin ,byssus4 ,it may be found growing in large wine or beer vaults1 in immense dark-coloured bunches or festoons1 suspended from the roof1 often wearing a handsome appearance4 ,in a single such vault1 in ,london1 ,i have seen as much as would suffice for a large portion of the bee-keepers in ,great ,britain2 and ,i can recommend it 7not too freely used7 as even more efficacious than the other fungus4 ,it requires no preparation1 igniting and smouldering readily1 and may be preserved for years4 ,whatever be the material employed1 let the box of the tube be about two-thirds full2 and a few puffs will cause it to send forth smoke abundantly4 ,the hive which it is intended to deprive of its tenants may be lifted gently from its place soon after dusk1 and placed over some kind of receptacle4 ,an empty hive1 turned bottom upwards1 might answer with a little management1 but there must be no place of escape for the bees4 ,the best thing is a box or bowl1 about ten inches square withinside1 and four or five inches deep2 with a wide flat rim all round4 ,the first introduction of the smoke will cause an uproar among the bees1 which will speedily be followed by silence1 as they fall down from its effect4 ,a minute or two generally suffices for this1 assisted by striking the sides and top of the hive4 ,when all is quiet1 turn up the hive1 and you will have received the greater part of its inhabitants in the bowl1 in a stupefied state and perfectly subdued4 ,a portion will remain sticking in the combs1 which must be cut out one by one1 and the bees swept with a feather into the bowl1 where a little more smoke will1 if needed1 keep them quiet in the interim4 ,as respects the ,queen1 if perceived1 she can be taken away1 but the bees will commonly dispose of her in their own way1 by the next morning4 ,the whole being thus collected1 they soon begin to show signs of returning animation2 and when this is about to take place1 sprinkle them pretty freely with a mixture of sugared ale4 ,next1 lift quietly from its stand the hive to which the smoked bees are to be united1 placing it over the bowl1 but leaving no opening except the mouth1 for air4 ,the bees from above1 attracted by the scent1 will go down1 and begin licking the sprinkled ones4 ,the whole become intermixed1 and ascend together into the hive over them1 in perfect goodwill4 ,leave them till the following morning early1 when the bowl will generally be found empty4 ,replace the doubled hive on its original stand1 and the work is complete4 ,if it is thought desirable still further to augment its strength1 the bees of a second hive may be added in the bowl2 or a second union may be made in a night or two afterwards4 ,all that remains is to see that the hive contains honey to last the winter2 and whatever is wanted to make up about eighteen pounds must be supplied for that purpose1 in the way pointed out in a previous section4 ,we will now detail another mode of proceeding1 at once speedy and efficacious1 and attended with no risk to the operator4 ,with the tube of which we have before spoken1 in the evening puff some smoke into the mouth of the hive you wish to take1 without removing it4 ,compel as many of the bees to fall down as you can2 then lift the hive1 and brush out those remaining2 taking away the ,queen if you can find her without much trouble4 ,collect the whole in a heap on the floor-board1 and sprinkle them pretty well with sugared ale4 ,you may now1 if the numbers are still thought insufficient1 add to the first1 the smoked bees of a second hive4 ,next puff some smoke within the stock-hive into which the bees thus collected are to be transferred1 quietly where it stands2 just sufficient to stupify its inhabitants1 and produce a uniformity of scent4 ,turn it bottom upwards1 floor-board and all1 so as to drop no bees2 and place it1 if of straw1 in a pail1 or some similar kind of support4 ,in this position lift off the floor-board1 and sprinkle these bees also with a smaller portion of the ale1 in the hive where they are4 ,after this is done1 before they have recovered1 sweep the smoked bees uniformly among the combs of the hive destined to receive them4 ,clean and scrape its floor-board1 and as soon as symptoms of returning animation begin to appear1 replace it1 turning the whole again into the right position4 ,all that remains is to restore it at once to its original place or stand4 ,before the hive is left1 clear away from the entrance any bees that may have fallen down1 so that the passage for air is not obstructed4 ,in the absence of a tube like the one described1 it is very practicable to make use of a common pipe and tobacco2 but the latter should be of a mild kind1 and not too freely used1 or many deaths might ensue4 ,in selecting the future domicile of the family thus augmented1 it will be well to observe that the hive is not one of long standing1 in which the combs have become thickened with age4 ,indeed1 a colony of the same year is to be preferred1 and more particularly where the ,queen is a young one4 ,if1 however1 it is desired to cut out the old combs from the intended future stock-hive1 it can now be done with safety2 first turning on to the board as many of the bees as you can4 ,a supply of honey will invigorate the new community1 and the vacancies will be filled up with fresh combs1 provided the operation has not been delayed too late in the season4 ,it is of great importance here to observe1 that after making autumnal unions1 in cases where the bees have been expelled from hives possessing fresh combs1 the latter ought to be left undisturbed1 as so much gain to a spring swarm1 which will gladly accept a house ready furnished3 moreover1 a vast saving of honey results1 for the fabrication of comb1 as we have shown at page #aaj1 consumes a great deal of this4 ,the same remark applies to supers partly filled with combs2 but they should be kept clean and dry4 ,it is worthy of remark1 that some authorities maintain the opinion that bees will now and then re-work portions of old combs or wax1 but it must be free from impurity4 ,as far as it can be managed1 it is desirable that attention should be paid to the previous position of the hives intended to form unions1 for there is always a disposition in bees to return to the spot to which they have been accustomed4 ,where it is practicable1 therefore1 it is best to unite adjoining families2 or when the union is to consist of three1 unite to a hive in the centre1 one on each side4 ,a little foresight at the time of swarming1 in the arrangement of the hives1 will often facilitate after proceedings4 ,some have resorted to the plan of confinement of the bees1 but this does not always meet the difficulty2 for1 on the first opportunity1 many of them will return to their old haunts1 and seek in vain their former dwelling4 ,fumigation may often be resorted to in cases where a superabundance of honey exists in a hive at this season2 for after the introduction of a little smoke the bees will fall down4 ,it may then be reversed1 and a portion of comb cut away in due moderation4 ,restore the bees to the hive1 and replace its board1 when the whole may be turned back to its proper position without injury4 ,under the head of ,common ,straw ,hives1 we have remarked that suffocation with brimstone is the usual mode of obtaining possession of their stores2 the stocks of the second or third year's standing being commonly selected for destruction4 ,if1 however1 such stocks can be made strong and healthy in the way we have been detailing1 good policy would point to the colonies of the present year as those affording the richest harvest of honey1 and of the best quality1 as being in new combs4 ,these will never be of more value for the market than in the first autumn1 provided the proprietor is satisfied as to the state of his older stocks for the next year's swarming4 ,such of the latter1 moreover1 as have sent out swarms in the same season will of course possess young ,queens4 ,in some districts this principle is carried out in practice1 and doubtless with advantage1 when a proper discretion is used4 ,under any circumstances1 it is clear that in gaining possession of the honey1 destruction of the bees may be avoided by adopting the fuming and uniting plan1 instead of that of suffocation2 for whether the hive be new or old1 rich or poor1 the same principle applies1 with no amount of time1 trouble1 or expense1 greater than under the brimstone system4 ,the plea of necessity no longer exists for a wanton waste of valuable life2 and to this point the attention of the cottager1 in particular1 might surely be directed1 as one often involving his future profits4 ,let him know that it is his interest not to kill his bees2 but1 when expelled from one hive1 to unite them to another1 where augmented numbers will require no more than the usual stock of winter food4 ,inform him that he is acting on a mistaken principle when he imagines that his bees are worn out with age--the common plea for destroying them3 that these are short-lived1 and periodically renewed1 so that the hive alone becomes old3 moreover1 that a large proportion of the bees at the close of the season are those produced in the later months2 the older ones gradually disappearing in the autumn1 to be succeeded by others destined to become the early labourers of the opening new year4,v ,v ,in a case where a proprietor had been obstinately bent on resorting to the old mode of destruction1 the bees were stupefied by a wiser neighbour2 taken home by him1 and added to one of his own weak stocks1 which turned to good account in the following spring4 ,before we leave this part of our subject1 a word may be said to those who are disposed to fancy there may be an evil in a super-abundant winter population in a hive4 ,i never observed any permanent inconvenience arising from this2 and no doubt can exist as to the advantage of maintaining a comfortable temperature1 the ,queen continuing to lay later in the autumn under such stimulant4 ,moreover1 it must not be imagined that all the bees collected together to form a stock1 at this time1 are destined to survive till the spring4 ,the day of life may1 with many of them1 be already far spent2 but we have shown in what way their presence1 though but temporary in the hive1 indirectly contributes to augment the numbers of future spring labourers4 ,were it not so1 there would be nothing to mark the well-known distinction between a populous and a half-tenanted hive4 ,it is certain that1 however numerous may be the eggs laid in the spring1 a portion only are of avail in any but a hive so well peopled as to create a favorable temperature for hatching them1 and to supply the means necessary to their full development4 ,thus strength in one year begets it in succeeding ones2 and it must be remembered how influential is warmth to the early productive powers of the ,queen1 without which all goes wrong2 and how important it is in the opening spring to be able to spare from the home duties of the hive a large number of collectors to add to the stores1 which would otherwise not keep pace with the cravings of the rising generation4 ,following up the principle thus laid down1 ,i entirely agree with those who carry it out still further1 by never destroying1 if it can be avoided1 the brood often found in quantity in a hive treated in the way we have been advising2 for it is obvious that the latest hatched bees are those most likely to be of use in the spring4 ,where it is practicable1 therefore1 those combs which contain brood should1 with as little loss of time as possible1 to avoid chill1 be arranged in a natural position1 in a well-covered super1 and placed over a hive requiring to be strengthened4 ,the bees from below will ascend and cluster upon them and1 in due time1 a valuable accession of numbers will result4 ,a deprived bar-hive offers many facilities in such cases1 without injuring the combs4 ,it may not be misplaced here to remark1 that1 in the language of apiculturists1 the hives of the year1 made up1 as it is termed1 for the winter1 now assume the name of stocks4 ,hitherto they have been denominated swarms or colonies4 ,at this time a good selection of stocks may be made by those about to establish an apiary1 to be removed at ,christmas4 ,in addition to the usual characteristics of vigour1 such families are to be preferred as exhibit a certain degree of irascibility1 for this is often most observable where there is most to defend4 ,driving of ,bees4--,in the preceding section we have detailed the modes in practice for uniting bees1 and for obtaining possession of their honey1 by the aid of fumigation4 ,many proprietors1 however1 prefer to arrive at the same object by resorting to what is termed ,driving2 by which process the inmates of one hive are impelled to abandon it1 and enter some other4 ,when skilfully performed1 this operation is often successful in attaining the end in view2 but it is seldom well to attempt it1 except in a pretty full hive4 ,mr4 ,golding has given1 in a small compass1 general directions as to the mode of procedure in common cases of ,driving1 and we will1 therefore1 adopt his words4 ,towards dusk1 when the family will be all at home1 let the hive be raised gently from its floor-board1 and supported on wedges about half an inch thick4 ,when the bees shall have quietly ascended from the floor up into the hive1 it may be inverted steadily on a small tub or pail4 ,an empty hive1 of the same diameter1 being at hand1 should be quickly set over the one turned up to receive it4 ,a lighted pipe may be ready to give a puff or two if necessary1 but the operation can generally be effected without using it4 ,tie a cloth firmly round the junction of the hives so that the bees cannot escape4 ,proceed to drum upon the full hive 7opposite the sides of the combs1 so as not to detach them71 with the open hands or a couple of sticks2 the bees will be so alarmed that in a few minutes they will have ascended into the hive set over them4 ,a hive full of combs1 and well peopled1 always drives better than a weak and partly-filled one4 ,the operation should never be attempted excepting in warm weather4 ,if the object be to furnish another hive with the bees1 there is nothing to do but to reverse the hive in which they are1 and place the other upon it1 again tying the cloth round the junction4 ,a few raps upon the peopled hive will cause them to ascend1 and early next morning they should be placed upon their usual stand4 ,those who still adhere to the common cottage hive may1 by driving1 deprive well-stored families of part of their honey4 ,having previously weighed the hive1 calculate how much may be taken with safety1 and cut away the external combs accordingly4 ,the bees may then be returned as directed4 ,some operators vary the above proceeding1 and perhaps diminish the danger1 by placing1 as the first step1 the empty hive at the bottom1 and the full one gently upon this4 ,after making the junction complete between them1 the two hives are reversed carefully together1 so that the unoccupied one comes to the top1 and the drumming then proceeds4 ,this should be continued from five to ten minutes1 according as circumstances indicate its necessity4 ,there are diversified ways of uniting the bees after they have been driven into an empty hive4 ,dr4 ,dunbar says1 turn up the stock-hive which is to receive the addition to its population3 with a bunch of feathers1 or a very small watering-pot1 drench them with a solution of ale and sugar1 or water and sugar1 made a little warm4 ,do the same to the expelled bees3 then placing these last over the stock1 mouth to mouth1 a rap on the top of the hive will drive them down among the bees and combs of the underneath hive4 ,place this last on its pedestal1 and the operation is completed4 ,the strong flavour of the solution will prevent the bees from distinguishing between friend and stranger4 ,payne advocates the middle of a fine day as the best time for driving2 removing the hive to be operated upon to a shady place1 and then inverting over it an empty hive1 as already described4 ,a little smoke might sometimes be needful4 ,having ascertained that the bees have gone into the upper hive1 ,payne continues1 take the latter immediately to the place where the driven hive was taken from1 and place it upon the same floor-board4 ,carry the driven hive fifty or sixty yards away2 the few bees that remain in it1 as well as those that are out at work1 will return to the other hive1 at the accustomed spot4 ,all is now finished until an hour after sunset 7excepting emptying the driven hive of its store71 when two sticks may be laid upon the ground1 about nine inches apart1 opposite the stock-hive to which the driven bees are to be joined2 then with a smart stroke dash out the bees between the sticks2 and instantly1 but gently1 place the stock-hive over them upon the sticks3 leave them for the night1 protecting them from the weather1 and an hour before sunrise restore the stock-hive to its original position4 ,here will be an increased population1 enabled to stand through the winter much better1 and to send out an earlier swarm1 than if the union had not been effected4 ,the autumnal driving of bees is a common practice when the proprietors reside within a few miles of the moors and heaths1 to which the hives are conveyed in time to luxuriate in a second harvest of blossom1 now available from the heather4 ,in such districts1 it is not unusual to appropriate the whole contents of the driven hive2 the bees being compelled to begin the world again in a new house and locality1 like a recent swarm4 ,or1 two or three small families may be driven into one4 ,in a good season1 a few weeks suffice to enable them to fill their second dwelling with combs1 brood1 and honey of the very finest quality4 ,on their return home from the moors1 some of the hives are again driven1 and deprived of a portion of their stores2 or united in many instances two or three together1 to form strong families as stocks2 for the value of population is too well understood to allow of any unnecessary destruction of life4 ,,winter ,,management4 ,the management of bees in the winter season is probably that which is less understood than any other department of the apiary1 and various have been the modes urged for ensuring safety through its various dangers4 ,it seems1 however1 to be pretty generally admitted that it is better to allow the hives to remain in their usual position throughout the year2 and our care therefore should be directed to ward off the casualties now to be guarded against4 ,ignorant attention1 nevertheless1 is sometimes worse even than neglect2 and having once made the needful winter arrangements1 there ought to be as little subsequent disturbance as possible4 ,the great points to be observed are1 adequate exterior covering and complete protection from the effects of wind1 wet1 and sudden changes of weather2 a sufficiency of food to last till the spring2 and preservation from damp in the hive1 with its attendant evils4 ,as regards the store of honey1 we have already said that this is a matter to be clearly ascertained and supplied in autumn4 ,when1 therefore1 as the cold weather sets in1 and the bees have collected and clustered together1 there must be no more attempts at feeding4 ,the mouth of the hive should gradually be contracted1 as the winter advances1 though never entirely closed4 ,after every fall of snow1 let it be cleared away from the hives1 and about the stand or house1 to prevent the chance of reflection1 which always injuriously arouses the bees1 and for the better security from moist exhalation on thawing4 ,illustration ,winter position4--,it is extremely desirable in winter to keep off the influence of the sun from the front of the hives4 ,some persons recommend moving them from their summer position to a north aspect1 or turning them round on their stands4 ,but this shifting of quarters involves the necessity of shutting up the bees close prisoners till the spring2 for all that casually left the hive would fly back to the original familiar spot1 never more to revisit home4 ,i entirely agree with those who assert that bees are never healthy where confinement has been long continued4 ,who shuts up the wild bees in the forests of ,lithuania1 where they thrive so well8 asks ,gelieu4 ,surely in this1 as in other parts of our practice1 we cannot do better than follow the guidance of nature4 ,on a fine day1 with the thermometer at or not much below #ej 7and these are not of unfrequent occurrence in winter71 the bees avail themselves of it1 sallying forth in evident delight1 with certain advantage to health and cleanliness2 for they void nothing in the hive1 unless compelled by long necessity4 ,this is the point at which disease commences3 indeed the retention of their fces sometimes occasions death4 ,their impatience of confinement is excessive1 and increases as the season advances1 so that they will leave the hive at a lower temperature after ,christmas than before4 ,but in thus advocating the principle of liberty1 ,i am not insensible to the evil it may bring with it1 if not guarded against4 ,the most disastrous consequences follow the flight of bees on a frosty day1 when the gleams and deceitful warmth of a winter sun reach their domicile1 particularly with snow on the ground1 the glare of which allures them out to destruction1 for they soon fall down to rise no more4 ,the remedy for this is the screening of the hive in some way from its effects2 and it should be done as soon as winter actually sets in4 ,at the same time it is important that no obstruction to the free passage of air is presented1 or dysentery among the bees would be the certain consequence4 ,where the hives stand singly1 ,i have always seen the advantage of fixing before each a wooden screen1 nailed to a post1 sunk in the ground1 and large enough to throw the whole front into shade4 ,this does not interfere with the coming forth of the bees at a proper temperature2 and it supersedes any necessity for shutting them up when snow is on the ground4 ,the screen should be fixed a foot or two in advance1 and so as to intercept the sun's rays1 which will be chiefly in winter towards the west side4 ,other plans have been tried for effecting the same object1 such as blocks placed at the mouth of the hive2 but these answer no good end1 as the rays of light penetrate underneath and around them4 ,in a bee-house1 entirely enclosed at the front1 the hives and their boards may sometimes at this season be advantageously shifted a little sideways of the exterior entrance way2 with hollowed blocks 7see page #if71 shaped in accordance1 to intercept the light1 but not the air4 ,a screen of the kind we have described has the further tendency to promote the security of the bees1 where other enemies than wind1 frost1 snow1 or sun might sometimes endanger them4 ,one of these1 at this time1 is the blue ,titmouse1 to which we have before alluded4 ,old ,purchas says1 ,she will eat ten or twelve bees at a time1 and by-and-by be ready for more4 ,when she cometh to the hive and findeth none1 she knocketh with her bill at the door1 and as soon as the bees come out to inquire the cause1 she catcheth first one and then another1 until her belly be full4 ,at page #aag we have described a mode of dealing with these marauders4 ,damp in ,hives4--,perhaps there is nothing more prejudicial than the moisture often engendered in exposed hives at this time1 particularly after frost1 and in certain states of the atmosphere4 ,it accumulates on the top and sides1 moulding and rendering offensive the combs1 and producing disease amongst the bees4 ,for this reason1 hives with flat roofs have sometimes been objected to2 and perhaps justly1 where no provision is made for ventilation4 ,gelieu obviated the evil by placing caps or small hives 7cemented down7 over the stocks2 the moisture ascending1 evaporated through the opening1 as by a chimney1 ,i have tried different experiments1 and have found nothing better than the practice of condensing the vapour of the hive as much as possible1 and conveying it away4 ,at the beginning of winter1 over the hole on the top1 a piece of perforated zinc or wood is placed4 ,upon this let one of the common feeding troughs1 already described1 be put1 from which the glass cover1 and1 if you please1 the perforated bottom1 are previously removed2 the hole in the pan being placed over the one below4 ,this may be covered with a bell-glass1 standing within the pan4 ,as the exhalation rises from the bees below1 it is condensed on the glass1 and received1 often in considerable quantity1 in the pan4 ,the hole at the top of the glass may be stopped1 opening it occasionally on a fine day1 to allow the escape of vitiated air4 ,the change of air in a hive1 in mild1 dry weather1 is always conducive to health1 till the early spring breeding begins1 when caution against chill to the bees is needed4 ,in the absence of a bell-glass1 the glass cover to the trough may be kept in its place as a substitute4 ,we have already recommended the giving to all hives or boxes a slight inclination forwards1 as being useful in conveying away the moisture4 ,illustration ,where there is no feeding pan1 a bell-glass may be put within a circular leaden or zinc trough1 having the centre open1 and placed over the hole below4 ,temperature4--,with good protection from cutting winds1 from wet without1 and from damp within1 the effects of cold alone1 unless of extreme severity1 need not be apprehended1 for the bees of a strong stock will generate sufficient warmth2 and a dry season is often better sustained than a mild1 moist one4 ,it is of importance to guard against sudden changes of temperature1 often occurring in winter2 and experienced bee-keepers have recommended covering each hive with a mat1 or something of the kind1 as a regulator4 ,it is certain that less food is consumed at a low than a high temperature1 and that the bees are often healthy in proportion4 ,i have known the thermometer down to #cb in a box1 with no bad effect to the bees when clustered together2 but they would become torpid if exposed singly to this1 or to a much less degree of cold1 especially towards the close of winter2 and could then only be recovered by artificial warmth4,w ,the action of very severe frost1 moreover1 has an injurious effect upon the honey1 which becomes candied at the extremities of the combs1 and sometimes throughout4 ,it is thenceforth useless as food for the bees4,x ,w ,it is frequently the case in winter that a number of bees may be found1 apparently dead1 about a hive1 particularly after sudden disturbance4 ,the greater part of these are merely paralysed on coming out into a lower temperature1 and may be recovered by taking them to the fire4 ,but this should be done with caution2 for1 if placed too near1 the bees are not so likely permanently to recover1 as when the restoration is gradual4 ,the best way is to put the bees into a large basin1 spreading over it a piece of muslin to confine them till they are restored to the hive4 ,x ,in two stocks which ,i had an opportunity of examining1 at the end of ,february1 #ahch1 after a very severe winter1 ,i found cells filled with honey in a granulated state1 and perfectly white4 ,this was untouched by the bees1 though distressed for food4 ,notwithstanding the unusual severity of the season1 there was brood in various stages of progression4 ,a thermometer is not always a criterion of the state of the hive at this season1 as ,i have often found2 for the temperature varies as the bees recede from it1 and they frequently shift their quarters1 moving in a mass to preserve the warmth4 ,when congregated immediately about the thermometer1 ,i have known it rise as much as #cj on a frosty day2 and an increase of temperature always follows any commotion1 from whatever cause1 or partial activity in the dwelling1 resulting in an increased consumption of food4 ,dysentery4--,care should be taken to clear away any dead bees at the mouth of the hive1 for these give great offence1 besides endangering the safety of the family1 by preventing the passage of air4 ,whilst the bees are in activity1 they carefully remove every dead body from the hive2 but in winter this service should be occasionally performed for them4 ,in particular it should be attended to if signs of dysentery appear1 which may be known by the dark-coloured evacuations1 offensive smell in the hive1 and frequent deaths4 ,this malady often attacks the strongest hives1 too much closed at the mouth1 particularly at the latter part of winter or in early spring1 the most critical time for bees2 and no doubt it is attributable to unnaturally retained fces in a damp impure atmosphere1 with deficient covering and ventilation4 ,it has been thought that the want of water predisposes the bees to dysentery4 ,as soon as the disease is apparent1 no time should be lost in lifting the hive from its board1 expelling the vitiated air1 and scraping and washing away all impurity2 repeating the same process1 if requisite1 on some fine subsequent day4 ,but the board should be dried before the hive is replaced on it2 or a fresh one may be at once substituted for it1 with less loss of time and annoyance to the bees4 ,i have restored a stock to perfect health by thoroughly cleaning and ventilating it1 after a third of the inhabitants had fallen a sacrifice4 ,all remedies1 as they are called1 by feeding with various prescriptions1 do more harm than good4 ,bees1 says ,gelieu1 have no real disease3 dysentery1 about which so much noise has been made1 and for which so many remedies have been prescribed1 never attacks the bees of a well-stocked hive that is left open at all seasons1 but only those that are too long and too closely confined4 ,they are always in good health as long as they are at liberty2 when they are warm enough and have plenty of food4 ,all their pretended diseases are the result of cold1 hunger1 or the infection produced by a too close and long confinement during the winter4 ,,spring ,,management4 ,those who commence an apiary by the purchase of established stock-hives1 and who did not secure such in the autumn1 can1 with the opening of ,february1 and for the five or six weeks ensuing1 make a selection of those that have the characteristics of health and strength1 which may generally be ascertained on a fine day1 by observing the quantity of farina carried into a hive4 ,the best time1 says ,payne1 to establish an apiary is from the middle of ,february to the middle of ,march4 ,the stocks will have passed through the winter1 and the removal is safe and easy4 ,there are few commodities in which a person can be so easily deceived as in a hive of bees4 ,i would1 therefore1 recommend the young apiarian to take the opinion of some experienced person before he makes his purchase4 ,if the hive is not of the preceding year1 its weight is no criterion of its value2 for an old stock contains a large quantity of pollen4 ,an examination of the combs1 as to discoloration1 will often be a useful criterion of age4 ,the selected stocks should be removed to their new quarters by hand1 at dusk1 to be no more disturbed4 ,cleaning or changing ,floor-boards4--,all who have been accustomed to the care of bees must have perceived the saving of labour to them1 in the early spring1 in the cleaning of their floor-boards1 by scraping away all filth1 removing dead bees1 refuse wax1 c41 and thoroughly drying them4 ,in many cases the best and quickest plan is to change the board1 and particularly when it shows signs of decay1 which always leads to mischief4 ,comb-pruning4--,in conjunction with an examination of the floor-boards1 opportunity can be taken of observing the state of the hives1 as respects their combs4 ,where these are seen to be old1 mouldy1 mildewed1 or infected by moths1 they should be cut away2 as also when they have become filled with a mass of stale pollen and useless honey2 at the same time taking care not to disturb any brood there may be4 ,hives sometimes contain too large a proportion of drone-combs1 which can now be removed with advantage4 ,some persons use a little smoke1 but at this season it must be resorted to sparingly1 as the bees are weak4 ,they will speedily fill up the vacancies thus made1 and a stock in this way partially renewed may be continued in health several years1 provided the hive itself is in good state4 ,nevertheless1 it may be well to recur to an opinion we have already expressed1 that it is often more to the interest of the proprietor to allow a stock to swarm rather than to persevere for several succeeding seasons in preventing it1 in a hive constantly becoming worse for occupation4 ,general directions4--,as soon as vegetation begins to appear1 with genial weather1 all obstructions to the free access to the hives must be removed2 and by degrees extended space given at the mouth4 ,the critical time for the bees is now approaching2 for in ,february brood often rapidly increases1 requiring greater attention to a uniform warmth4 ,the tops of the hives1 therefore1 should be closed in1 to prevent currents of cold air1 often at this time fatal both to the eggs and larv1 as may be seen by the ejectment of dead grubs4 ,even much later on in the season the recurrence of cold days will leave certain proofs of mischief2 and at such times the mouths of the hives ought again to be contracted and screened2 carefully retaining till all danger is past the outer coverings to the hives4 ,the bees will now1 in fine weather1 go forth in search of pollen1 which they bring into the hive in large or apparently in useless quantity1 so as sometimes to render it necessary afterwards to remove it1 at a great expense of labour4 ,this1 says ,gelieu1 is the only point on which they can be accused of a want of that prudence and foresight1 so admirable in every other respect4 ,a supply of pollen1 together with water1 are the first requirements of the spring1 both essential to the brood1 and the eagerness of the bees to seek them is a certain indication of health and strength in the hive4,y ,at page #ajb1 a list is given of early flowering plants1 which it is desirable to have in the immediate vicinity of the hives4 ,at present the bees are weak1 and incapable of a long flight3 the weather1 too1 is often unfavorable for it4 ,y ,it is worthy of attention that a distinguished ,german apiculturist has recently introduced a substitute for pollen in the early year1 when the bees have no means of procuring it4 ,observing that his bees frequented a neighbouring mill1 he found them engaged in conveying from thence a quantity of rye meal4 ,deriving a hint from this discovery1 he placed a trough of the meal in front of his apiary1 which was eagerly carried to the hives1 the bees preferring it to old pollen2 and this continued till the opening blossoms supplied the natural article4 ,some hives consumed as much as two pounds4 ,subsequent experimentalists1 at home1 have used the flour of wheat1 or other grain1 with success4 ,the knowledge that the collection of pollen and the need of water by the bees are simultaneous1 led these observers a step further1 by giving a supply of both these essentials at the same time4 ,as this assistance has been afforded as early as ,january1 it would seem necessary1 in our climate1 to place both articles in some accessible part within the hive4 ,in the absence of any better provision1 wet sponge or moss has been found to answer2 or old combs will suffice as receptacles either of water or flour4 ,stocks thus treated are said to be greatly forwarded both in breeding and swarming4 ,an attentive observer will now readily distinguish the strong1 healthy stocks2 but now and then a family may be seen sluggish in its work1 though1 perhaps1 not deficient in numbers4 ,the cause may generally be traced to an unfruitful ,queen1 to be got rid of as soon as the season is a little more advanced1 and a successor can be reared in the way described under the head ,queen ,bee4 ,or1 it might happen if the ,queen dies before the bees have the means of establishing another1 when an abandonment of the hive often ensues1 though honey may still be plentiful in store4 ,prudence will at this time point out the expediency of surveying the state of the apiary as to repairs1 painting1 c41 to be done before the bees have fully entered into a state of activity4 ,spring-feeding4--,it is well now to examine the remaining stock of food1 for much will shortly be required for the increasing numbers4 ,if needed1 some must be given1 though in less quantity than in autumn2 and it ought to be placed within the hive1 either at the top or bottom2 but the time is arrived when every precaution should be used to prevent the effects of chill to the brood1 by the creation of cold currents4 ,it usually suffices to supply food about three times a week1 but the feeding trough must be closely covered1 to keep up the temperature1 or the bees will not at first enter into it4 ,when this is the case1 some proprietors do not hesitate to invert a hive1 and pour a cup of honey amongst the combs3 the bees will soon lick one another clean4 ,or1 in lieu of a trough1 ,i have used a tin vessel1 holding nearly half a pint1 open at each end1 made somewhat taper downwards1 the lower end fitting into a hole on the top of the hive1 of about two inches4 ,this part is somewhat loosely tied over with linen cloth1 through which the bees suck the food4 ,it may be made cylindrical1 if preferred1 with a flanch to rest upon4 ,at this season it is well to give the food slightly warmed4 ,many persons recommend feeding even the strong hives1 for it is certain the bees are stimulated by the increased temperature to which it gives rise2 and there can be no doubt of the importance of bringing the stocks forward as early as possible4 ,but no feeding1 unless from absolute necessity1 should be resorted to till a certain degree of animation is visible in the dwelling1 otherwise the bees are prematurely put in motion1 and numbers perish1 unable to reach home4 ,nor is it of less importance to observe that feeding is not discontinued too soon2 for even after warm days there will be a return of ungenial weather1 and a stock might perish where a very little additional food would have saved it4 ,but some limit should be put to the quantity as the weather becomes fine and warm2 for ,i have known evil arise where the cells have been filled by the bees with sugared mixtures1 at the time when the ,queen requires them to deposit eggs4 ,we have already alluded to the advantages of a supply of water withinside1 in the very early year1 before the bees can go abroad4 ,where honey is abundant1 it is of course preferable2 and it is no worse for being slightly made liquid with water4 ,in other cases various kinds of substitutes have been resorted to4 ,i have used good sound ale1 sweetened with sugar and honey1 and boiled for a minute or two3 the usual proportion is a pint to a pound of refined sugar1 adding a fourth part of pure honey1 which imparts a flavour the most agreeable to the bees4 ,a tablespoonful of rum still further improves the compound4 ,mr4 ,golding recommends a very similar mixture2 to which1 however1 he adds a teaspoonful of salt and a glass of wine4 ,payne prescribes lump sugar1 in the proportion of three pounds to a pint of water1 boiled for two or three minutes1 and mixed with a pound of honey4 ,the kind of food we have been describing is that which is most commonly used for bees at this season4 ,i have1 however1 turned my attention1 occasionally1 to the saving of trouble that arises where food can be given them in a concrete form1 to supersede some of the evils attending the common methods of administering liquids at this season4 ,in one of my feeding troughs ,i have sometimes put some large lumps of refined sugar1 dipped previously in water till pretty well saturated1 which the bees will appropriate4 ,of the various concrete saccharine preparations1 however1 ,i have found none entirely combining the needful requisites except that in which the crystallizing properties of the sugar had been altogether destroyed4 ,it is well known that this change can be effected by certain methods of boiling4 ,i believe ,i am correct in stating that the heat required to convert crystallizable into uncrystallizable sugar is from #cbj to #cfj of ,fahrenheit4 ,if1 therefore1 to two pounds of loaf sugar half a pint of water is added in a saucepan1 it must be boiled up to a temperature not exceeding #cfj of heat4 ,this may be pretty well known when the syrup becomes brittle2 ascertainable by suddenly cooling a little on a cold substance1 or plate1 when it begins to assume a pale yellow colour4 ,the longer it is exposed to heat1 up to this point1 the more perfect is the change produced2 but about twenty minutes' boiling is usually sufficient4 ,if1 instead of water alone1 a fifth to a fourth part of vinegar is mixed with it1 the process is expedited2 and when thus made1 the bees appear to give it a preference4 ,the whole must be poured out gradually upon a cold dish1 or a slab of stone1 marble1 or slate1 previously rubbed with a very little fine oil1 or other unctuous matter1 to prevent adhesion4 ,in a few minutes it is sufficiently stiffened to allow of being cut1 with a pair of scissors1 into such conveniently-formed pieces as are best adapted for insertion into the hive at its mouth4 ,to those who do not object to the trouble of preparing this kind of bee-food themselves1 the cost may be estimated at that of the sugar1 as there does not appear to arise any loss in weight4 ,it will be seen that this preparation differs but little from the common confection1 familiarly known as barley-sugar4 ,the bees1 as lambent insects1 have no difficulty1 from the deliquescent properties of this concrete1 in appropriating it speedily2 and in the use of a large quantity ,i have always found it to be unaccompanied by the usual degree of disturbance1 observable when honey is administered4 ,it may be given at any time of the day2 and an impoverished family might frequently be saved by inserting a few sticks of barley-sugar within a hive1 when any other mode of feeding was impracticable4 ,in fact it would appear that no other artificial food is so acceptable to the bees2 and much of it doubtless returns to the proprietor1 intermixed with natural honey4 ,by the process we have described1 common sugar has now been converted into a substance much resembling in its properties the saccharine matter of certain fruits1 as grapes1 c41 known as uncrystallizable sugar2 probably nearly identical with the honey collected by the bees from the nectaries of flowering plants4 ,after exposure to the action of a moist atmosphere1 the concrete soon assumes a dissolved form2 and so1 thenceforth1 remains1 as ,i have proved by keeping it1 in any way unaltered1 for several years2 in short1 it becomes a substance very much resembling honey4,z ,z ,i am not amongst the number of those who 7to my apprehension7 go out of their way to maintain that this vegetable secretion undergoes some kind of chemical change by passing into the stomach of the bees 7in reality a mere receiving bag71 from whence it is often regurgitated into the cells of the combs in a few minutes1 or even seconds1 of time4 ,honey doubtless derives both its colour and flavour immediately from the plants supplying it2 the bees not possessing the power of altering either4 ,it even sometimes contains an original poisonous matter4 ,its subsequent thickened consistency naturally results from the effect of a lowered temperature2 acting in a greater or less degree1 according to circumstances1 season1 c4 ,that the bees have not the ability to change chemically the contents received into their honey-bags1 is shown by an examination of the saccharine mixtures given to them as artificial food2 in which ,i never could detect any alteration after being stored in the combs4 ,enemies and robbers4--,the enemies of bees1 already pointed out at p4 #aaf1 should now have the attention of the proprietor2 and more especially robber-bees1 for these are sometimes troublesome at this season1 particularly where the hives are placed not sufficiently apart4 ,on this subject we would refer to what has been said at p4 #aca4 ,let a vigilant look-out be given for ,queen-wasps1 now becoming common1 and destroy them in any way possible2 remembering that each of these is the parent of a future family4 ,when the wasps are seen to alight1 the use of a garden syringe and water is often effectual in disabling them from flying1 when they are easily killed4 ,super-hives4--,as the season continues to open1 young bees will become numerous1 timidly peeping out of the hive1 and distinguishable by the lightness of their colour4 ,with genial weather1 wealth also rapidly accumulates2 and the strong odour of the hive1 and increased activity of its inmates1 attest the growing prosperity of the family4 ,attention now is requisite to these symptoms of a rising temperature1 and1 consequently1 to the crowding of the hive4 ,if the glass windows become sensibly warm1 attended with clustering at the mouth1 increased building room should at once be given1 as detailed at pp4 #bc and #aai1 or under the head of ,nadiring stocks2 for a fertile ,queen will require a large proportion of the stock-hive for the purpose of depositing eggs4 ,should a few cold nights ensue1 the supers must be kept covered2 and more especially glasses1 which the bees will desert unless a warm temperature is fully preserved in them4 ,i much doubt the probability of preventing the swarming of bees1 where the extra storing room is delayed till royal cells have become tenanted1 or1 perhaps1 only formed4 ,mischief has also frequently arisen where the bees have all at once had a large additional space given them of too cold a temperature2 and often rendered more unacceptable by undue or ill-timed ventilation1 as in using ,nutt's hives was often the case4 ,the same cause has sometimes operated to prevent progress of any kind2 and in a collateral hive1 thus managed1 ,i witnessed the fact that1 during five or six successive seasons1 there was no more breeding or storing than barely sufficed to keep the unhappy family in existence1 the proprietor deriving no benefit whatever4 ,temperature and weather4--,with the advance of the season1 and a more abundant efflorescence1 the buzz of the hive becomes louder and more general1 and particularly when the family are all assembled at night4 ,and now the exertions of the bees are called into action for the purpose of promoting ventilation1 and expelling the vitiated air4 ,this they accomplish by means of a rapid and continuous fanning1 or vibration of their wings1 giving rise collectively to the sound usually termed humming2 and which is readily distinguishable from the sharp1 angry note emitted by a bee under the excitement of irritation4 ,sometimes the heat of the hives impels the inhabitants to seek a cooler temperature by clustering on the outside4 ,at such times it is often well to aid in moderating the warmth by slightly raising up the bottom edge of the supers with a few strips of wood or lead4 ,at p4 #aae1 we have given some general recommendations relative to the shading of exposed hives1 now to be attended to2 as also on the subject of water4 ,in most localities1 the best part of the honey season will now be approaching2 and much consequently depends on the state of the weather4 ,in particular1 a prevalence of dry easterly winds1 acting on vegetation1 causes the suspension of almost all operations2 so that the main honey-storing time is often limited to three or four weeks in the season1 or frequently even less1 in our uncertain climate4 ,the secretion of honey is remarkably promoted by an electric state of the atmosphere4 ,huber says truly of the bees3 ,i have remarked that the collection by these creatures is never more abundant1 nor their operations in wax more active1 than when the wind is from the south1 the air moist and warm1 and a storm approaching4 ,a certain commencement of the latter is to be looked for when the bees are seen rapidly hurrying home in crowds to the hive4 ,payne may be cited in this connexion4 ,i am not aware1 he observes1 that bees have ever been placed in the list of those animals which are said to foretell the changes of weather1 as many of the feathered and insect tribes are2 but in my opinion they stand foremost of the weather-wise4 ,a nice observer1 by looking at them in the early morning during the working season1 will very soon be able to form an opinion as to what the day will be1 and that almost to a certainty2 for they will sometimes appear sluggish and inactive1 although the morning is very bright1 and showing every appearance for a fine day2 but the sun soon becomes clouded1 and rain follows4 ,and1 again1 the morning may be dull and cloudy1 and sometimes rain may be falling2 still the bees will be observed going out in considerable numbers2 and as sure as this is seen the day becomes bright and fair4 ,thou wert out betimes1 thou busy1 busy bee6 ,when abroad ,i took my early way3 ,before the cow from her resting-place ,had risen up1 and left her trace ,on the meadow1 with dew so gray1 ,i saw thee1 thou busy1 busy bee6 ,thou wert alive1 thou busy1 busy bee6 ,when the crowd in their sleep were dead ,thou wert abroad in the freshest hour1 ,when the sweetest odour comes from the flower2 ,man will not learn to leave his lifeless bed1 ,and be wise1 and copy thee1 thou busy1 busy bee6 ,thou wert working late1 thou busy1 busy bee6 ,after the fall of the cistus flower2 ,i heard thee last as ,i saw thee first1 ,when the primrose free blossom was ready to burst2 ,in the coolness of the evening hour1 ,i heard thee1 thou busy1 busy bee6 ,southey4 ,swarming4--,the month of ,may1 in fine seasons1 usually brings with it the period of the greatest interest to the proprietor1 as regards the swarming stocks of bees2 on which subject we would refer to p4 #ba4 ,drones now begin to make their appearance1 darting out of the hive in the middle of warm days1 though occasionally in strong stocks they may be seen in ,april2 in which event early swarming may be looked for4 ,the usual limits during which swarming takes place vary in different localities2 but in general they are comprised in the months of ,may and ,june2 though in extraordinary circumstances a swarm may issue somewhat earlier1 or a little later than this4 ,when it is expected1 the hive should be watched from ten in the morning till two or three o'clock1 after which time swarming rarely occurs4 ,in particular1 the bees ought not to be left for five minutes if a hot sun intervene between showers2 for a greater predisposition to swarming then exists than in dry weather2 it seldom1 however1 takes place with an east or north wind4 ,it is not always easy to distinguish the appearances that precede a first 7or prime7 swarm1 and experienced apiculturists are sometimes deceived4 ,if1 however1 we had access to the interior of the hive1 the usual time would always be found 7accidents as to weather not interfering7 to be that in which the larv of the royal cells were about to be transformed into nymphs1 and therein sealed up2 viz41 eight or nine days before the young ,queens are matured2 for it is to be remembered that on the occasion of a first swarm it is always the old ,queen that accompanies it4 ,the issue of a swarm is frequently to be expected when the bees have remained for some time previously in a state of seeming inertness1 followed by an unusual commotion among the drones2 and more especially if these make their appearance in the morning1 hanging out with a cluster of bees2 conjointly with a disinclination to foraging abroad1 among the workers4 ,if1 in addition1 the honey previously stored in a super is observed to disappear suddenly1 swarming may be anticipated1 as the bees load themselves before leaving home4 ,but mere clustering at the mouth of the hive is not invariably the precursor of a swarm2 and the bees frequently continue to congregate in unmeaning idleness on the outside1 even though honey may be abundant4 ,in this case1 says ,dr4 ,bevan1 the cluster may be swept into an empty hive towards dusk1 and carried to a short distance from the apiary1 when they will gradually return1 and generally join the family4 ,this1 however1 is often only a temporary expedient2 and the prolonged continuance of a period of inaction frequently denotes the absence1 from abortion1 or other cause1 of a young ,queen2 the old one not choosing to leave the hive without the prospect of a successor4 ,or it may be that the hive contains an unfruitful ,queen1 and a weak population with insufficient warmth1 when little of store is collected1 and often no drone eggs are produced1 these being always the preliminary of royal cells4 ,a continuation of unfavorable weather1 moreover1 notwithstanding the sealing up of the ,queen-cells1 will often prevent any issue of a swarm2 for the reigning sovereign will avail herself of this compulsory detention in severally destroying the young princesses as they are matured4 ,an old ,queen is permitted by the bees to do this1 but it is otherwise with a young one1 till a later stage4 ,neither as to swarming will the state of the thermometer be an invariable guide4 ,i have rarely seen it reach as high as #ie within a stock-hive1 but ,i have observed the issue of swarms at a temperature four or five degrees below this2 and in one instance it occurred when the thermometer ranged but little above #hj4;,,aa ,,aa ,some naturalists1 and amongst them ,huber1 have imagined a much higher degree of heat at the time of swarming2 but in this there must be some error1 for ,i have proved that the combs collapse and fall at a temperature a little above #ajj4 ,i am almost ashamed to say that this experiment cost me the destruction of a fine stock-hive4 ,it is common to imagine that a swarm consists exclusively of the young bees of the season2 but ,nature is no such bungler1 or what would become of the parent stock8 ,accordingly1 we find that bees of all ages1 and usually several hundreds of drones1 go forth intermingled1 to form the new family4 ,it is not always an easy matter to estimate the strength of a swarm4 ,the bulk is not entirely a criterion1 as the temperature of the weather causes the bees to cluster together more or less closely4 ,a pint will usually contain about #bjjj4 ,five thousand bees are estimated to weigh nearly a pound2 but this also varies1 for on swarming they are always provident enough to load themselves more or less with honey before their departure4 ,a good swarm1 however1 ought to weigh about four pounds4 ,some have reached to six pounds1 but this is rare4 ,returning of swarms4--,cases sometimes occur in which it is thought desirable to compel the return of a swarm to the stock-hive4 ,on this subject we will use the words of ,payne4 ,the process1 says he1 is very simple1 and ,i have always found it succeed4 ,as soon as the swarm is settled in the hive1 turn it bottom upwards1 and1 if the ,queen-bee does not make her appearance in a few seconds1 dash the bees out upon a cloth1 or a gravel walk1 and with a wine-glass she may be easily captured4 ,upon this the bees will return to their parent hive4 ,the queen may also very easily be taken during the departure of a swarm2 for she appears to leave the hive reluctantly1 and may be seen running backwards and forwards upon the alighting-board before she takes wing4 ,i have sometimes found it advantageous1 instead of a cloth1 to place on the ground four or five sheets of large paper4 ,on these the bees have been spread1 and the sheets carried in opposite directions1 thus enabling a better search to be made for the ,queen2 and especially in the case of a second swarm1 for then there are frequently three or four4 ,where there is no ,queen1 the bees will soon be in confusion and fly to their original home2 but in the reverse case1 she may be discovered by their congregating in one particular part4 ,nor is there any danger in thus proceeding2 for the bees1 being gorged with honey1 are not often disposed to attack1 with the precaution of not breathing upon them4 ,moreover1 any such operation is best done in the shade1 as a hot sun makes the bees less tractable at all times4 ,occasionally it might happen that1 on the issuing of a swarm1 the ,queen1 from inability to fly1 falls to the ground1 when the bees will return to the hive1 which is often attended with advantage4 ,in judging of the desirableness of compelling the return of a first swarm1 we must be guided by circumstances4 ,should it be a large issue1 expediency would dictate the hiving it at once1 as a new colony2 for the ,queen may reasonably be supposed to be a vigorous one1 and a compulsory returning of the bees to the parent hive 7the result of destroying her7 would occasion a loss of valuable time2 a young ,queen not yet being in a state to commence laying eggs4 ,on the other hand1 a poor swarm might denote an unfruitful ,queen1 to be got rid of in the way we have just pointed out4 ,the bees would re-issue under a young sovereign1 after the usual interval1 with a large accession of numbers1 the produce of the brood matured in the mean time2 and this might have the further good effect of preventing an after-swarm1 which is always desirable4 ,it has already been said that on the occasion of a first swarm the old ,queen invariably issues with it4 ,it is also a fact that she leaves no actual successor1 but that an interregnum usually occurs of eight or nine days2 the royal larva being left short of maturity by this period1 unless bad weather has interposed to delay the issuing of the swarm1 in which event this interval may be much shortened2 it is also subject to extension under certain contingencies of weather4 ,the first princess that is subsequently liberated from her cell becomes the future mistress of the hive1 unless she leaves it with an after-issue2 for the law of primogeniture has been observed to be strictly followed4 ,it is therefore evident that no regal disagreement can occur except in the cases of after-swarms1 when a ,queen returning to the stock-hive might chance to find a rival1 and would have to contest her way to the supremacy4 ,after-swarms4--,it is not an unusual thing to hear a boast of a number of swarms from a stock-hive2 but nothing is proved by this beyond the fact1 that a thriving community has been weakened 7if not destroyed7 by too much subdivision4 ,the proprietor1 therefore1 must not imagine that his care is ended with the return of a swarm to the parent hive4 ,though one ,queen has been removed1 several successors are usually at hand1 and swarming may occur again and again1 so long as more than one is left4 ,the hive must be watched more especially from the eighth to about the twelfth day from the departure of a first swarm1 after which another rarely issues2 the probability1 or rather the certainty1 then being1 that the first-liberated young ,queen has succeeded in destroying the others--an event always to be desired4 ,but the symptoms which precede a second issue are more unequivocal than those in the previous case4 ,the young princesses are now arriving at maturity1 and two or more may be ready to come forth at the same time2 impatiently awaiting the assistance of the bees to liberate them from imprisonment2 for1 unlike the workers and drones1 they are not allowed by their own volition to leave their cells4 ,in this state of confinement they are objects of great solicitude1 and are supplied with food through a small orifice in their cocoon1 till one of them is set at liberty1 which is never till she is able to fly4 ,at this precise period1 a singular and plaintive call or croak1 proceeding from the young ,queens1 may be heard1 often at a distance of several feet from the hive1 and more particularly in the evening4 ,these notes are of two kinds1 according as the princesses emit them from without or within their cells4 ,for want of a more distinctive term1 these sounds have obtained the name of piping4 ,to ,huber we are largely indebted for the knowledge we possess as regards this peculiarity in the natural history of the bee2 and his observations have since received abundant confirmation1--perhaps from no apiarian more satisfactorily than from ,mr4 ,golding4 ,the first note of piping heard1 says the latter1 is low and plaintive1 and is uttered by the princess already at liberty1 and ,i have frequently seen her emit it4 ,she traverses the hive1 stopping upon or near the royal cells which still contain brood1 and emits her long plaintive note4 ,this1 when the other young ,queens are sufficiently forward 7generally in about two days71 is answered by them from within their cells1 in a quick1 short1 hoarse note4 ,after these last have been heard for about two days1 the swarm may be expected to come off4 ,these sounds1 therefore1 in the words of ,keys1 convey to the apiarian one certain warning1 that when heard1 he may be assured the first or prime swarm has escaped4 ,but universal as this rule has been considered1 it has not been entirely without exception2 for in a stock-hive of ,dr4 ,bevan's1 in the remarkable season of #aheb1 swarming had been so long prevented by bad weather1 that a young ,queen became liberated1 and escaping into a super1 piping was the consequence for two days before the issue of a prime swarm4 ,after-swarms are frequently accompanied by more than one young ,queen2 often by three or four1 and always in the virgin state4 ,indeed1 observes ,mr4 ,golding1 it would appear that all which are ready to quit their cells 7one only1 be it remembered1 being at liberty in the hive1 until the moment of swarming7 go off with the swarm2 leaving the more forward of the younger princesses to come off with subsequent swarms1 or 'fight out' their title to the sovereignty of the parent stock at home4 ,a third and even a fourth issue sometimes takes place1 the intervening periods successively becoming shorter1 and more piping being heard4 ,as all the royal cells must have been tenanted before the old ,queen departed from the hive1 it follows that from sixteen to eighteen days comprise the limit during which1 under ordinary circumstances1 swarming can occur2 and thenceforth the ,queen-bee is mute for the year4 ,moreover1 the worker brood originally left in the hive will now1 or in a few days1 be matured1 leaving the combs less occupied1 probably in any way1 than at any other period of the year1 until the young reigning ,queen is in a condition again to stock them with eggs4 ,this state of the hive is therefore considered by some as the most favorable for examination and excision of old combs1 and other operations usually attended to in the spring4 ,i have known piping after a second swarm has departed1 where no third issue has followed4 ,the second swarm1 however1 in this instance1 was restored to the stock-hive on the same evening1 together with one ,queen4 ,this is often the best time for making a reunion of after-swarms2 for ,i have usually found that all the ,queens except one are ejected on the day of swarming3 she1 being stronger than those still in the parent hive1 is able to destroy them on her return to it4 ,if a cloth is spread on a table1 placed in front of the old hive1 at dusk1 the bees of the swarm can be jerked out upon it1 and guided to its mouth4 ,in two hours after the reunion just mentioned1 piping from a ,queen at liberty was heard4 ,the next day two young ,queens were ejected2 one of them torn from its cell1 not having attained its full growth4 ,from the other the sting was protruding1 evidently the result of a recent combat4 ,piping was again heard on the following morning2 and soon after1 another princess1 doubtless the last1 was cast out of the hive1 which ,i took away still alive2 making five in all1 since the issue of the first swarm4 ,we may observe that when swarming has taken place more than once1 the original utilitarian principle no longer impels the bees to guard the royal cells2 the reigning princess being then permitted to tear them open and destroy any prospective rival4 ,no point has been better established1 than the fact recorded by ,huber1 as to the destruction of the supernumerary young ,queens by their combating together2 the sovereignty remaining with the single survivor4 ,in order1 says ,huber1 that at no time there may be a plurality of females in a hive1 ,nature has inspired ,queens with an innate inveteracy against one another4 ,they never meet without endeavouring to fight1 and accomplish their mutual destruction4 ,if one combatant is older than the rest1 she is stronger1 and the advantage will be with her4 ,she will destroy her rivals successively as produced4 ,thence1 if the old ,queen did not leave the hive before the young ones undergo their last metamorphosis1 it could produce no more swarms1 and the species would perish4 ,it is not clear by what instinct bees are guided as respects after-swarms1 or rather as to the construction of royal cells2 for1 as has been shown1 these abound much more in some hives than in others4 ,the repeated issues occasioned by the presence of supernumerary young ,queens1 although there has previously been a rapid development of brood1 not only leaves a hive comparatively depopulated1 but the succession of interregnums is mischievous as operating to suspend1 not breeding alone1 but almost entirely the gathering of honey4 ,a different kind of instinct appears to direct the bees than is observable at the time of the original issue2 for the young ,queens will depart in weather that would be thought unfavorable for the issuing of an old one4 ,the reason seems evident1 observes ,mr4 ,golding2 for when the proper age of the young ,princesses has arrived1 the swarm must go off1 or not at all1 as the younger would be destroyed by the eldest4 ,as a natural consequence1 there is evidently less of foresight as regards the future place of abode4 ,where so much of prudence and seeming intelligence are discernible in all the proceedings of these wonderful insects1 it is hardly to be expected that mere chance should direct on so important an occasion as the change of residence2 although when a swarm suddenly finds itself in a comfortable dwelling1 by the act of hiving1 it is rarely inclined to relinquish it4 ,a hive containing a few combs1 placed in the season near an apiary1 is almost certain to receive a colony1 which will sometimes fly to it at once1 without any previous clustering4,,ab ,the instances are numerous of prime swarms proceeding a considerable distance to a new domicile1 carefully inspected and cleaned beforehand4 ,i was an eye-witness to an example of this1 where the bees1 taking a dislike to the hive in which they had been housed1 soon after quitted it2 and1 mounting high in the air1 flew in a direct line to the roof of a church nearly a mile distant4 ,but an after-swarm appears to have little or nothing of preparation2 and has been known1 in seeming perplexity1 to commence comb-building in the bush on which it had alighted4 ,,ab ,in the garden of a friend stood an untenanted hive1 in which were a few empty combs4 ,some straggling strange bees were observed hovering about and in it1 for several successive days2 and1 at my suggestion1 the hive was left undisturbed4 ,on the day following1 a fine swarm of bees suddenly made its appearance1 undoubtedly from a distance1 and entered the hive4 ,in this instance1 a few hundreds1 or perhaps dozens1 of pioneers alone could have been in the secret as to the locality of the chosen domicile to which they so sagaciously conducted their ,queen and a community of perhaps #bj1jjj bees4 ,uniting of ,swarms4--,it has been shown that it is easy to compel the return of a swarm of bees to the parent hive2 but their remaining there depends much upon accidental circumstances4 ,we have seen that several young ,queens are often only waiting their time and opportunity to leave their cells and depart from the hive2 and till all these are in some way or other disposed of1 there can be no progress made in the family4 ,under such circumstances1 many persons think it best to hive all swarms in the usual way1 and to strengthen the later ones by joining two or three of them together2 for1 separately1 these are rarely of any value4 ,in cases where more than one after-swarm or subdivided swarm1 comes out on the same day1 each can often with little difficulty be shaken into the same hive1 at the time3 or the branches on which such swarms cluster may be cut off1 and brought to one hive4 ,otherwise1 a generally certain method of union may be resorted to at night4 ,at any time1 within a few days after the first swarm has been established1 another may be added to it4 ,on the same evening of the issue1 in front of the one to which it is to be joined1 place a table1 over which spread a cloth4 ,by a sudden and smart stroke the bees may be displaced from the second hive1 and will fall on the table in a lump4 ,take the first-hived colony and place it over them1 raising it a little at the bottom1 when the bees below will ascend and join it1 forming one family4 ,in moving this hive1 let it be done with caution1 for the combs1 being at present new and brittle1 are otherwise apt to fall down4 ,it is seldom that any quarrel takes place if the business be done properly2 but some persons think that a little smoke previously blown into both the hives1 has a tendency to prevent fighting4 ,early the next morning move the hive back to its former position1 when one of the ,queens will have been deposed4 ,in thus uniting swarms1 the doubled colony should always occupy the first hive4 ,as a general rule1 it may be remarked1 that the mode the most likely to succeed is that in which the bees are suddenly blended together1 without space or opportunity for individual recognition or fighting1 bee against bee2 but it must be done when the first hive contains but a few combs4 ,in this place it may be noticed1 that in an apiary where a weak and sluggish old stock is now observed1 opportunity can be taken to add to its numbers1 by uniting to it an after-swarm1 in the mode just pointed out2 though some persons would prefer puffing a little smoke to both parties4 ,if either ,queen be removed1 the strangers will usually be well received1 and this accession of numbers is almost certain to lead to a vastly increased action and industry4 ,like most other operations on bees1 the mode of uniting swarms admits of variety1 according to choice and circumstance2 and some apiarians prefer to drive them1 in the way for which general directions have been given at page #aeb2 a plan that may be resorted to almost at any time4 ,another mode of junction can be effected by the aid of a sheet of perforated zinc1 inserted between the two hives about to be united4 ,there is little reason to doubt that the members of each colony of bees are distinguishable amongst themselves by a certain peculiarity of odour1 which1 if assimilated1 appears to have the effect of preventing mutual dissension4 ,when the construction1 therefore1 of the hives admits of their being brought into juxtaposition1 the perforated zinc allows a free circulation of scent between them1 without permitting actual contact of the bees4 ,after leaving matters in this position for two or three days1 ,i have usually found1 on withdrawing the zinc divider1 that no disturbance has ensued4 ,prevention of ,after-swarms4--,where the construction of the hive admits of it1 no doubt the repetition of swarming may be prevented by depriving it of the royal cells4 ,under the head ,bar-,hives1 we have alluded to the facilities given for this object2 and it may be done immediately on the issuing of a swarm1 when but a small portion of the bees will remain in it4 ,let the cover be unscrewed1 and moved sideways as required1 puffing in some smoke on each side the combs1 which must be lifted separately1 beginning first at one end of the hive1 and then the other1 so as to work to the centre4 ,cut out the ,queen cells as you proceed1 replacing the bar4 ,a quarter of an hour will suffice for the operation4 ,in the meanwhile1 the swarm may be hived in the usual way1 and afterwards permanently returned2 for her majesty has now no alternative2 stay at home1 as ,mr4 ,golding says1 she must4 ,or1 he continues1 after the first swarm is gone off1 subsequent ones may be prevented in this way3 so soon as the long note of piping has been heard1 cut away at the royal cells4 ,the young princess1 already at liberty1 will then remain ,queen of the stock4 ,maiden ,swarms4--,under peculiar circumstances of early season and situation1 a prime swarm will occasionally send forth another1 the original ,queen again going with it2 in such instances1 termed a maiden swarm2 rarely1 however1 of much value4 ,in this case1 says ,dr4 ,bevan1 it usually occurs between the twenty-eighth and thirtieth day of its establishment4 ,the only indication of the approach of such an issue1 besides those already enumerated1 is the worker-combs1 with which first swarms generally store their hives1 becoming edged with drone-cells4 ,indeed1 an indispensable condition necessary to a maiden swarm is a ,queen1 capable of producing drones2 and this rarely happens in the case of a young one4 ,general ,directions on ,swarming4--,an absurd custom is very general of beating a metal pan1 or some such sonorous thing1 usually called tanging1 on the occasion of bee-swarming4 ,the practice1 doubtless1 originated in the precaution formerly observed of ringing a bell1 or giving some signal of the flight of bees1 with a view to an identification of the property in case of its straying to a distance4 ,by degrees the idea became prevalent that the bees themselves were the parties interested in the hubbub2 but as regards them it is worse than useless1 and frequently prevents their settling so soon as they would do if left quietly to themselves4 ,the drenching or anointing of a hive1 intended for a swarm1 with any kind of material1 is another common practice much better avoided4 ,a dry clean hive is preferable2 only1 if of straw1 cutting off the loose ends4 ,as respects the precise mode of housing a swarm1 no directions will meet all cases4 ,after rushing in great apparent excitement from the family domicile1 the bees form a cloud in the air1 wheeling about in a thousand directions1 and exhibiting a scene of the greatest animation2 then1 for the purpose of assembling together1 they alight and cluster round the ,queen that has accompanied them1 usually on a bush or branch of a low tree4 ,the hive must now be put close under the swarm1 into which it is easily shaken2 or1 according to circumstances1 swept with a light brush1 which is all the better if made of very fine shavings2 but care should be taken not to crush any bees4 ,the success of the operation depends upon the inclusion of the ,queen1 when the new family will soon collect with her1 within the hive1 on placing this in its proper position1 a little raised on one side1 and shaded in some way from the sun4 ,on the occasion of swarming1 bees are seldom much inclined to use their stings1 unless irritated by wind4 ,the hiving ought not to be delayed1 especially with a hot sun1 or the bees would soon again take wing1 perhaps for a long flight1 and be hopelessly lost4 ,a somewhat larger hive may be selected for a full-sized early swarm than for a later one4 ,in case a swarm returns to the parent hive1 which sometimes happens1 let the latter be watched1 for it will soon re-issue1 and perhaps on the same day4 ,occasionally a swarm will divide and settle in two parts1 which1 if near together1 can be shaken into one hive4 ,otherwise a junction may be made at night1 in the way pointed out at page #aic4 ,an observance of the advice of ,gelieu1 and others1 is to be recommended1 not to allow the swarm to remain where it had been hived till the evening1 as is customary1 but to place it at once1 as soon as settled1 or within a quarter of an hour1 on the spot 7if at hand7 it is destined to occupy4 ,in sultry weather raise the hive a little to admit air1 especially if a large swarm4 ,when first hived1 it is curious to observe the caution with which bees mark the site of their new position1 making circuits in the air1 wider and wider1 till they clearly understand the locality4 ,having done this1 they are much perplexed at any subsequent removal of their dwelling2 nor do they ever1 under ordinary circumstances1 re-enter the original parent-hive4 ,we may say a word as to the practice of some proprietors1 with a view of giving additional strength to a recent swarm3 the stock-hive from whence the issue took place is moved to a little distance1 and immediately that the swarm is settled in its new hive1 the latter is placed on the site which the other had just left4 ,the outlying bees1 on returning home1 will of course fly to the original spot1 joining and strengthening the new family4 ,the old one must necessarily be weakened in the same proportion1 but it will soon be recruited by the maturation of the brood which it is sure to contain4 ,sometimes this shifting of the stock-hive has been allowed to be permanent2 whilst1 in other instances1 it has been found more expedient only to do it for two or three hours immediately following the swarming4 ,the hives should1 under the latter supposition1 then be made to change places1 and no bees would be lost1 as one or the other of the two positions would be sought by them4 ,it may be well to refer the reader to what has been said at page #ajh1 relative to the occasional necessity that might exist for feeding a newly-hived family of bees4 ,artificial ,swarming4--,many apiculturists have practised the making of what have been termed artificial swarms of bees2--in other words1 have compelled them to leave the parent hive sooner than they would have done in their own natural way4 ,what is more common than to see a large bunch of bees hanging in idleness1 often for weeks1 on the outside of a stock-hive1 at the best part of the season4 ,is it not a great gain if we can contrive in some way to set this unprofitable community to work1 in a new home8 ,the advantages of early swarms have been already pointed out1 and in our uncertain climate the risk is often great1 either of losing them altogether1 or of their coming too late for the principal season of blossoming4 ,such considerations have led to the compulsory system1 which may1 in one form or another1 often be successfully resorted to by the practised hand1 but otherwise1 it is scarcely to be wondered at that failure sometimes ensues4 ,different operators have succeeded in different ways of proceeding2 and we will briefly point out some of them4 ,the raising of a young ,queen from worker larv has been already described under the head ,queen ,bee2 and for the purpose we have now immediately in view1 we will suppose the use of a bar-hive1 as the one best adapted2 the time of year being that when it is ascertained to contain eggs and young larv1 both of workers and drones4 ,a comb must be abstracted from a full box1 and put into an empty one1 care being taken that it is not allowed to chill during removal4 ,in describing the subsequent process1 we may adopt the words of ,dr4 ,bevan4 ,towards noon of a fine day1 or almost at any time1 if the bees cluster out much 7for there ought to be plenty of them71 let a stock-hive be removed to a distance1 and a spare hive or box be put in its place1 to one bar of which is attached a comb containing worker-eggs1 or very young larv of the same sex 7better still if the hive contain also one or two other worker combs72 the outliers1 or the bees that are abroad1 or both1 will then enter the new habitation1 cluster round the brood1 construct one or more royal cells1 and raise a young sovereign3 and thus1 if the season be favorable1 form a flourishing stock2 whilst the old removed family1 with beneficially reduced numbers1 will soon be reconciled to their new situation4 ,but we may often proceed a step further1 and at once ensure the presence in the new hive of an embryo sovereign1 by inspecting a stock about the time of closing up the royal cells1 and deprive it of a comb1 containing one or more of these1 as alluded to under the section ,prevention of ,after-swarms4 ,in this way the double advantage will be gained of ensuring greater certainty1 and saving valuable time2 for1 from the commencement of the process of raising a ,queen from the worm1 to the period at which young bees may be looked for--her progeny--can scarcely be less than seven weeks4 ,artificial swarm-making is sometimes successfully accomplished by means of driving the bees2 to the general principles of which process we have directed attention at page #aeb4 ,a diversity in the objects to be obtained1 of course1 leads to a little alteration in the details of the proceedings2 and we have now in view1 not1 as before1 the creation of a young ,queen in the new hive1 but forcing the old one into the latter4 ,dr4 ,dunbar thus narrates his own method of procedure1 and which will usually be found to answer4 ,we carried1 says he1 the full hive into a dark place1 turned it up1 fixed it in the frame of a chair from which the bottom had been removed1 placed an empty hive over it1 mouth to mouth1 and partially drove it4 ,as soon as we perceived that about half of the bees had ascended into the empty hive 7knowing that in these cases the ,queen is generally amongst the foremost71 we immediately replaced the old hive on its former station1 and removed the new one1 now containing the ,queen1 to a little distance4 ,as the former had plenty of eggs and brood1 they were at no loss to procure another ,queen2 whilst the other1 having a ,queen1 proceeded to work in all respects as a natural swarm4 ,to avoid annoyance1 and loss of the foraging bees1 as they continue to return homewards1 during the process of the preceding operation1 it is well to set an empty hive 7or it may have a few combs7 on the site just before occupied by the parent stock4 ,the bees will be in no very placid mood1 and this piece of deception has a tendency to divert their attention temporarily1 till the re-establishment of their old house restores them to their proper home4 ,some operators so far depart from the mode of proceeding we have described as to prefer placing the newly driven swarm1 possessing the ,queen1 on the old site4 ,in such case the original stock-hive is removed to a little distance1 and the entrance door stopped up1 but raising the bottom edge sufficiently to admit a sufficiency of air only1 with but little of light or sun4 ,the bees thus confined are left undisturbed during two days1 and will probably have spent their time in founding a prospective new monarchy4 ,they may then be safely again trusted abroad1 for in their anxiety about the requirements of the provisional government1 they will no more trouble their old companions4 ,another variation of plan1 recommended by some1 is1 instead of shutting up either portion of the bees1 immediately to convey those driven into the new hive1 to a distance of not less than a mile1 leaving the original position for the old one4,,ac ,,ac ,i may here not inappropriately call attention to a subject touched upon by ,mr4 ,golding4 ,his remarks are borne out by my own observation2 and ,i believe it would be for mutual benefit were bee-keepers1 resident a few miles apart1 occasionally to exchange swarms in the season4 ,i make no apology for introducing a passage from the ',shilling ,bee-,book4' ,though ,i can give no satisfactory reasons for the fact1 yet it certainly is one1 that bees brought from a distance very generally thrive better than families long domiciled on the spot4 ,i am borne out in this opinion by the concurrent testimony of my apiarian friends4 ,whether they ply more vigorously on finding themselves in a strange situation1 or what can be the reason1 ,i leave others to guess at4 ,an ,american author observes on this subject1 ,i am strongly persuaded that the decay of many stocks may be attributed to the fact that the bees have become enfeebled by close breeding4 ,the cultivator should guard against this evil by occasionally changing his stocks4 ,illustration ,dividing ,bar-,hive4--,so far we are supposed to have proceeded in forcing artificial swarms with hives of the usual kind4 ,but an idea has often been suggested of having boxes so made as to be divisible vertically into equal halves2 and1 in this way1 to create the basis of two distinct families without swarming4 ,such hives are alluded to by various authors1 and1 amongst them1 by ,dr4 ,dunbar and ,dr4 ,bevan2 but we have hitherto had no guide as to any intelligible details of construction2 and on these depends the possibility of proceeding with advantage4 ,my own views on the subject induced me to think that my eight-bar hive1 already described1 possessed1 with a little modification1 the required facilities2 and1 indeed1 ,i know of no other that could be so adapted4 ,moreover1 as the original dimensions are preserved1 the other boxes and all adjuncts remain as detailed at p4 #ed1 so that the hive can be used without reference to the provision made for subdividing it2 this being altogether a super-added advantage4 ,the chief novelty is in the stock-box1 which1 with its cover1 is cut from front to back into two equal parts1 but so as not to alter the regular interspacing of the bars1 four of which will of course appertain to each compartment4 ,in addition to the usual side-windows1 there should be a small one at the back of both the half-boxes4 ,the hive-board must also be divided1 so as to be lifted up each half independently of the other4 ,cross bars are appended on the underneath side of the boards1 the ends meeting in the centre4 ,a groove is here notched out from the upper side of the extremities of the cross bars1 to receive a moveable tongue1 as it may be called1 of half-inch wood and an inch wide1 inserted from behind1 and passing through to the front4 ,the tongue connects the half-boards together on one level1 and forms a joint below4 ,the entrance for the bees is in the centre1--half being cut out of each board2 though1 probably1 some persons might prefer to have1 instead1 a smaller one at the two outer extremities4 ,in order to stiffen and serve as a stay or tie at the divided ends1 ,i have found the utility of a piece of very strong tinned wire1 crossing each half-box1 horizontally4 ,all that is needed is to cut the wire into the requisite lengths1 turn the ends at a right angle1 and drive them flush into the wood2 where1 as they fall within the space between the two central bars1 they are not at all in the way4 ,a reference to the illustration will be found sufficiently explanatory1 the two half-boxes being shown a little separated4 ,when placed together1 to form one hive1 they are held in position by means of the centre-board1 covering the whole top1 and secured at the four corners by means of iron pins going down through the centre-board and the projecting edge of the crown-board of the boxes4 ,on the occasion of hiving a swarm1 for the purpose of stocking the dividing-hive1 a cord or strap must be passed round the whole1 and guide-combs should be used2 for successful subsequent separation of the two halves depends altogether upon the regular working of the combs in straight lines upon the bars4 ,it will naturally occur1 that to carry out the design of a ,dividing ,hive every part must have its duplicate1 so that four halves1 boards1 c41 are necessary2 each made so precisely alike as to fit and be attached to any other half-box4 ,we must suppose the time of year to be arrived 7usually in ,may7 when the combs are well filled with brood1 both of worker and drone bees4 ,in the middle1 or1 as some would prefer1 the evening1 of a fine day1 the two halves of the hive can be separated4 ,to effect this with as little disturbance as possible1 two dividers may be used4 ,these are made of strong1 well-flattened sheet zinc or tin1 the full size of the box1 in length2 and deep enough to include the hive-board1 besides an inch at the top edge to spare4 ,this latter part should be turned back1 as a rim or flanch1 at a right angle1 as seen in the illustration4 ,commence by withdrawing the wooden tongue underneath the hive-board1 and removing the centre-board2 then1 with a thin knife-blade1 the half-boxes can be loosened at their point of junction2 not allowing the knife to enter beyond the thickness of the wood4 ,this done1 gently insert one of the dividing plates horizontally from behind1 its whole length2 there being no obstruction1 unless the combs are worked across the bars4 ,the other divider is to be pushed in in a similar way1 the flanches resting respectively right and left on the upper edge of each half-box4 ,the latter may then be moved apart on their boards in safety4 ,an empty half-box is to be adjusted to each of the full halves1 when the dividers may be withdrawn4 ,we have thus two families1 which must be moved some distance apart4 ,the ,queen will1 of course1 be in one of them2 and1 probably1 ,queen larv in the other1 or in both halves4 ,a little tapping will serve to show the position of the ,queen1 as the bees will soon become quiet where she is1 whilst in the queenless box confusion will continue to prevail4 ,the latter should then be put on the original stand1 to receive the foraging bees as they return home2 whilst the presence of the old ,queen will secure a sufficiency in the other hive1 which may be placed at a little distance4 ,in about twenty-four hours1 preparation will have commenced for founding one or more royal cells1 if required1 in the queenless half-hive2 and thus a new colony will arise1 without swarming4,,ad ,,ad ,the dividing hive1 and some other inventions described in the ',bee-keeper's ,manual1' may be seen at ,messrs4 ,neighbour and ,sons1 #abg1 ,high ,holborn1 and #adi1 ,regent ,street1 ,london4 ,,bee-,,protector4 ,it ought to be remarked that1 in general1 all important operations on bees should be conducted in the middle of the day1 that being the time when it is least annoying to them1 and the safest to the operator1 as a large portion are then engaged abroad4 ,indeed1 the bees are always more suspicious and irascible by night4 ,on their homeward way they are not disposed to attack1 any more than they are when at work in the fields4 ,the defence of home is their actuating principle2 and the danger arises from the bees furiously darting out on any supposed enemy1 from within the hive4 ,make as little bustle and disturbance as possible1 and have at hand an assistant and whatever is likely to be wanted1 for a very trifling matter will often mar an operation irretrievably4 ,let all things be done coolly and quietly1 and without hurried motions of any kind1 which cause suspicion and irritation4 ,avoid breathing on the bees2 and1 above all1 be careful to kill none1 for the smell of the wounded body exasperates them exceedingly3 in short1 the aim should be to do what is needed without the bees being conscious of it4 ,another precaution may be mentioned1 which is1 in operating1 not to employ any one known to be obnoxious to bees2 for without going the length of saying with some that certain individuals are recognised by them1 it is well known that1 from their nice discrimination of scent1 the persons of others are objects of constant and very marked dislike4 ,illustration ,illustration ,security from attack1 however1 is essential to self-possession1 and ,i know of no covering so effectual as an envelope ,i devised of a kind of light net1 or gauze1 sometimes called leno4 ,it should be so made at the top as to go over a hat or cap2 with sleeves1 tied at the wrists1 and strings at the bottom to draw and fasten round the waist4 ,the sleeves may be made of some stronger material4 7,see preceding page47 ,the entire upper part of the person is in this way enveloped1 as seen in our engraving annexed4 ,the projection of the hat keeps the dress clear of the face1 and it is sufficiently transparent4 ,a thick pair of gloves1 which some think are best made of buck-skin1 is all that is further necessary to complete protection4 ,,remedy ,,for ,,the ,,sting ,,of ,a ,,bee4 ,if attacked by a bee1 the best plan is not to offer resistance1 but to walk away and thrust your head into a neighbouring shrub or bush1 when the enemy will in all probability retire4 ,however1 an accidental sting may now and then be received1 for which various remedies have been prescribed4 ,in the first place1 the sting should at once be removed1 but without rubbing the part4 ,my own experience leads me to recommend1 in preference to anything else1 the immediate application of liquor potass to the spot1 as a powerful alkali1 to neutralize the poison of the sting1 which is an acid4 ,it should be used in small quantity1 on a point of some kind1 as a needle1 introduced into the wound4 ,in the absence of this1 pure liquid ammonia is said on good authority to succeed1 if properly applied4 ,keep it in a close-stopped1 small-necked bottle1 which should be turned bottom upwards1 and held very tight over the part4 ,some persons have found relief from an immediate application of cold water4 ,indeed1 any remedy to be efficacious must be speedily resorted to2 and particularly in the warm months1 for then the poison is much more active than in winter4 ,,conclusion4 ,in the foregoing pages ,i have given an outline of my own experience in the general management of bees1 freely availing myself of such further information1 derived from the most trustworthy sources1 as seemed most likely to interest and instruct the reader4 ,my aim1 however1 has been restricted primarily to matters of a practical bearing1 passing over the obsolete speculations of by-gone periods1 and relying on the superior intelligence of a later day4 ,those who wish to enter more fully into the natural history and physiology of the bee may consult a variety of works1 at the head of which it is usual to place that of ,huber2 followed by the later comprehensive and highly satisfactory one1 ',the ,honey ,bee1' of the late ,dr4 ,bevan2 both publications to which we have often had occasion to refer4 ,that portion of the subject relating to the structure and arrangement of their combs and cells is treated of at considerable length by ,lord ,brougham1 in his ',dissertations on ,subjects of ,science connected with ,natural ,theology4' ,perhaps the accurate observations and elaborate mathematical demonstrations of the noble author have left little more to be desired in the particular department to which he has devoted the energies of his powerful mind4 ,with his summary of the progress of apiarian knowledge1 we may not inappropriately close the ',bee-keeper's ,manual4' ,the attention1 says ,lord ,brougham1,,ae which has been paid at various times to the structure and habits of the bee is one of the most remarkable circumstances in the history of science4 ,the ancients studied it with unusual minuteness1 although being1 generally speaking1 indifferent observers of fact1 they made but little progress in discovering the singular economy of this insect4 ,of the observations of ,aristomachus1 who spent sixty years1 it is said1 in studying the subject1 we know nothing2 nor of those which were made by ,philissus1 who passed his life in the woods1 for the purpose of examining this insect's habits2 but ,pliny informs us that both of them wrote works upon it4 ,aristotle's three chapters on bees and wasps,,af contain little more than the ordinary observations1 mixed up with an unusual portion of vulgar and even gross errors4 ,how much he attended to the subject is1 however1 manifest from the extent of the first of these chapters1 which is of great length4 ,some mathematical writers1 particularly ,pappus1 studied the form of the cells1 and established one or two of the fundamental propositions respecting the economy of labour and wax resulting from the plan of the structure4 ,the application of modern naturalists to the inquiry is to be dated from the beginning of the eighteenth century1 when ,maraldi examined it with his accustomed care2 and ,reaumur afterwards1 as we have seen1 carried his investigations much farther4 ,the interest of the subject seemed to increase with the progress made in their inquiries2 and about the year #agfe a society was formed at ,little ,bautzen in ,upper ,lusatia1 whose sole object was the study of bees4 ,it was formed under the patronage of the ,elector of ,saxony4 ,the celebrated ,schirach was one of its original members2 and soon after its establishment he made his famous discovery of the power which the bees have to supply the loss of their ,queen1 by forming a large cell out of three common ones1 and feeding the grub of a worker upon royal jelly2 a discovery so startling to naturalists1 that ,bonnet1 in #agfi1 earnestly urged the society not to lower its credit by countenancing such a wild error1 which he regarded as repugnant to all we know of the habits of insects2 admitting1 however1 that he should not be so incredulous of any observations tending to prove the propagation of the race of the ,queen-bee1 without any co-operation of a male1,,ag a notion since shown by ,huber to be wholly chimerical4 ,in #agga a second institution1 with the same limited object1 was founded at ,lauter1 under the ,elector ,palantine's patronage1 and of this ,riem1 scarcely less known in this branch of science than ,schirach1 was a member4 ,,ae ,vol4 i1 pp4 #ccc-cf4 ,,af ,hist4 ,an41 lib4 ix1 cap4 #dj1 #da1 #db4 ,,ag ,oeuvres1 x1 #ajj1 #ajd4 ,the greatest progress1 however1 was afterwards made by ,huber1 whose discoveries1 especially of the ,queen-bee's mode of impregnation1 the slaughter of the drones or males1 and the mode of working1 have justly gained him a very high place among naturalists4 ,nor are his discoveries of the secretion of wax from saccharine matter1 the nature of propolis1 and the preparation of wax1 for building1 to be reckoned less important4 ,to these truths the way had been led by ,john ,hunter1 whose vigorous and original genius never was directed to the cultivation of any subject without reaping a harvest of discovery4 99 99 99 99 99 ,in conclusion1 whatever may be the degree of ignorance or doubt in which on certain points respecting the ,honey-bee we are still involved 7and these are probably not often practically important71 there are few but may receive instruction and example from these wonderful little creatures1 in the duties of persevering industry1 prudence1 economy1 and peaceful subordination2 whilst all may be taught1 by their perfect organization and faultless adaptation of means to an end1 a lesson of humility2 and1 finally1 by the contemplation of their beautiful works1 to look from ,nature up to ,nature's ,god4 ,illustration ,,index ,adapter1 #ca4 ,after-swarms1 #ahf1 #ahh1 #aij1 #aie4 ,ancient bee observers1 #bac4 ,apiarian authors1 #bab4 societies1 #bad4 ,apiary1 management in summer1 #ajf4 autumn1 #abd4 winter1 #aeg4 spring1 #aff4 ,apiary1 plan of1 #id1 #ie4 position and aspect1 #ig4 repairs of1 #agj4 size of1 #ajc4 to commence1 #ajf1 #aeb1 #aff4 ,apis ,ligustica1 #a4 ,mellifica1 #a4 ,artificial food1 #agb4 swarming1 #aii1 #bjd1 #bjf4 ,aspect1 #ig4 ,authors on ,bees1 #bab4 ,autumnal management1 #abd4 feeding1 #acb4 unions1 #adj4 ,bar hive1 #ed1 advantages of1 #ee1 #fi1 #aie4 dividing1 #bjd4 double1 #ff4 glass or observatory1 #gb4 single1 #ff4 straw1 #gc4 wooden box1 #ed4 ,bar system1 #ed4 ,bars1 size of1 #eg1 #eh4 ,bee1 ,queen1 or mother1 #c1 #d1 #agj1 #aha1 #ahd1 #ahf1 #aij1 #bad4 common or working1 #c1 #aa4 drone or male1 #c1 #ae1 #af1 #ahj4 authors1 #bab4 boxes1 size of1 #eb4 duration of life1 #ad1 #aea4 eggs1 #f1 #aj1 #ab1 #af4 flowers1 #ajb4 food1 #acg1 #agb4 ligurian1 #a4 pasturage1 and number of hives1 #aja1 #aef4 protector1 #bjh4 sex of1 #ab1 #ag4 sheds and houses1 #id4 sting1 #d1 #ab1 #baj4 ,bees1 confinement of1 #adh1 #aeh4 destruction of1 #bh1 #adi4 driving of1 #aeb1 #bja4 enemies of1 #aaf1 #age4 fighting1 #aca4 flight of1 #ajc4 fortification of1 #aag4 fuming of1 #adj4 humming of1 #agg4 increase of1 #aj4 longevity of1 #ad1 #aej4 number of1 #aa4 removal of1 #ajj1 #ajg1 #afg1 #aih4 to hive1 #aif4 to unite1 #adj1 #aib4 various occupations of1 #ac4 weather-wise1 #agh4 working1 #aa4 ,bell-glasses1 #abj4 ,blocks1 #dc1 #dd1 #if1 #afj4 ,box hive1 #ea4 ,brood1 #ab1 #abf1 #aea1 #afh4 ,cells1 common1 #ac1 #aaa4 drone1 #ae1 #aab4 royal1 #d1 #ahj1 #ahb1 #ahg1 #aie1 #bjj1 #bja1 #bjh4 ,cement1 #ch4 ,circular wooden hives1 #ge4 ,cleaning or changing hive-boards1 #afe1 #afg4 ,cocoons1 #ab4 ,collateral system1 #bd1 #gh4 hive1 ,white's1 #ha4 ,nutt's1 #hb4 ,colony of bees1 #ajf1 #aeb4 ,comb-knives1 #acj4 pruning1 #adg1 #afg1 #ahi4 ,combs1 #e1 #bi1 #aji1 #adg4 and wax1 #aji4 and cells1 construction of1 #aji4 ,common1 or working bees1 #c1 #aa4 straw hives1 #bg4 ,condensing trough1 #afa4 ,confinement of bees1 #adh1 #aeh4 ,covers to hives1 #cg4 ,crown-boards1 #ce4 ,damp1 #aeg4 ,deprivation1 #bc1 #abe1 #adh4 ,depriving hives1 #cj1 #ea4 system1 #ba1 #bc4 ,destroying of bees1 #bh1 #adi4 ,directions on swarming1 #aif4 ,disease1 #aei4 ,dividers1 #cf4 ,dividing bar-hive1 #bjd4 ,doubling-board1 #gh4 ,driving1 #aeb1 #bja4 ,drone1 or male bee1 #c1 #ae1 #ahj1 #aha1 #ahc4 cells1 #af1 #aab4 ,drones1 destroying of1 #ah1 #ai4 expulsion of1 #ah4 number of1 #bj4 office of1 #ag4 ,duplet1 #bd4 ,dysentery1 #aei4 ,eggs1 #h1 #i1 #aj1 #af1 #aea4 ,eke1 #be1 #abb4 ,enemies of bees1 #aaf1 #age4 ,evaporation1 #afa4 ,farina1 or pollen1 #aac1 #afh4 substitute for1 #afi4 ,feeding in autumn1 #acb1 #acg4 in spring1 #agj4 swarms1 #ajh1 #aii4 ,feeding troughs1 #acc4 ,flight of bees1 #ajc4 ,floor- or hive-boards1 #db4 to clean or change1 #afe1 #afg4 ,food1 artificial1 #agb4 ,fortification1 #aag4 ,frame-bar1 #eh4 ,fumigation1 #adj1 #adf4 ,fuming bees1 #adj1 #adh4 material1 #adc4 tube1 #adb4 ,fungus1 #adc4 ,gauge1 #eg1 #gd1 #gf4 ,general directions in operations on bees1 #bji4 on swarming1 #aif4 ,glasses1 #abj4 to remove1 #abh4 ,glass or light-hive1 #gb4 ,guide-combs1 #fi1 #abj1 #bjf4 ,hive1 bar1 #ed4 dividing1 #bjd4 double1 #ff4 observatory1 #gb4 single1 #ff4 straw1 #gc4 wooden1 #ed4 boards1 #db4 circular wooden1 #ge4 common straw1 #bg4 covers1 #cg4 nadir1 #be1 #hg4 nether1 #ia4 ,hive1 ,nutt's collateral1 #hb4 protector1 #da4 range1 #di4 shade1 #ci4 stands or pedestals1 #df4 ,white's collateral1 #ha4 ,hives1 collateral1 #ha4 number of1 #aja4 shape of1 #bh4 size of1 #bi1 #ca4 super1 #bd1 #aai1 #agf4 wooden box1 #ea4 ,hiving1 #aif4 ,honey1 #aac1 #abh1 #age1 #agh4 comb1 #e1 #aji4 dew1 #aac4 harvest1 #abh1 #adi4 season1 #agh4 store of1 #acb1 #ach4 to strain1 #abi4 virgin1 #abd4 ,hornets1 #aaf4 ,humming1 #agg4 ,imago1 #ac4 ,impregnation1 #ag1 #ai4 ,increase of bees1 #aj4 ,italian bee1 #a4 ,journal1 #ajf4 ,knives1 #ga1 #acj4 ,larv1 #ab4 ,light in hives1 #ec1 #gb4 or observatory hive1 #gb4 ,ligurian bee1 #a4 ,longevity of bees1 #ad1 #aej4 ,maiden swarms1 #aif4 ,male bee1 #c1 #ae1 #ahj1 #aha1 #ahc4 ,management in summer1 #ajf4 autumn1 #abd4 winter1 #aeg4 spring1 #aff4 ,moisture in hives1 #afa4 ,moths1 wasps1 hornets1 and other enemies1 #aaf4 ,moving of bees1 #ajj1 #ajf1 #aff1 #bjc4 ,nadir1 #be1 #fb1 #hg1 #aai1 #abb4 drawer1 #hi4 ,nadir-hive1 #hg4 ,nadiring1 #be1 #hg1 #hi1 #aai1 #abb4 ,nether-hive1 #ia4 ,number of hives1 #aja4 ,nutt's collateral hive1 #hb4 ,nymph1 or ,pupa1 #ab4 ,observatory1 or light hive1 #gb4 ,odour of bees1 #aid4 ,office of drones1 #ag4 ,painting1 #cg1 #ed4 ,pasturage1 #aja1 #aef4 ,pattern gauge1 #eg1 #gd1 #gf4 ,pedestals1 or stands for hives1 #df4 ,piping1 #ahf4 ,pollen1 or farina1 #aac1 #afh4 substitute for1 #afi4 ,population1 #ajg1 #aci1 #aej4 ,position and aspect1 #ig1 #aeh4 ,prevention of after-swarms1 #aie4 ,princesses1 #f1 #ahe1 #ahf1 #aib4 ,propolis1 #aab4 ,protectors1 #bjh4 ,pruning combs1 #adg1 #afg1 #ahi4 ,queen1 or mother bee1 #c1 #d1 #agj1 #aha1 #ahc1 #ahd1 #aij4 cells1 #d1 #e1 #ahj1 #ahb1 #ahe1 #ahg1 #aie1 #bja1 #bjh4 ,queens1 combats of1 #ahf1 #aij4 duration of life1 #f4 fertility of1 #aj4 impregnation of1 #ag4 piping of1 #ahf4 ,queens1 reared artificially1 #g1 #bjh1 #bad4 unfruitful1 #agj4 ,range for ,lives1 #di4 ,remedy for the sting of a bee1 #baj4 ,removal of bees1 #ajf1 #afg1 #bjc4 ,removal of a box or super-hive1 #abe4 ,removing of swarms1 #ajf1 #aih1 #bjc4 ,returning of swarms1 #ahc1 #ahf4 ,robber bees1 #abg1 #aca4 ,robbers1 #acd1 #age4 ,royal cells1 or cradles1 #d1 #e1 #agf1 #ahj1 #ahf1 #aie1 #bjj4 ,screen in winter1 #aei4 ,sex1 #ab4 ,shade1 #aae1 #agh4 ,single hiving1 #ba4 ,snow1 to clear1 #aeh4 ,song of the bees1 #aji4 ,spring feeding1 #agj4 flowers1 #ajb1 #afi4 management1 #aff4 ,stands for hives1 #df4 ,sting1 #d1 #ab1 #baj4 ,stocks1 #aeb1 #aff4 to strengthen1 #aid4 ,store of honey1 #abh1 #acb1 #acg4 ,storifying1 #bd4 ,straw bar-hive1 #gc4 common hives1 #bg1 #bh4 depriving hives1 #cj4 ,straw hives1 painting of1 #cg4 ,strength of a colony1 #ajg1 #aib4 ,stupefying bees1 #adj1 #adc4 ,suffocation1 #bh1 #adi4 ,summary of apiarian knowledge1 #bac4 ,summer management1 #ajf4 ,super-hiving1 #aai4 ,supers1 #bd1 #ca1 #cd1 #aai1 #abe1 #agf4 to remove1 #abe1 #abh4 ,swarming1 #ba1 #ahj1 #ahb1 #aia1 #aif4 artificial1 #aii4 ,swarms1 #ahj1 #ahf4 maiden1 #aif4 removing of1 #ajf1 #aih1 #bjc4 to feed1 #ajh1 #aii4 to return1 #ahc1 #ahd1 #ahi1 #aie4 to strengthen1 #ajg1 #aih4 to unite1 #aib4 weight of1 #ahc4 ,tanging bees1 on swarming1 #aif4 ,temperature1 #ac1 #hc1 #aai1 #abb1 #aci1 #aea1 #aeh1 #afh1 #agj1 #agg1 #ahb4 ,temperature and weather1 #agg4 ,thermometer1 #hc1 #afc1 #ahb4 ,titmouse1 #aag1 #afj4 ,top-feeding1 #acc1 #agj4 ,transferring bees1 #adj4 ,triplets1 #bd1 #cb1 #abb4 ,triplets and ,nadirs1 #abb4 ,trough1 feeding1 #acc4 ,tube for fuming1 #adb4 ,uniting bees1 #ajg1 #adj1 #aib4 ,uniting swarms1 #ajg1 #ahi1 #aib4 ,ventilation1 #hc1 #aai1 #aba1 #afa1 #agg4 ,ventilators1 #he4 ,virgin honey1 #abd4 ,wasps1 c41 #aaf1 #aag1 #age4 ,water1 #aae1 #afi1 #agh4 ,wax and combs1 #aji4 ,wax moth1 #aaf4 ,white's collateral hive1 #ha4 ,winter management1 #aeg4 position1 #aeh4 screens1 #aei4 store1 #acb1 #ach4 ,wooden bar-boxes1 #ed4 circular hives1 #ge4 hives1 #ea4 ,worker cells1 #ac1 #aaa4 ,printed by ,j4 ,e4 ,adlard1 ,bartholomew ,close1 ,london4 99 99 99 99 99 ,illustration3 ,,grace ,,aguilar',s ,,works ,i4 ,fcap4 #hvo1 ,illustrated1 price #es41 with a ,memoir of the ,author1 ,,home ,,influence2 ,a ,,tale ,,for ,,mothers ,,and ,,daughters4 ,by ,,grace ,,aguilar4 ,grace ,aguilar wrote and spoke as one inspired2 she condensed and spiritualized1 and all her thoughts and feelings were steeped in the essence of celestial love and truth4 ,to those who really knew ,grace ,aguilar1 all eulogium falls short of her deserts1 and she has left a blank in her particular walk of literature1 which we never expect to see filled up4--,pilgrimages to ,english ,shrines1 by ,mrs4 ,hall4 ,a clever and interesting tale1 corresponding well to its name1 illustrating the silent1 constant influence of a wise and affectionate parent over characters the most diverse4--,christian ,lady's ,magazine4 ,this interesting volume unquestionably contains many valuable hints on domestic education1 much powerful writing1 and a moral of vast importance4--,englishwoman's ,magazine4 ,it is very pleasant1 after reading a book1 to speak of it in terms of high commendation4 ,the tale before us is an admirable one1 and is executed with taste and ability4 ,the language is beautiful and appropriate2 the analysis of character is skilful and varied4 ,the work ought to be in the hands of all who are interested in the proper training of the youthful mind4--,palladium4 ,in reviewing this work1 we hardly know what words in the ,english language are strong enough to express the admiration we have felt in its perusal4--,bucks ,chronicle4 ,the object and end of the writings of ,grace ,aguilar were to improve the heart1 and to lead her readers to the consideration of higher motives and objects than this world can ever afford4--,bell's ,weekly ,messenger4 ',home ,influence' will not be forgotten by any who have perused it4--,critic4 ,a well-known and valuable tale4--,gentleman's ,magazine4 ,a work which possesses an extraordinary amount of influence to elevate the mind and educate the heart1 by showing that rectitude and virtue conduce no less to material prosperity1 and worldly comfort and happiness1 than to the satisfaction of the conscience1 the approval of the good1 and the hope and certainty of bliss hereafter4--,herts ,county ,press4 ,,ii4 ,,the ,,sequel ,,to ,,home ,,influence4 ,fcap4 #hvo1 with a ,portrait of the ,author and other ,illustrations1 price #fs41 ,,the ,,mother',s ,,recompense2 ,a ,,sequel ,,to ,home ,influence1 a ,tale for ,mothers and ,daughters4 ,by ,,grace ,,aguilar4 ,grace ,aguilar belonged to the school of which ,maria ,edgeworth was the foundress4 ,the design of the book is carried out forcibly and constantly4 ',the ,home ,influences' exercised in earlier years being shown in active germination4--,atlas4 ,the writings of ,grace ,aguilar have a charm inseparable from productions in which feeling is combined with intellect2 they go directly to the heart4 ',home ,influence1' the deservedly popular story to which this is a ,sequel1 admirably teaches the lesson implied in its name4 ,in the present tale we have the same freshness1 earnestness1 and zeal--the same spirit of devotion1 and love of virtue--the same enthusiasm and sincere religion which characterised that earlier work4 ,we behold the mother now blessed in the love of good and affectionate offspring1 who1 parents themselves1 are1 after her example1 training their children in the way of rectitude and piety4--,morning ,chronicle4 ,this beautiful story was completed when the authoress was little above the age of nineteen1 yet it has the sober sense of middle age4 ,there is no age nor sex that will not profit by its perusal1 and it will afford as much pleasure as profit to the reader4--,critic4 ,the same kindly spirit1 the same warm charity and fervour of devotion which breathes in every line of that admirable book1 ',home ,influence1' will be found adorning and inspiring ',the ,mother's ,recompense4'--,morning ,advertiser4 ,the good which she 7,grace ,aguilar7 has effected is acknowledged on all hands1 and it cannot be doubted but that the appearance of this volume will increase the usefulness of one who may yet be said to be still speaking to the heart and to the affections of human nature4--,bell's ,messenger4 ,it will be found an interesting supplement1 not only to the book to which it specially relates1 but to all the writer's other works4--,gentleman's ,magazine4 ',the ,mother's ,recompense' forms a fitting close to its predecessor1 ',home ,influence4' ,the results of maternal care are fully developed1 its rich rewards are set forth1 and its lesson and its moral are powerfully enforced4--,morning ,post4 ,we heartily commend this volume2 a better or more useful present to a youthful friend or a young wife could not well be selected4--,herts ,county ,press4 ,,iii4 ,fcap4 #hvo1 ,illustrated1 price #es41 ,,woman',s ,,friendship2 ,a ,,story ,,of ,,domestic ,,life4 ,by ,,grace ,,aguilar4 ,to show us how divine a thing ,a woman may be made4--,wordsworth4 ,this story illustrates1 with feeling and power1 that beneficial influence which women exercise1 in their own quiet way1 over characters and events in our every-day life4--,britannia4 ,the book is one of more than ordinary interest in various ways1 and presents an admirable conception of the depths and sincerity of female friendship1 as exhibited in ,england by ,englishwomen4--,weekly ,chronicle4 ,we began to read the volume late in the evening2 and although it consists of about #djj pages1 our eyes could not close in sleep until we had read the whole4 ,this excellent book should find a place on every drawing-room table--nay1 in every library in the kingdom4--,bucks ,chronicle4 ,we congratulate ,miss ,aguilar on the spirit1 motive1 and composition of this story4 ,her aims are eminently moral1 and her cause comes recommended by the most beautiful associations4 ,these1 connected with the skill here evinced in their development1 ensure the success of her labours4--,illustrated ,news4 ,as a writer of remarkable grace and delicacy1 she devoted herself to the inculcation of the virtues1 more especially those which are the peculiar charm of women4--,critic4 ,it is a book for all classes of readers2 and we have no hesitation in saying1 that it only requires to be generally known to become exceedingly popular4 ,in our estimation1 it has far more attractions than ,miss ,burney's celebrated1 but over-estimated1 novel of ',cecilia4'--,herts ,county ,press4 ,this very interesting and agreeable tale has remained longer without notice on our part than we could have desired2 but we would now endeavour to make amends for the delay1 by assuring our readers that it is a most ably-written publication1 full of the nicest points of information and utility that could have been by any possibility constructed2 and1 as a proof of its value1 it may suffice to say1 that it has been taken from our table again and again by several individuals1 from the recommendation of those who had already perused it1 and so prevented our giving an earlier attention to its manifold claims for favourable criticism4 ,it is peculiarly adapted for the young1 and wherever it goes will be received with gratification1 and command very extensive approbation4--,bell's ,weekly ,messenger4 ,this is a handsome volume2 just such a book as we would expect to find among the volumes composing a lady's library4 ,its interior corresponds with its exterior2 it is a most fascinating tale1 full of noble and just sentiments4--,palladium4 ,,iv4 ,fcap4 #hvo1 ,illustrated1 price #es41 ,,the ,,vale ,,of ,,cedars2 ,,or1 ,the ,martyr4 ,a ,,story ,,of ,,spain ,,in ,,the ,,fifteenth ,,century4 ,by ,,grace ,,aguilar4 ,the authoress of this most fascinating volume has selected for her field one of the most remarkable eras in modern history--the reigns of ,ferdinand and ,isabella4 ,the tale turns on the extraordinary extent to which concealed ,judaism had gained footing at that period in ,spain4 ,it is marked by much power of description1 and by a woman's delicacy of touch1 and it will add to its writer's well-earned reputation4--,eclectic ,review4 ,the scene of this interesting tale is laid during the reign of ,ferdinand and ,isabella4 ,the ,vale of ,cedars is the retreat of a ,jewish family1 compelled by persecution to perform their religious rites with the utmost secrecy4 ,on the singular position of this fated race in the most ,catholic land of ,europe1 the interest of the tale mainly depends2 whilst a few glimpses of the horrors of the terrible ,inquisition are afforded the reader1 and heighten the interest of the narrative4--,sharpe's ,magazine4 ,anything which proceeds from the pen of the authoress of this volume is sure to command attention and appreciation4 ,there is so much of delicacy and refinement about her style1 and such a faithful delineation of nature in all she attempts1 that she has taken her place amongst the highest class of modern writers of fiction4 ,we consider this to be one of ,miss ,aguilar's best efforts4--,bell's ,weekly ,messenger4 ,we heartily commend the work to our readers as one exhibiting1 not merely talent1 but genius1 and a degree of earnestness1 fidelity to nature1 and artistic grace rarely found4--,herts ,county ,press4 ,the ',vale of ,cedars' is indeed one of the most touching and interesting stories that have ever issued from the press4 ,there is a life-like reality about it1 which is not often observed in works of this nature2 while we read it we felt as if we were witnesses of the various scenes it depicts4--,bucks ,chronicle4 ,it is a tale of deep and pure devotion1 very touchingly narrated4--,atlas4 ,the authoress has already received our commendation2 her present work is calculated to sustain her reputation4--,illustrated ,news4 ,it is indeed a historical romance of a high class4 ,seeing how steady and yet rapid was her improvement--how rich the promise of her genius--it is impossible to close this notice of her last and best work1 without lamenting that the authoress was so untimely snatched from a world she appeared destined1 as certainly she was singularly qualified1 to adorn and to improve4--,critic4 ,v4 ,fcap4 #hvo1 ,illustrated with ,frontispiece and ,vignette1 price #fs41 ,,the ,,days ,,of ,,bruce2 ,a ,story from ,scottish ,history4 ,by ,,grace ,,aguilar4 ,we have had an opportunity of observing the interest it awakens in different classes of readers1 and in no instance has it failed to rivet attention1 and to induce a high estimate of the author's powers4 ,miss ,aguilar was evidently well read in the times of ,bruce4 ,it is long since we met with a work which combines so happily the best qualities of historical fiction4--,eclectic ,review4 ,the life of the hero of ,bannockburn has furnished matter for innumerable tales in prose and verse1 but we have met with no records of that famous era so instructive as ',the ,days of ,bruce4'--,britannia4 ',the ,days of ,bruce' was written when1 in the vigour of intellectual strength1 ,grace ,aguilar was planning many things1 and all for good2 it was we know her especial favourite3 it is full of deep interest4--,mrs4 ,s4 ,c4 ,hall1 in ,sharpe's ,magazine4 ,it is a volume which may be considered as solid history1 but is nevertheless entertaining as the most charming novel ever produced by genius4 ,sir ,walter ,scott's name as an author would not have been disgraced by it had it appeared on the title-page instead of ,grace ,aguilar4--,bucks ,chronicle4 ,this deeply interesting romance--a composition of great eloquence1 written with practised polish and enthusiastic energy4 ,we are not surprised at the elegance1 the warmth1 and the pathos with which ,grace ,aguilar paints love passages2 but we are astonished at the fire and accuracy with which she depicts scenes of daring and of death4--,observer4 ,the tale is well told1 the interest warmly sustained throughout1 and the delineation of female character is marked by a delicate sense of moral beauty4 ,it is a work that may be confided to the hands of a daughter by her parent4--,court ,journal4 ,every one who knows the works of this lamented author1 must observe that she rises with her subjects4 ,in ',the ,days of ,bruce' she has thrown herself into the rugged life of the fourteenth century1 and has depicted the semi-civilization of the period in a manner that is quite marvellous in a young woman4 ,grace ,aguilar always excelled in her delineation of female characters1 while the skill she evinces in the illustration of the historical personages1 and her individualization of the imaginary ones1 might at once entitle her to a birthplace among historical novelists4--,ladies ,companion4 ,her pen was ever devoted to the cause of virtue2 and her various publications1 exhibiting the beauties and enforcing the practice of the 'tender charities' of domestic life1 have1 we doubt not1 recommended themselves to the hearts of numbers of her countrywomen4 ,the work before us differs from the former publications of its author1 inasmuch as it is in fact an historical romance1 for this species of writing the high feeling of ,grace ,aguilar peculiarly fitted her2 many of the scenes are very highly wrought2 and while it will fix in the reader's mind a truthful idea of the history and style of manners of ',the ,days of ,bruce1' it will also impress upon him a strong sense of the ability and noble cast of thought which distinguished its lamented author4--,englishwoman's ,magazine4 ,,grace ,,aguilar',s ,,works ,we look upon ',the ,days of ,bruce' as an elegantly-written and interesting romance1 and place it by the side of ,miss ,porter's ,scottish ,chiefs4--,gentleman's ,magazine4 ,a very pleasing and successful attempt to combine ideal delineation of character with the records of history4 ,very beautiful and very true are the portraits of the female mind and heart which ,grace ,aguilar knew how to draw4 ,this is the chief charm of all her writings1 and in ',the ,days of ,bruce' the reader will have the pleasure of viewing this skilful portraiture in the characters of ,isoline and ,agnes1 and ,isabella of ,buchan4--,literary ,gazette4 ,what a fertile mind was that of ,grace ,aguilar6 ,what an early development of reflection1 of feeling1 of taste1 of power of invention1 of true and earnest eloquence6 ',the ,days of ,bruce' is a composition of her early youth1 but full of beauty4 ,grace ,aguilar knew the female heart better than any writer of our day1 and in every fiction from her pen we trace the same masterly analysis and development of the motives and feelings of woman's nature4 ',the ,days of ,bruce' possesses also the attractions of an extremely interesting story1 that absorbs the attention1 and never suffers it to flag till the last page is closed1 and then the reader will lay down the volume with regret4--,critic4 ,,vi4 ,fcap4 #hvo1 ,illustrated with ,frontispiece1 price #es41 ,,home ,,scenes ,,heart ,,studies4 ,tales4 ,by ,,grace ,,aguilar4 ,the ,perez ,family4 ,the ,stone-cutter's ,boy of ,possagno4 ,amete and ,yafeh4 ,the ,fugitive4 ,the ,edict2 a ,tale of #adib4 ,the ,escape2 a ,tale of #agee4 ,red ,rose ,villa4 ,gonzalvo's ,daughter4 ,the ,authoress4 ,helon4 ,lucy4 ,the ,spirit's ,entreaty4 ,idalie4 ,lady ,gresham's ,fete4 ,the ,group of ,sculpture4 ,the ,spirit of ,night4 ,the ,recollections of a ,rambler4 ,cast thy ,bread upon the ,waters4 ,the ,triumph of ,love4 ,,vii4 ,second ,edition1 in ,two ,volumes1 ,foolscap #hvo1 price #ajs41 ,,the ,,women ,,of ,,israel2 ,or1 ,characters and ,sketches from the ,holy ,scriptures1 illustrative of the past ,history1 present ,duties1 and future ,destiny of ,hebrew ,females1 as based on the ,word of ,god4 ,by ,,grace ,,aguilar4 ,principal ,contents of the ,work4 ,first ,period--,wives of the ,patriarchs4 ,eve4 ,sarah4 ,rebekah4 ,leah and ,rachel4 ,second ,period--,the ,exodus and the ,law4 ,egyptian ,captivity1 and ,jochebed4 ,the ,exodus--,mothers of ,israel4 ,laws for ,wives in ,israel4 ,laws for ,widows and ,daughters in ,israel4 ,maid ,servants in ,israel1 and other ,laws4 ,third ,period--,between the ,delivery of the ,law and the ,monarchy4 ,miriam4 ,tabernacle ,workers--,caleb's ,daughter4 ,deborah4 ,wife of ,manoah4 ,naomi4 ,hannah4 ,fourth ,period--,the ,monarchy4 ,michal4 ,abigail4 ,wise ,woman of ,tekoah4 ,woman of ,abel4 ,rispah4 ,prophet's ,widow4 ,the ,shunamite4 ,little ,israelitish ,maid4 ,huldah4 ,fifth ,period--,babylonian ,captivity4 ,the ,captivity4 ,review of ,book of ,ezra4 ,suggestions as to the ,identity of the ,ahasuerus of ,scripture4 ,esther4 ,review of ,events narrated in ,ezra and ,nehemiah4 ,sixth ,period--,continuance of the ,second ,temple4 ,review of ,jewish ,history1 from the ,return from ,babylon to the ,appeal of ,hyrcanus and ,aristobulus to ,pompey4 ,jewish ,history from the ,appeal to ,pompey to the ,death of ,herod4 ,jewish ,history from the ,death of ,herod to the ,war4 ,the ,martyr ,mother4 ,alexandra4 ,mariamne4 ,salome4 ,helena4 ,berenice4 ,seventh ,period--,women of ,israel in the ,present as influenced by the ,past4 ,the ,war and ,dispersion4 ,thoughts on the ,talmud4 ,talmudic ,ordinances ,tales4 ,effects of ,dispersion and ,persecution4 ,general ,remarks4 ,a work that is sufficient of itself to create and crown a reputation4--,pilgrimages to ,english ,shrines1 by ,mrs4 ,s4 ,c4 ,hall4 ,london3 ,,groombridge ,,sons1 #e1 ,paternoster ,row4 ,,grace ,,aguilar',s ,,works4 ,,new ,,editions1 ,,illustrated4 ,i4 ,,home ,,influence4 ,a ,,tale ,,for ,,mothers ,,and ,,daughters4 ,fcap4 #hvo1 ,illustrated1 ,price #es4 ,,ii4 ,,the ,,mother',s ,,recompense4 ,a ,,sequel ,,to ,,home ,,influence4 ,fcap4 #hvo1 ,illustrated1 ,price #fs4 ,,iii4 ,,woman',s ,,friendship4 ,a ,,story ,,of ,,domestic ,,life4 ,fcap4 #hvo1 ,illustrated1 ,price #es4 ,,iv4 ,,the ,,vale ,,of ,,cedars4 ,a ,,story ,,of ,,spain ,,in ,,the #aeth ,,century4 ,fcap4 #hvo1 ,illustrated1 ,price #es4 ,v4 ,,the ,,days ,,of ,,bruce4 ,a ,,story ,,from ,,scottish ,,history4 ,fcap4 #hvo1 ,illustrated1 ,price #fs4 ,,vi4 ,,home ,,scenes ,,and ,,heart ,,studies4 ,,tales4 ,fcap4 #hvo1 ,illustrated1 ,price #es4 ,,vii4 ,,the ,,women ,,of ,,israel4 ,two ,vols41 fcap4 #hvo1 ,price #ajs4 ,london3 ,,groombridge ,,sons1 #e1 ,paternoster ,row4 99 99 99 99 99 ,transcriber ,note ,illustrations were moved so as to not split paragraphs4 ,minor typos corrected4 ,most hyphenation 7or lack thereof7 retained as printed4