,transcriber ,note ,text emphasis denoted as ,italics and ,bold4 ,illustration3 ,plate ,i4 ,e4 ,w4 ,robinson ,delt4 et ,sc ,p #ahfe4 ,,the ,,apiary2 ,,or1 ,,bees1 ,,bee-,,hives1 ,,and ,,bee-,,culture4 ,,being ,a ,,familiar ,,account ,,of ,,the ,,habits ,,of ,,bees ,,and ,,the ,,most ,,improved ,,methods ,,of ,,management1 ,,with ,,full ,,directions1 ,,adapted ,,for ,,the ,,cottager1 ,,farmer1 ,,or ,,scientific ,,apiarian4 ,by ,,alfred ,,neighbour4 ,beaucoup de gens aiment les abeilles2 je n'ai vu personne qui lea aima mdiocrement3 on se passionne pour elles4--,gelieu4 ,,london3 ,,kent ,,and ,,co41 ,,paternoster ,,row2 ,,geo4 ,,neighbour ,,and ,,sons1 #adi1 ,,regent ,,street1 ,,and #abg1 ,,high ,,holborn2 ,,and ,,all ,,booksellers4 #ahff4 ,,folkard ,,and ,,son1 ,,printers1 ,,devonshire ,,street1 ,,queen ,,square4 ,illustration ,,preface ,,to ,,the ,,second ,,edition4 ,it is a source of much gratification to find that we are called upon to prepare another edition of this work in less than twelve months from its first publication4 ,no greater proof could have been afforded of the rapid advance which the pursuit of bee-keeping is now making in this country4 ,in the hope of rendering the present volume more useful and instructive than its predecessor1 and also in acknowledgment of the kind approbation with which our earlier efforts have been received1 we have made several additions1 and trust that the same may prove acceptable to our readers4 ,illustration ,,preface ,,to ,,the ,,first ,,edition4 ,our apology for preparing a bee-book is a very simple one4 ,we are so frequently applied to for advice on matters connected with bees and bee-hives1 that it seemed likely to prove a great advantage1 alike to our correspondents and ourselves1 if we could point to a handy book of our own1 which should contain full and detailed replies sufficient to meet all ordinary inquiries4 ,most of the apiarian manuals possess some special excellence or other1 and we have no wish to disparage any of them2 yet1 in all1 we have found a want of explanations relating to several of the more recent improvements4 ,it has more especially been our aim to give explicit and detailed directions on most subjects connected with the hiving and removing of bees1 and also1 to show how1 by judicious application of the depriving system1 the productive powers of the bees may be enormously increased4 ,we need say little here as to the interest that attaches to the apiary as a source of perennial pleasure for the amateur naturalist4 ,many of the hives and methods of management are described with a direct reference to this class of bee-keepers1 so that1 besides plain and simple directions suitable for cottagers with their ordinary hives1 this work will be found to include instructions useful for the scientific apiarian1 or1 at least1 valuable1 for those who desire to gain a much wider acquaintance with the secrets of bee-keeping than is now usually possessed4 ,we would lay stress on the term acquaintance1 for there is nothing in the management of the various bar-and-frame hives which is at all difficult when frequent practice has rendered the bee-keeper familiar with them4 ,such explicit directions are herein given as to how the right operations may be performed at the right times1 that a novice may at once commence to use the modern hives4 ,the word new-fangled has done good service for the indolent and prejudiced1 but we trust that our readers will be of a very different class4 ,let them give a fair trial to the modern appliances for the humane and depriving system of bee-keeping1 and they will find offered to them an entirely new field of interest and observation4 ,at present1 our continental neighbours far surpass us as bee-masters2 but we trust that the following season1 if the summer be fine1 will prove a turning point in the course of ,english bee-keeping4 ,there is little doubt that a greater number of intelligent and influential persons in this country will become bee-keepers than has ever been the case before4 ,our task would have lost half its interest1 did we not hope that it would result in something beyond the encouragement of a refined and interesting amusement for the leisurely classes4 ,the social importance of bee-keeping1 as a source of pecuniary profit for small farmers and agricultural labourers1 has never been appreciated as it deserves4 ,yet these persons will not1 of themselves1 lay aside the bungling and wasteful plan of destroying the bees1 or learn without being taught the only proper method1 that of deprivation4 ,their educated neighbours1 when once interested in bee-keeping1 will be the persons to introduce the more profitable system of humane bee-keeping4 ,the clergy especially1 as permanent residents in the country1 may have great influence in this respect4 ,there is not a rural or suburban parish in the kingdom in which bee-keeping might not be largely extended1 and the well-being of all but the very poorest inhabitants would be greatly promoted4 ,not only would the general practice of bee-keeping add largely to the national resources1 but that addition would chiefly fall to the share of those classes to whom it would be of most value4 ,moreover1 in the course of thus adding to their income1 the uneducated classes would become interested in an elevating and instructive pursuit4 ,it is curious to observe that honey1 whether regarded as a manufactured article or as an agricultural product1 is obtained under economical conditions of exceptional advantage4 ,if regarded as a manufactured article1 we notice that there is no outlay required for labour1 nor any expense for raw material4 ,the industrious labourers are eager to utilize all their strength3 they never combine except for the benefit of their master1 they never strike for wages1 and they provide their own subsistence4 ,all that the master-manufacturer of honey has to do financially is1 to make a little outlay for fixed capital in the needful plant of hives and utensils--no floating capital is needed4 ,then1 on the other hand1 if we regard honey as an agricultural product1 it presents as such a still more striking contrast to the economists' theory of what are the requisites of production4 ,not only is there no outlay needed for wages1 and none for raw material1 but there is nothing to be paid for use of a natural agent4 ,every square yard of land in the ,united ,kingdom may come to be cultivated1 as in ,china1 but no proprietor will ever be able to claim rent for those waste products of the flowers and leaves which none but the winged workers of the hive can ever utilize4 ,the recent domestication in ,england of the ,ligurian or ,italian ,alp bee adds a new and additional source of interest to bee-culture4 ,we have1 therefore1 gone pretty fully into this part of the subject2 and believe that what is here published with regard to their introduction embodies the most recent and reliable information respecting them that is possessed by ,english apiarians4#a ,footnote #a3 ,some of our apiarian friends may be inclined to be discouraged from cultivating the ,ligurian bees in consequence of the liability to their becoming hybridised when located in proximity to the black bees4 ,we can dispel these fears by stating that we have not unfrequently found that hybrid queens possess the surprising fecundity of the genuine ,italian ones1 whilst the ,english stocks in course of time become strengthened by the infusion of foreign blood4 ,we are under many obligations for the advice and assistance that we have on many occasions received from ,mr4 ,t4 ,w4 ,woodbury1 of ,exeter1 whose apiarian skill is unrivalled in this country4 ,our acknowledgments are also due to ,mr4 ,henry ,taylor1 author of an excellent ,bee-keeper's ,manual1 for his help and counsel during the earlier years of our apiarian experience4 ,both the before-mentioned gentlemen have frequently communicated to us their contrivances and suggestions1 without thought of fee or reward for them4 ,in common with most recent writers on bee-culture1 we are necessarily largely indebted to the standard works of ,huber and succeeding apiarians4 ,from the more recent volume of the ,rev4 ,l4 ,l4 ,langstroth we have also obtained useful information4 ,but having ourselves1 of later years1 had considerable experience in the manipulation and practical management of bees1 we are enabled to confirm or qualify the statement of others1 as well as to summarize information gleaned from many various sources4 ,let it be understood1 that we have no patented devices to push3 we are free to choose out of the many apiarian contrivances that have been offered of late years1 and we feel perfectly at liberty to praise or blame as our experience warrants us in doing4 ,it does not follow that we necessarily disparage hives which are not described herein2 we have sought1 as much as possible1 to indicate the principles on which good hives must be constructed1 whatever their outward size or shape4 ,all through the work1 we have endeavoured to adopt the golden rule of submission to ,nature by reference to which all the fancied difficulties of bee-keeping may be easily overcome4 ,in none of the attempts of men to hold sway over natural objects is the truth of ,bacon's leading doctrine more beautifully illustrated than in the power that the apiarian exercises in the little world of bees4 ,some persons may consider we have used too many poetical quotations in a book dealing wholly with matters of fact4 ,we trust1 however1 that the examination of the extracts will at once remove that feeling of objection4 ,we venture to hope that the following pages contain many valuable hints and interesting statements which may tend to excite increased and renewed attention to the most useful and industrious of all insects4 ,although bees have neither reason nor religion for their guide1 yet from them man may learn many a lesson of virtue and industry1 and may even draw from them thoughts suggestive of trust and faith in ,god4 ,we beg leave to conclude our preface1 and introduce the subject1 by the following extract from ,shakspeare1 who1 without doubt1 kept bees in that garden at ,stratford wherein he used to meditate3-- ,so work the honey-bees2 ,creatures that1 by a rule in ,nature1 teach ,the art of order to a peopled kingdom4 ,they have a king and officers of sorts2 ,where some1 like magistrates1 correct at home2 ,others1 like merchants1 venture trade abroad2 ,others1 like soldiers1 armed in their stings1 ,make boot upon the ,summer's velvet buds1 ,which pillage they1 with merry march1 bring home ,to the tent royal of their emperor3 ,who1 busied in his majesty1 surveys ,the singing masons building roofs of gold2 ,the civil citizens kneading up the honey2 ,the poor mechanic porters crowding in ,their heavy burdens at his narrow gate2 ,the sad-eyed justice1 with his surly hum4 ,delivering o'er to executors pale ,the lazy1 yawning drone4 ,shakspeare's ,henry ,v41 ,act ,i41 ,scene #b4 ,illustration ,,table ,,of ,,contents4 ,preface--,introductory #a ,,section ,i4 ,natural ,history of the ,inhabitants of the ,hive #c ,the ,queen #d ,the ,drone #aa ,the ,worker-bee #ae ,eggs of ,bees #af ,increase of ,bees #ah ,swarming #ba ,,section ,,ii4 ,anatomy and ,physiology of the ,bee #ca ,head #cd ,thorax1 or ,chest #dj ,abdomen #dd ,,section ,,iii4 ,modern ,bee-,hives4 ,nutt's ,collateral ,hive #ej ,neighbour's ,improved ,single-,box ,hive #fb ,taylor's ,amateur ,shallow ,box or ,eight-bar ,hive #fe ,neighbour's ,improved ,cottage #fh ,improved ,cottage1 without ,windows #gf ,ladies' ,observatory or ,crystal ,bee-hive #gg ,cottagers' ,hive for taking ,honey in ,straw ,caps without the ,destruction of the ,bees #hj ,woodbury ,bar and ,frame ,hives3--,wood #hd ,straw #he ,glass #hh ,frame #hi ,improved ,comb ,bar #ij ,compound ,bar and ,frame #ia ,super and ,cover #ic ,taylor's ,improved ,cottage ,hive #if ,eight-,bar ,straw #ie ,neighbour's ,unicomb ,observatory ,hive #ig ,woodbury #ajb ,stewarton or ,ayrshire ,hive #aji ,huber's ,hive #aah ,,section ,,iv4 ,exterior ,arrangements and ,apparatus4 ,bee ,house to contain ,two ,hives #abc ,twelve ,hives #abf ,nine ,hives #abh ,evening ,thoughts in ,january #abi ,ornamental ,zinc ,cover #aca ,zinc ,cover #acb ,taylor's ,cover of ,zinc #acb ,bell ,glasses #acc ,taylor's ,glasses #acc ,payne's ,glass #acd ,taylor's ,bell ,glass with lid #ace ,guide-,comb for ,glasses #ace ,exterior and ,interior of an ,apiary #ach and #aci ,the ,new ,bottle-,feeder #adj ,round ,bee-,feeder #adc ,zinc ,fountain ,bee-,feeder #add ,honey ,cutters #ade ,fumigator #ade ,tube ,fumigator #adg ,bee-,dress or ,protector #adh ,engraved ,pressing ,roller1 for the ,guidance of ,bees in the ,construction of ,honey-comb on the ,bars #aej ,impressed ,wax ,sheets for ,artificial ,combs #aea ,,section ,v4 ,manipulation and ,uses of ,bar and ,frame ,hives #aeg ,putting on ,super ,hive #afb ,taking out ,frames with ,combs #afc ,advantages of ,bar and ,frame ,hives #afh ,artificial ,swarming #afi ,royal ,brood #agc ,queen ,cages #age ,driving #agi ,changing ,old ,stocks to ,new ,hives #ahb ,weighing ,hives1 c4 #ahe ,,section ,,vi4 ,miscellaneous ,information4 ,stings3 their ,prevention and ,cure #ahi ,pollen1 or ,food for ,infant-,bees #aic ,propolis1 or ,bees' ,cement #aie ,pasturage for ,bees #aig ,the ,ligurian or ,italian ,alp ,bee #bjj ,living ,bees at the ,international ,exhibition of #ahfb1 ,sending ,bees to ,australia1 c4 #bac ,bee-keeping in ,london #bae ,wasps and ,moths #bbc ,draining ,honey from the ,combs #bcj ,diseases of ,bees #bcb ,general ,remarks #bch ,on the ,first ,flight of ,bees in ,spring #bej ,,appendix4 ,testimonials of the ,press4 ,great ,exhibition of #ahea3-- ,from the ,cottage ,gardener #bee ,illustrated ,london ,news #bee ,express #bee ,international ,exhibition of #ahfb3-- ,from the ,illustrated ,london ,news #bei ,journal of ,horticulture #bei ,illustrated ,news of the ,world #bfa ,gardener's ,weekly ,magazine #bfa ,bath and ,west of ,england ,agricultural ,show at ,exeter in ,june1 #ahfc3-- ,from the ,journal of ,horticulture #bfd ,western ,times #bfd ,devon ,weekly ,times #bfg ,exeter ,gazette #bfg ,royal ,agricultural ,show1 ,newcastle1 #ahfd3-- ,from the ,northern ,daily ,express #bfh ,royal ,agricultural ,show1 ,plymouth1 #ahfe3-- ,from the ,journal of ,horticulture #bgj 99 99 99 99 99 ,,erratum4 ,at eleventh line from bottom of page #aaa1 for three1 read those4 ,transcriber ,note3 ,correction seems to have been made4 ,,description ,,of ,,plates4 ,,plate ,i4--7,frontispiece47 #a4 ,queen-,bee4 #a;a4 ,antenna of ditto4 #a;b4 ,hind leg of ditto4 #a;c4 ,front view of head of ditto4 #a;d4 ,mandible of ditto4 #b4 ,worker1 or imperfect female4 #b;a4 ,antenna of ditto4 #b;b4 ,hind leg of ditto1 inner side showing the pollen-brushes4 #b;b994 ,ditto1 outer side showing the pollen-basket4 #b;c994 ,side view of head4 #b;c4 ,back view of ditto1 showing the junction of the gullet with the thorax1 and position of the tongue and its appendages4 #b;d4 ,mandible4 #c4 ,male1 or drone4 #c;a4 ,antenna of ditto4 #c;b4 ,hind leg of ditto4 #c;c4 ,front view of head of ditto4 #c;d4 ,mandible of ditto4 ,a4 ,enlarged view of the wing4 ,b4 ,hind edge of fore wing showing the thickened margin1 and fore edge of hind wing1 showing the hooks1 which hold on to the thickened margin of the fore wing and keep them together during flight4 ,,plate ,,ii4--sc,page #ca4_/sc #a4 ,body of a bee divested of antenn1 legs1 and wings1 showing the anatomy of the thorax and natural position of the stomach4 #e99 ,the eyes4 a4 ,the ocelli4 bbb4 ,the muscles that move the wings4 c4 ,the external covering of the thorax4 ee4 ,the bases of the wings4 d4 ,the honey-bag1 or first stomach4 f4 ,the ventricle1 or true stomach1 distended with food4 g4 ,the rectum4 h4 ,the biliary vessels4 i4 ,portion of the membranous tissue lining the inner surface of the segments1 and enclosing the stomach and intestines4 q4 ,the stomach emptied of its contents1 to show the muscular contraction of the ventricle4 d4 ,the honey-bag4 f4 ,the ventricle4 g4 ,the rectum4 h4 ,the biliary vessels4 i4 ,the ligula1 or tongue1 and its appendages4 l4 ,the base of the ligula4 m4 ,maxillary palpi4 n4 ,the maxilla4 o4 ,the labial palpi4 p4 ,the tongue4 #d4 ,the sting and its muscles4 g4 ,the attachment of the muscles to the outer covering of the abdomen4 r4 ,muscles that move the sting4 s4 ,curved base of the sheaths that enclose the sting4 t4 ,poison-bag4 u4 ,glands connected with the poison-bag4 v4 ,honey-plates covering the muscles r1 and to which the sheaths of the stings are attached at s4 99994 ,base of sting connecting with the poison-bag t4 #d994 ,magnified view of point of sting1 showing the serrations on each side4 #e4 ,three hexagonal prisms of a bee's eye 7,swammerdam74 #f4 ,abdominal plates of the bee1 detached to show the wax-cells4 #g4 ,eggs of bee1 natural size1 and magnified 7from ,reaumur7 #h4 ,helminthimorphous1 or apodal larva of a bee 7,reaumur74 ,illustration ,,the ,,apiary ,,or1 ,,bees1 ,,bee-,,hives1 ,,bee-,,culture4 ,there are two classes of persons for whom bee-culture should have a strong interest1 and two distinct purposes for which the pursuit may be followed4 ,first1 there is the cottager or small farmer1 who1 in thousands of instances1 might add considerably to his income by bee-keeping2 and1 secondly1 there is the man of retired leisure and refinement1 who1 in the personal tendance of an apiary1 would find an easy and interesting occupation1 and one which could not fail to quicken his faculties of general scientific observation4 ,moreover1 in contemplating the wonderful skill1 industry1 and prevision of his insect-artisans1 the bee-keeper would find in his apiary constant illustrations of creative wisdom4 ,amongst the humbler classes in the rural districts1 the neglect of bee-keeping is to be attributed to an exaggerated idea of the trouble needful for the care of a few hives1 and also to ignorance of the easier and more profitable methods of modern management4 ,many of the wealthier country or suburban residents1 also1 are averse to the personal trouble which they fancy needful in keeping an apiary2 and1 perhaps1 some gentlemen are more afraid than they would like to own of that very efficient weapon of defence with which the honey bee is provided4 ,but the prejudices against bees are quite unnecessary2 bees are as tractable as they are intelligent1 and it is the purpose of this little book to show that bee-culture is an easy and safe1 as well as a deeply interesting1 pursuit4 ,possibly1 also1 some who do us the favour to read our detailed explanations will see how the rural clergyman1 or the benevolent landlord1 who keeps an apiary of his own1 may be of signal service to his poorer neighbours in explaining to them the mysteries of bee-keeping4 ,illustration ,illustration ,i4--,,natural ,,history ,,of ,,the ,,inhabitants ,,of ,,the ,,hive4 ,every hive or bee colony comprises in summer three distinct classes of bees1 each class having functions peculiar to itself1 and which are essential to the well-being of the whole community4 ,as each bee knows its own proper duties1 they all work harmoniously and zealously together1 for the common weal4 ,certain apparent exceptions to the good-fellowship of the bees will be hereafter noticed1 but those arise out of essential conditions in the social economy of the bee community4 ,that honey bees should live in society1 as they do in hives1 is absolutely needful4 ,a bee1 in an isolated condition1 is a very helpless1 delicate little creature1 soon susceptible of cold1 and paralysed thereby1 unless able to join her companions before night comes on4 ,by congregating in large numbers1 bees maintain warmth1 whatever the external temperature may be4 ,the three classes of bees are3--the queen-bee1 with the pup or embryos intended for queens2 the working bees2 and the drones1 or male bees4 ,,the ,,queen4 ,appropriately styled1 by ,german bee-keepers1 the mother-bee1 is the only perfectly developed female among the whole population of each separate colony4 ,thus her majesty indisputably sways her sceptre by a divine right1 because she lives and reigns in the hearts of loving children and subjects4 ,dr4 ,evans#b introduces the queen-bee to our notice thus3-- ,first of the throng1 and foremost of the whole4 ,one 'stands confest the sovereign and the soul4' ,footnote #b3 ,dr4 ,evans--who may be styled the poet-laureate of the bees--lived at ,shrewsbury1 where he practised as a physician4 ,his poem on bees is written with great taste and careful elaboration1 and it describes the habits of bees with a degree of accuracy only attainable after continuous scientific observation4 ,the queen may very readily be distinguished from the rest of the bees by the greater length of her body and the comparative shortness of her wings2 her legs are longer1 and are not furnished with either brushes or baskets as those of the working bee1 for1 being constantly fed by the latter1 she does not need those implements2 the upper surface of her body is of a brighter black than the other bees1 whilst her colour underneath is a yellowish brown2#c her wings1 which do not extend more than half the length of her body1 are sinewy and strong2 her long abdomen tapers nearly to a point2 her head is rounder1 her tongue more slender1 and not nearly so long1 as that of the working bee1 and her sting is curved4 ,her movements are measured and majestic2 as she moves in the hive the other bees form a circle round her1 none venturing to turn their backs upon her1 but all anxious to show that respect and attention due to her rank and station4 ,whenever1 in the exercise of her sovereign will1 the queen wishes to travel amongst her subjects1 she experiences no inconvenience from overcrowding2 although the part of the hive to which she is journeying may be the most populous1 way is immediately made1 the common bees tumbling over each other to get out of her path1 so great is their anxiety not to interfere with the royal progress4 ,footnote #c3 ,yellow ,italian queens form an exception in point of colour4 ,see frontispiece1 fig4 ,i4 ,it is the chief function of the queen to lay the eggs from which all future bees originate1 the multiplication of the species being the purpose of her existence2 and she follows it up with an assiduity similar to that with which the workers construct combs or collect honey4 ,a queen is estimated to lay in the breeding season from #a1ejj to #b1jjj eggs a-day1 and in the course of one year is supposed to produce more than #ajj1jjj bees4 ,this is indeed a vast number2 but when there is taken into consideration the great number required for swarms1 the constant lessening of their strength by death in various ways1 and the many casualties attending them in their distant travels in search of the luscious store1 it does not seem that the case is over-stated4 ,in a ,glass ,unicomb ,hive1--which we shall hereinafter describe1--all the movements of the queen-bee may be traced2 she may be seen thrusting her head into a cell to discover whether it be occupied with an egg or honey1 and if empty1 she turns round in a dignified manner and inserts her long body--so long1 that she is able to deposit the egg at the bottom of the cell2 she then passes on to another1 and so continues industriously multiplying her laborious subjects4 ,it not unfrequently happens when the queen is prolific1 and if it be an early season1 that many eggs are wasted for want of unoccupied cells2 for in that case the queen leaves them exposed at the bottom of the hive1 when they are greedily devoured by the bees4 ,the queen-bee1 unlike the great majority of her subjects1 is a stayer at home2 generally speaking1 she only quits the hive twice in her life4 4 ,the first occasion is on the all-important day of her marriage1 which always takes place at a great height in the air1 and generally on the second or third day of her princess-life2 she never afterwards leaves the hive1 except to lead off an emigrating swarm4 ,evans1 with proper loyalty1 has duly furnished a glowing epithalamium for the queen-bee thus3-- ,when noon-tide ,sirius glares on high1 ,young love ascends the glowing sky1 ,from vein to vein swift shoots prolific fire1 ,and thrills each insect fibre with desire2 ,then ,nature1 to fulfil thy prime decree1 ,wheels round1 in wanton rings1 the courtier ,bee2 ,now shyly distant1 now with bolder air1 ,he woos and wins the all-complying fair2 ,through fields of ether1 veiled in vap'ry gloom ,they seek1 with amorous haste1 the nuptial room2 ,as erst the immortal pair1 on ,ida's height1 ,wreath'd round their noon of joy ambrosial night4 ,the loyalty and attachment of bees to their queen is one of their most remarkable characteristics2 they constantly supply her with food1 and fawn upon and caress her1 softly touching her with their antenn--a favour which she occasionally returns4 ,when she moves about the hive1 all the bees through whom she successively passes pay her the same homage2 those whom she leaves behind in her track close together1 and resume their accustomed occupations4 ,the majestic deportment of the queen-bee and the homage paid to her is1 with a little poetic licence1 thus described by ,evans3-- ,but mark1 of royal port and awful mien1 ,where moves with measured pace the insect ,queen6 ,twelve chosen guards1 with slow and solemn gait1 ,bend at her nod1 and round her person wait4 ,this homage is1 however1 only paid to matron queens4 ,whilst they continue princesses1 they receive no distinctive marks of respect4 ,dr4 ,dunbar1 the noted ,scotch apiarian1 observed a very striking instance of this whilst experimenting on the combative qualities of the queen-bee ,so long1 says he1 as the queen which survived the rencontre with her rival remained a virgin1 not the slightest degree of respect or attention was paid her2 not a single bee gave her food2 she was obliged1 as often as she required it1 to help herself2 and in crossing the honey cells for that purpose1 she had to scramble1 often with difficulty1 over the crowd1 not an individual of which got out of her way1 or seemed to care whether she fed or starved3 but no sooner did she become a mother1 than the scene was changed1 and all testified towards her that most affectionate attention1 which is uniformly exhibited to fertile queens4 ,the queen-bee1 though provided with a sting1 never uses it on any account1 except in combat with her sister-queens4 ,but she admits of no rival to her throne2 almost her first act1 on coming forth from the cell1 is an attempt to tear open and destroy the cells containing the pup of princesses likely to become competitors4 ,should it so happen that another queen of similar age does exist in the hive at the same time1 the two are speedily brought into contact with each other1 in order to fight it out and decide by a struggle1 mortal to one of them1 which is to be the ruler2--the stronger of course is victorious1 and remains supreme4 ,this1 it must be admitted1 is a wiser method of settling the affair than it would be to range the whole hive under two distinct banners1 and so create a civil war1 in which the members of the rival bands would kill and destroy each other for matters they individually have little or no concern about3 for the bees care not which queen it is1 so long as they are certain of having one to rule over them and perpetuate the community4 ,after perusing the description given above of the attachment of bees to their queen1 it may be easy to imagine the consternation a hive is thrown into when deprived of her presence4 ,the bees first make a diligent search for their monarch in the hive1 and then afterwards rush forth in immense numbers to seek her4 ,when such a commotion is observed in an apiary1 the experienced bee-master will repair the loss by giving a queen3 the bees have generally their own remedy for such a calamity1 in their power of raising a new queen from amongst their larv2 but if neither of these means be available1 the whole colony dwindles and dies4 ,the following is the method by which working bees provide a successor to the throne when deprived of their queen by accident1 or in anticipation of the first swarm1 which is always led by the old queen3-- ,they select1 when not more than three days old1 an egg or grub previously intended for a worker-bee1 and then enlarge the cell so selected by destroying the surrounding partitions2 they thus form a royal cradle1 in shape very much like an acorn cup inverted4 ,the chosen embryo is then fed liberally with a peculiar description of nurture1 called by naturalists royal jelly--a pungent food1 prepared by the working bees exclusively for those of the larvae that are destined to become candidates for the honour of royalty4 ,should a queen be forcibly separated from her subjects1 she resents the interference1 refuses food1 pines1 and dies4 ,the whole natural history of the queen-bee is in itself a subject that will well repay for continuous study4 ,those who desire to follow it1 we would refer to the complete works of ,huber--the greatest of apiarians1--,swammerdam1 ,bevan1 ,langstroth1 c4 ,the observations upon the queen-bee needful to verify the above-mentioned facts can only be made in hives constructed for the purpose1 of which the ,unicomb ,observatory ,hive is the best4 ,in ordinary hives the queen is scarcely ever to be seen2 where there are several rows of comb1 she invariably keeps between them1 both for warmth and to be more secure from danger4 ,the writer has frequently observed in stocks which have unfortunately died1 that the queen was one of the last to expire2 and she is always more difficult to gain possession of than other bees1 being by instinct taught that she is indispensable to the welfare of her subjects4 ,the queen enjoys a far longer life than any of her subjects1 her age generally extending to four1 or even five years4 ,the drones1 which are mostly hatched in the early spring1 seldom live more than three or four months1 even if they should escape the sting of the executioner1 to which they generally fall victims4 ,the worker-bee1 it is now a well-ascertained fact1 lives from six to eight months1 in no case exceeding the latter2 so that we may reckon that the bees hatched in ,april and ,may expire about the end of the year2 and it is those of the autumn who carry on the duties of the hive until the spring and summer1 that being the time when the greatest number of eggs are laid4 ,the population of a hive is very small during the winter1 in comparison with the vast numbers gathering produce in the summer1--produce which they themselves live to enjoy but for a short period4 ,so that not only1 as of old1 may lessons of industry be learned from bees1 but they also teach self-denial to mankind1 since they labour for the community rather than for themselves4 ,evans1 in describing the age of bees1 thus paraphrases the well known couplet of ,homer1 in allusion to the fleeting generations of men3-- ,like leaves on trees the race of bees is found4 ,now green in youth1 now withering on the ground2 ,another race the spring or fall supplies1 ,they droop successive1 and successive rise4 ,,the ,,drone4 ,the drones are male bees2 they possess no sting1 are more hairy and larger than the common bee1 and may be easily distinguished by their heavy motion1 thick-set form1 and louder humming4 ,evans thus describes the drones3-- ,their short proboscis sips ,no luscious nectar from the wild thyme's lips2 ,from the lime leaf no amber drops they steal1 ,nor bear their grooveless thighs the foodful meal3 ,on others' toils1 in pampered leisure1 thrive ,the lazy fathers of the industrious hive2 ,yet oft1 we're told1 these seeming idlers share ,the pleasing duties of parental care2 ,with fond attention guard each genial cell1 ,and watch the embryo bursting from the shell4 ,but ,dr4 ,evans had been told what was not correct when he sought to dignify drones with the office of nursing fathers1--that task is undertaken by the younger of the working bees4 ,no occupation falls to the lot of the drones in gathering honey1 nor have they the means provided them by ,nature for assisting in the labours of the hive4 ,the drones are the progenitors of working bees1 and nothing more2 so far as is known1 that is the only purpose of their short existence4 ,in a well-populated hive the number of drones is computed at from one to two thousand4 ,naturalists1 says ,huber1 have been extremely embarrassed to account for the number of males in most hives1 and which seem only a burden to 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 them in her flight4 ,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 her in their excursions2 and most of the females might thus remain sterile4 ,it is important for the safety of the queen-bee that her stay in the air should be as brief as possible3 her large size and slowness of flight render her an easy prey to birds4 ,it is not now thought that the queen always pairs with a drone of the same hive1 as ,huber seems to have supposed4 ,the drone that happens to be the selected husband is by no means so fortunate as at first sight may appear1 for it is a law of nature that the bridegroom does not survive the wedding-day4 ,her majesty1 although thus left1 a widowed1 is by no means a sorrowful1 bride1 for she soon becomes the happy mother of a large family4 ,it cannot be said that she pays no respect to the memory of her departed lord1 for she never marries again4 ,once impregnated1--as is the case with most insects1--the queen-bee continues productive during the remainder of her existence4 ,it has1 however1 been found that though old queens cease to lay worker eggs1 they may continue to lay those of drones4 ,the swarming season being over1--that is about the end of ,july1--a general massacre of the lazy fathers takes place4 ,dr4 ,bevan1 in the ,honey ,bee1 observes on this point3 ,the work of the drones being now completed1 they are regarded as useless consumers of the fruits of others' labour2 love is at once converted into hate1 and a general proscription takes place4 ,the unfortunate victims evidently perceive their danger1 for they are never at this time seen resting in one place1 but darting in and out of the hive with the utmost precipitation1 as if in fear of being seized4 ,their destruction is thought1 by some1 to be caused by their being harassed until they quit the hive2 but ,huber says he ascertained that the death of the drones was caused by the stings of the workers4 ,supposing the drones come forth in ,may1 which is the average period of their being hatched1 their destruction takes place somewhere about the commencement of ,august1 so that three months is the usual extent of their existence2 but should it so happen that the usual development of the queen has been retarded1 or that the hive has by chance been deprived of her1 the massacre of the drones is deferred4 ,in any case1 the natural term of the life of drone-bees does not exceed four months1 so that they are all dead before the winter1 and are not allowed to be useless consumers of the general store4 ,,the ,,worker-,,bee4 ,the working bees form1 by far1 the most numerous class of the three kinds contained in the hive1 and least of all require description4 ,they are the smallest of the bees1 are dark brown in colour1 or nearly black1#d and much more active on the wing than are either drones or queens4 ,the usual number in a healthy hive varies from twelve to thirty thousand2 and1 previous to swarming1 exceeds the larger number4 ,the worker-bee is of the same sex as the queen1 but is only partially developed4 ,any egg of a worker-bee--by the cell being enlarged1 as already described1 and the royal jelly being supplied to the larva--may be hatched into a mature and perfect queen4 ,this1 one of the most curious facts connected with the natural history of bees1 may be verified in any apiary by most interesting experiments1 which may be turned to important use4 ,with regard to the supposed distinctions between nursing and working bees1 it is now agreed that it only consists in a division of labour1 the young workers staying at home to feed the larv until they are themselves vigorous enough to range the fields in quest of supplies4 ,but1 for many details of unfailing interest1 we must again refer our readers to the standard works on bees that have already been named4 ,footnote #d3 ,italian workers form an exception in point of colour4 ,see ,plate ,i41 fig4 #b4 ,,the ,,eggs ,,of ,,bees4 ,it is necessary that some explanation should be given as to the existence of the bee before it emerges from the cell4 ,the eggs 7,plate ,,ii41 fig4 #g7 of all the three kinds of bees1 when first deposited1 are of an oval shape1 and of a pearly-white colour4 ,in four or five days the egg changes to a worm1 and in this stage is known by the names of larva or grub 7,plate ,,ii41 fig4 #h71 in which state it remains four to six days more4 ,during this period it is fed by the nurse-bees with a mixture of farina and honey1 a constant supply of which is given to it4 ,the next transformation is to the nymph or pupa form4 ,the nurse-bees now seal up the cells with a preparation similar to wax1 and then the pupa spins round itself a film or cocoon1 just as a silkworm does in its chrysalis state4 ,the microscope shows that this cradle-curtain is perforated with very minute holes1 through which the baby-bee is duly supplied with air4 ,no further attention on the part of the bees is now requisite1 except a proper degree of heat1 which they take care to keep up--a position for the breeding cells being selected in the centre of the hive1 where the temperature is likely to be most congenial4 ,twenty-one days after the egg is first laid 7unless cold weather should have retarded it7 the bee quits the pupa state1 and1 nibbling its way through the waxen covering that has enclosed it1 comes forth a winged insect4 ,the eggs of drones require twenty-four days1 and those of queens sixteen days1 to arrive at maturity1 and are hatched in warm summer weather1 a higher temperature being necessary4 ,in the ,unicomb ,observatory ,hives1 the young bees may distinctly be seen as they literally fight their way into the world1 for the other bees do not take the slightest notice1 nor afford them any assistance4 ,we have frequently been amused in watching the eager little new-comer1 now obtruding its head1 and anon compelled to withdraw into the cell to escape being trampled on by the apparently unfeeling throng1 until at last it has succeeded in making its exit4 ,the little grey creature1 after brushing and shaking itself1 enters upon its duties in the hive1 such as the nursing before alluded to1 or secreting wax1 and in 7say7 a week issues forth to the more laborious occupation of gathering honey in the fields--thus early illustrating that character for industry which has been proverbial at least since the days of ,aristotle1 and which has in our day been rendered familiar even to infant minds through the nursery rhymes of ,dr4 ,watts4 ,,increase ,,of ,,bees4 ,every one is familiar with the natural process of swarming1 by which bees provide themselves with fresh space1 and seek to plant colonies to absorb their increase of population4 ,but the object of the bee-master is to train and educate his bees1 and in so doing he avoids much of the risk and trouble which is incurred by allowing the busy folk to follow their own devices4 ,the various methods for this end adopted by apiarians all come under the term of the depriving system1 and they form part of the great object of humane and economical bee-keeping1 which is to save the bees alive instead of slaughtering them1 as under the old clumsy system4 ,a very natural question is often asked3--,how is it that1 upon the depriving system1 where our object is to prevent swarming1 the increase of numbers is not so great as upon the old plan8 ,it will be seen that the laying of eggs is performed by the queen only1 and that there is but one queen to each hive2 so that where swarming is prevented1 there remains only one hive or stock1 as the superfluous princesses are not allowed to come to maturity4 ,if all those princesses were to become monarchs1 or mother-bees1 and to emigrate with a proportionate number of workers1 increase would be going on more rapidly2 but the old stock would be so impoverished thereby as possibly to yield no surplus honey1 whilst the swarms might come off too late for them to collect sufficient store whereon to grow populous enough to withstand the winter4 ,with bees1 as with men1 union is strength2 and it is often better to induce them to remain as one family1 rather than to part numbers at a late period of the honey-gathering season1 without a prospect of supporting themselves1 and so perish from cold and hunger during the ordeal of the winter season4 ,would it not in such cases have been better for the little folk1 to have kept under one roof through the winter1 and to have been able to take full advantage of the following early spring8 ,this is one of the great secrets of successful bee-keeping4 ,our plan of giving additional store-room will1 generally speaking1 prevent swarming4 ,this stay-at-home policy1 we contend1 is an advantage2 for instead of the loss of time consequent upon a swarm hanging out preparatory to flight1 all the bees are engaged in collecting honey1 and that at a time when the weather is most favourable and the food most abundant4 ,upon the old system1 the swarm leaves the hive simply because the dwelling has not been enlarged at the time when the bees are increasing4 ,the emigrants are always led off by the old queen1 leaving either young or embryo queens to lead off after-swarms1 and to furnish a mistress for the old stock1 and carry on the multiplication of the species4 ,upon the antiquated and inhuman plan1 where so great a destruction takes place by the brimstone match1 breeding must1 of course1 be allowed to go on to its full extent to make up for such sacrifices4 ,our chief object under the new system' is to obtain honey free from all extraneous matter4 ,pure honey cannot be gathered from combs where storing and breeding are performed in the same compartment4 ,for fuller explanations on this point1 we refer to the various descriptions of our improved hives in a subsequent section of this work4 ,there can now be scarcely two opinions as to the uselessness of the rustic plan of immolating the poor bees after they have striven through the summer so to improve each shining hour4 ,the ancients in ,greece and ,italy took the surplus honey and spared the bees1 and now for every intelligent bee-keeper there are ample appliances wherewith to attain the same results4 ,mr4 ,langstroth quotes from the ,german the following epitaph1 which1 he says1 might be properly placed over every pit of brimstoned bees3-- ,here rests1 ,,cut ,,off ,,from ,,useful ,,labour1 ,a ,,colony ,,of ,,industrious ,,bees1 ,,basely ,,murdered ,,by ,,its ,,ungrateful ,,and ,,ignorant ,,owner4 ,and ,thomson1 the poet of ,the ,seasons1 has recorded an eloquent poetic protest against the barbarous practice1 for which1 however1 in his day there was no1 alternative3-- ,ah6 see where1 robbed and murdered in that pit4 ,lies the still-heaving hive6 at evening snatched1 ,beneath the cloud of guilt-concealing night1 ,and fix'd o'er sulphur6 while1 not dreaming ill1 ,the happy people1 in their waxen cells1 ,sat tending public cares4 ,sudden1 the dark1 oppressive steam ascends1 ,and1 used to milder scents1 the tender race ,by thousands tumble from their honied dome1 ,into a gulf of blue sulphureous flame6 ,it will be our pleasing task1 in subsequent chapters1 to show a more excellent way4 ,,swarming4 ,the spring is the best period at which to commence an apiary1 and swarming-time is a good starting-point for the new bee-keeper4 ,the period known as the swarming season is during the months of ,may and ,june4 ,with a very forward stock1 and in exceedingly fine weather1 bees do occasionally swarm in ,april4 ,the earlier the swarm1 the greater is its value4 ,if bees swarm in ,july1 they seldom gather sufficient to sustain themselves through the winter1 though by careful feeding they may easily be kept alive1 if hived early in the month4 ,the cause of a swarm leaving the stock-hive is1 that the population has grown too large for it4 ,swarming is a provision of ,nature for remedying the inconvenience of overcrowding1 and is the method whereby the bees seek for space in which to increase their stores4 ,by putting on super-hives1 the required relief may1 in many cases1 be given to them2 but should the multiplication of stocks be desired1 the bee-keeper will defer increasing the space until the swarm has issued forth4 ,in ,may1 when the spring has been fine1 the queen-bee is very active in laying eggs1 and the increase in a strong1 healthy hive is so prodigious that emigration is necessary1 or the bees would cease to work4 ,it is now a well-established fact that the old queen goes forth with the first swarm1 preparation having been made to supply her place as soon as the bees determine upon the necessity of a division of their commonwealth4 ,thus the sovereignty of the old hive1 after the first swarm has issued1 devolves upon a young queen4 ,as soon as the swarm builds combs in its new abode1 the emigrant-queen1 being impregnated and her ovaries full1 begins laying eggs in the cells1 and thereby speedily multiplies the labourers of the new colony4 ,although there is now amongst apiarians no doubt that the old queen quits her home1 there is no rule as to the composition of the swarm3 old and young alike depart4 ,some show unmistakable signs of age by their ragged wings1 others their extreme youth by their lighter colour2 how they determine which shall stay and which shall go has not yet been ascertained4 ,in preparation for flight1 bees commence filling their honey bags1 taking sufficient1 it is said1 for three days' sustenance4 ,this store is needful1 not only for food1 but to enable the bees to commence the secretion of wax and the building of combs in their new domicile4 ,on the day of emigration1 the weather must be fine1 warm1 and clear1 with but little wind stirring2 for the old queen1 like a prudent matron1 will not venture out unless the day is in every way favourable4 ,whilst her majesty hesitates1 either for the reasons we have mentioned1 or because the internal arrangements are not sufficiently matured1 the bees will often fly about or hang in clusters at the entrance of the hive for two or three days and nights together1 all labour meanwhile being suspended4 ,the agitation of the little folk is well described by ,evans3-- ,see where1 with hurried step1 the impassioned throng ,pace o'er the hive1 and seem1 with plaintive song1 ,t' invite the loitering queen2 now range the floor1 ,and hang in cluster'd columns from the door2 ,or now in restless rings around they fly1 ,nor spoil thy sip1 nor load the hollowed thigh2 ,e'en the dull drone his wonted ease gives o'er1 ,flaps his unwieldy wings1 and longs to soar4 ,but when all is ready1 a scene of the most violent agitation takes place2 the bees rush out in vast numbers1 forming quite a dark cloud as they traverse the air4 ,the time selected for the departure of the emigrants is generally between #aj ,a4,m4 and #c ,p4,m42 most swarms come off within an hour of noon4 ,it is a very general remark that bees choose a ,sunday for swarming1 and probably this is because then greater stillness reigns around4 ,it will not be difficult to imagine that the careful bee-keeper is anxious to keep a strict watch1 lest he should lose such a treasure when once it takes wing4 ,the exciting scene at a bee-swarming has been well described by the apiarian laureate3-- ,up mounts the chief1 and1 to the cheated eye1 ,ten thousand shuttles dart along the sky2 ,as swift through ther rise the rushing swarms1 ,gay dancing to the beam their sunbright forms2 ,and each thin form1 still lingering on the sight1 ,trails1 as it shoots1 a line of silver light4 ,high poised on buoyant wing1 the thoughtful queen1 ,in gaze attentive1 views the varied scene1 ,and soon her far-fetched ken discerns below1 ,the light laburnum lift her polished brow1 ,wave her green leafy ringlets o'er the glade4 ,swift as the falcon's sweep the monarch bends ,her flight abrupt3 the following host descends2 ,round the fine twig1 like clustered grapes they close ,in thickening wreaths1 and court a short repose4 ,in many country districts it is a time-honoured custom for the good folks of the village to commence on such occasions a terrible noise of tanging and ringing with frying-pan and key4 ,this is done with the absurd notion that the bees are charmed with the clangorous din1 and may by it be induced to settle as near as possible to the source of such sweet sounds4 ,this is1 however1 quite a mistake3 there are other and better means for the purpose4 ,the practice of ringing was originally adopted for a different and far more sensible object--viz41 for the purpose of giving notice that a swarm had issued forth1 and that the owner was anxious to claim the right of following1 even though it should alight on a neighbour's premises4 ,it would be curious to trace how this ancient ceremony has thus got corrupted from the original design4 ,in case the bees do not speedily after swarming manifest signs of settling1 a few handfuls of sand or loose mould may be thrown up in the air so as to fall among the winged throng2 they mistake this for rain1 and then very quickly determine upon settling4 ,some persons squirt a little water from a garden engine in' order to produce the same effect4 ,there are1 indeed1 many ingenious devices used by apiarians for decoying the swarms4 ,mr4 ,langstroth mentions a plan of stringing dead bees together1 and tying a bunch of them on any shrub or low tree upon which it is desirable that they should alight2 another plan is1 to hang some black woven material near the hives1 so that the swarming bees may be led to suppose they see another colony1 to which they will hasten to attach themselves4 ,swarms have a great affinity for each other when they are adrift in the air2 but1 of course1 when the union has been effected1 the rival queens have to do battle for supremacy4 ,a more ingenious device than any of the above is by means of a mirror1 to flash a reflection of the sun's rays amongst a swarm1 which bewilders the bees1 and checks their flight4 ,it is manifestly often desirable to use some of these endeavours to induce early settlement1 and to prevent1 if possible1 the bees from clustering in high trees or under the eaves of houses1 where it may be difficult to hive them4 ,should prompt measures not be taken to hive the bees as soon as the cluster is well formed1 there is danger of their starting on a second flight2 and this is what the apiarian has so much to dread4 ,if the bees set off a second time1 it is generally for a long flight1 often for miles1 so that in such a case it is usually impossible to follow them1 and consequently a valuable colony may be irretrievably lost4 ,too much care cannot be exercised to prevent the sun's rays falling on a swarm when it has once settled4 ,if exposed to heat in this way1 bees are very likely to decamp4 ,we have frequently stretched matting or sheeting on poles1 so as to intercept the glare1 and thus render their temporary position cool and comfortable4 ,two swarms sometimes depart at the same time1 and join together2 in such a case1 we recommend that they be treated as one1 by putting them into a hive as before described1 taking care to give abundant room and not to delay affording access to the super hive or glasses4 ,they will settle their own notions of sovereignty by one queen destroying the other4 ,there are means of separating two swarms1 if done at the time2 but the operation is a formidable one1 and does not always repay even those most accustomed to such manipulation4 ,with regard to preparations for taking a swarm1 our advice to the bee-keeper must be the reverse of ,mrs4 ,glass's notable injunction as to the cooking of a hare4 ,some time before you expect to take a swarm1 be sure to have a suitable hive in which to take it1 and also every other requisite properly ready4 ,here we will explain what was said in the introduction as to the safety of moving and handling bees4 ,a bee-veil or dress will preserve the most sensitive from the possibility of being stung4 ,this article1 which may be bought with the hives1 is made of net close enough to exclude bees1 but open enough for the operator's vision4 ,it is made to go over the hat of a lady or cap of a gentleman2 it closes round the waist1 and has sleeves fastening at the wrist4 ,a pair of photographer's india-rubber gloves completes the full dress of the apiarian1 who is then invulnerable1 even to enraged bees4 ,but bees when swarming are in an eminently peaceful frame of mind2 having dined sumptuously1 they require to be positively provoked before they will sting4 ,yet there may be one or two foolish bees who1 having neglected to fill their honey bags1 are inclined to vent their ill-humour on the kind apiarian4 ,when all is ready1 the new hive is held or placed in an inverted position under the cluster of bees1 which the operator detaches from their perch with one or two quick shakes2 the floor-board is then placed on the hive1 which is then slowly turned up on to its base1 and it is well to leave it a short time in the same place1 in order to allow of stragglers joining their companions4 ,if the new swarm is intended for transportation to a distance1 it is as well for it to be left at the same spot until evening1 provided the sun is shaded from it3 but if the hive is meant to stand in or near the same garden1 it is better to remove it within half an hour to its permanent position1 because so eager are newly-swarmed bees for pushing forward the work of furnishing their empty house1 that they sally forth at once in search of materials4 ,a swarm of bees1 in their natural state1 contains from #aj1jjj to #bj1jjj insects1 whilst in an established hive of ,italian bees they number #dj1jjj and upwards4 ,five thousand bees are said to weigh one pound2 a good swarm will weigh from three to five pounds4 ,we have known swarms not heavier than #b pounds that were in very excellent condition in ,august as regards store for the winter4 ,hitherto1 all our remarks have had reference to first or prime swarms2 these are the best1 and when a swarm is purchased1 such should be bargained for4 ,second swarms1 known amongst cottage bee-keepers as casts1 usually issue from the hive nine or ten days after the first has departed4 ,it is not always that a second swarm issues1 so much depends on the strength of the stock1 the weather1 and other causes2 but should the bees determine to throw out another1 the first hatched queen in the stock-hive is prevented by her subjects from destroying the other royal princesses1 as she would do if left to her own devices4 ,the consequence is that1 like some people who cannot have their own way1 she is highly indignant2 and1 when thwarted in her purpose1 utters1 in quick succession1 shrill1 angry sounds1 much resembling ,peep1 peep1 commonly called piping1 but which more courtly apiarians have styled the vox regalis4 ,this royal wailing continues during the evening1 and is sometimes so loud as to be distinctly audible many yards from the hive4 ,when this is the case1 a swarm may be expected either on the next day1 or at latest within three days4 ,the second swarm is not quite so chary of weather as the first2 it was the old lady who exercised so much caution1 disliking to leave home except in the best of summer weather4 ,in some instances1 owing to favourable breeding seasons and prolific queens1 a third swarm issues from the hive2 this is termed a colt3 and1 in remarkable instances1 even a fourth1 which in rustic phrase is designated a filly4 ,a swarm from a swarm is called a maiden swarm1 and1 according to bee theory1 will again have the old queen for its leader4 ,the bee-master should endeavour to prevent his labourers from swarming more than once2 his policy is rather to encourage the industrious gathering of honey1 by keeping a good supply of supers on the hives4 ,sometimes1 however1 he may err in putting on the supers too early or unduly late1 and the bees will then swarm a second time1 instead of making use of the store-rooms thus provided4 ,in such a case1 the clever apiarian1 having spread the swarm on the ground1 will select the queen1 and cause the bees to go back to the hive from whence they came4 ,this operation requires an amount of apiarian skill which1 though it may easily be attained1 is greater than is usually possessed4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,plate ,,ii4 ,e4 ,w4 ,robinson ,delt4 et ,sc ,p #ahfe4 ,illustration ,,ii4--,,anatomy ,,and ,,physiology ,,of ,,the ,,bee4 ,although the principal object in compiling the present work has been the endeavour to induct our readers into the way of keeping bees according to the most recent and approved methods1 it requires but little apology for thus apparently deviating from our prescribed course1 by devoting a small portion of our space to a description of the anatomy of the wonderful little creatures whose labours all our contrivances are intended to assist1 and since it will at once be admitted that a knowledge of their habits is not only interesting to the bee-keeper1 but enables him to conduct his apiary in accordance therewith4 ,of the insect tribe1 the bee is certainly the most distinguished2 with the exception of the silkworm1 none can approach her in ministering to the wants1 or rather to the luxuries1 of the human family4 ,the instinct bees possess for feeding on flowers1 bringing home honey and pollen1 and secreting wax1 entitles them to our close consideration of their structure and of the tools provided them by ,nature for carrying on their handiwork4 ,in a treatise of this kind1 intended to be of a popular character1 we shall endeavour to place these details before our readers in a concise and simple manner1 avoiding as much as may be technical terms1 and referring those who wish to go more deeply into this branch of the subject to the works of ,bonnet1 ,huber1 ,kirby and ,spence1 ,dr4 ,bevan1 c4 4 ,in the course of our description1 we shall frequently have to refer to the steel engravings1 ,plates ,i4 and ,,ii41 drawn by ,mr4 ,e4 ,w4 ,robinson1 artist to the ,entomological ,society of ,london1 who has most carefully dissected bees we sent him for the purpose1 subjected these dissections to the microscope1 and skilfully produced the accompanying illustrations1 which will so much assist us in our agreeable task4 ,these delineations are so clear1 that a little explanation will suffice to bring home to the understanding of the curious the component parts of the bee1 and the uses to which the various members are applied4 ,because the bee is so small an insect1 its organization ought not to be neglected to be investigated4 ,the bee is little among such as fly1 but her fruit is the chief of sweet things4 ,the enlightened ,boyle1 when contemplating the wonders of ,nature1 declared that his astonishment had been more excited by the mite than by the elephant2 and that his admiration dwelt not so much on the clocks as on the watches of creation4#e ,footnote #e3 ,dr4 ,bevan4 ,the figures #a1 #b1 and #c1 ,plate ,i41 in the frontispiece1 respectively represent the exterior forms of the queen1 the worker1 and the drone4 ,they are thus coloured to illustrate the ,yellow ,italian ,alp1 or ,ligurian bee1 now deservedly held in such high estimation by bee-keepers1 and of whose good qualities we shall1 in a subsequent section of this work1 have occasion more fully to treat4 ,all the bees constituting a stock may not be of quite so bright a colour as those represented3 the old bees differ in appearance from the younger ones2--darkened bodies and ragged wings1 not grey hairs and wrinkled faces1 are the signs of old age2 so that with bees 7especially ,ligurians71 as with the gentler sex of the human race1 there is appointed a period both of youth and beauty4 ,the anatomical structure of our ,english bee is much the same as that of the ,italian2#f a description of the one will therefore serve for the other4 ,the most apparent difference consists in the colour4 ,the ,english bee is of a blackish brown2 both varieties have their bodies wholly covered with close-set hairs4 ,these hairs deserve particular attention1 because1 although so small1 each hair is feather-shaped1 consisting of a stem and branches somewhat analogous to the feathers of birds4 ,this form is extremely serviceable to the insect1 when revelling in the corolla of flowers1 to collect the farina1 and1 besides thus useful1 is peculiarly adapted for retaining animal heat4#g ,footnote #f3 ,naturalists consider the ,italian bee a very superior race1 and that the various organs are stronger and of greater capacity2 it is1 however1 not easy to define the precise anatomical superiority4 ,footnote #g3 ,naturalist's ,library4 ,the insect is divided into three parts--the head1 the thorax or chest1 and the abdomen4 ,the head of the queen 7,plate ,i41 fig4 #a c71 as also that of the drone 7,plate ,i41 fig4 #c c71 is rounder than that of the worker-bee4 ,the latter 7,plate ,i1 fig4 #b c7 is of a triangular shape1 and much flattened1 as in ,plate ,i41 fig4 #b99 c1 which shows the side view4 ,in common with other creatures1 the head contains the inlet for nutrition1 and is the seat of the principal organs of sensation4 ,in the figures before alluded to may be seen the double visual apparatus with which bees are provided4 ,the oval divisions on each side of the head are the two eyes1 the secondary organs of vision being the three small eyes on the top of the head1 called the ocelli4 ,we shall first describe the two larger eyes1 which1 as seems to be the case with all insects1 are immovable1 and have neither irides nor pupils1 nor eyelids to cover them1 but are protected from the dust or pollen of flowers by a number of small hairs1 as well as by a horny tunicle1 which defends and secures them from injury4 ,the multitude of hexagonal lenses which compose the eye of a bee make it appear1 when viewed through a microscope1 exactly like honey-comb4#h ,a ,german writer computes that in each eye there are #c1ejj lenses4 ,in ,plate ,,ii41 fig4 #e represents three of these hexagonal prisms or lenses1 magnified4 ,footnote #h3 ,dr4 ,bevan4 ,the construction of the eye for seeing objects best at a moderate distance will account for the fact that bees mount high up into the air after collecting their store of food1 and then1 having determined the point1 no matter how far off1 they fly homewards with the directness of a cannon ball1 and alight at the door of their own habitation1 though the country around may be crowded with hives3 but on reaching the entrance1 their vision appears defective1 for they then feel their way with the antenn as if totally blind2 and should the hive have been moved a little1 they will rise again into the air to obtain a more distant view1 suited to the lengthened focus of their sight4 ,when a stock or swarm is brought from a distance1 bees do not take their departure at once1 but reconnoitre awhile1 visiting surrounding objects so as to well know the spot again1 in order to return thereto4 ,the precise purpose or use of the three small eyes does not appear to be exactly known1 except that they are intended to heighten the general sense of seeing which the creature so peculiarly requires4 ,some naturalists suggest that they are to give a defensive vision upwards from the cups of flowers4 ,the mouth of the bee is a most complex structure1 marvellously adapted for its duties1 and consists of the mandibles1 the ligula1 or tongue1 also called the proboscis1 and other less important parts4 ,the mandibles are the two sides of the upper jaw4 ,plate ,i41 fig4 #a d1 shows the mandible of the queen1 which1 similar to that of the drone 7,plate ,i41 fig4 #c d71 is provided with two teeth1 whilst the mandible of the worker 7,plate ,i41 fig4 #b d7 is without teeth4 ,the latter having to manipulate the wax with smoothness1 the teeth would doubtless be objectionable4 ,these mandibles are strong1 horny1 and sharp-pointed1 to assist in breaking down food between them1 and1 in other respects1 constitute serviceable tools with which to seize their enemies1 destroy the drones1 c4 ,the tongue 7,plate ,,ii41 fig4 #c71 or proboscis1 is a long1 slender projection1 flattish in form1 and about the thickness of a bristle4 ,it has about forty cartilaginous rings1 each of which is fringed with minute hairs1 having also a small tuft of hair at its extremity1 where it is somewhat serrated4 ,the tongue acts by rolling about1 sweeping or lapping up1 by means of the fringes around it1 everything to which it is applied2 thus1 when a bee alights upon a flower1 it pierces the petals and stamina1 where the nectar is secreted1 deposits its collection on the tongue1 which1 when withdrawn into the mouth1 propels the gathered material into the gullet 7,plate ,i41 fig4 #b c7 at its base1 and from thence passes into the various internal organs1 to which reference will be made hereafter4 ,at times1 in building combs1 the tongue is used as a trowel1 with which the minute scales of wax are deposited in their appropriate places1 and the desired finish is given to the cells4 ,this organ was formerly described by naturalists as a hollow tube1 but we now know1 by dissection1 that this is not the case1 but that it acts as a brush1 and1 by a peculiar muscular contraction externally1 draws the liquid into the mouth4 ,thus1 when a bee is imbibing food1 the rings of the abdomen have a vibratory motion similar to pumping1 showing to the casual observer that suction is rapidly going on in some form or other4 ,the labial palpi 7,plate ,,ii41 fig4 #c o7 rise from the base of each side of this lapping instrument1 and are also ciliated exteriorly2 outside these are the lower jaws1 or maxill 7,plate ,,ii41 fig4 #b n71 similarly provided with hairs4 ,when the jaws 7,plate ,,ii41 fig4 #c n and o7 close on the tongue1 they form a sheath or defence thereto4 ,with the mandibles of the upper jaw opening right and left1 and the maxill or lower jaws1 which serve to hold the object laboured upon1 the insect prepares its work for the sweeping-up apparatus of the lower parts4 ,thus1 when combs become mouldy1 or in any way unfit receptacles for brood or honey1 these tools provided by ,nature serve the place of hands1 and the bees are able to chop up in small pieces1 and remove from their dwelling1 whatever lumber of this kind may be offensive to them4 ,the whole of this apparatus1 while perfect in action in an expanded state1 can be folded or coiled together when not in use1 so as to form one strong and well-protected instrument4 ,the antenn 7,plate ,i41 figs4 #a;a1 #b;a1 #c;a17 are most important instruments1 and are planted between or below the eyes and a little below the ocelli1 one on either side3 they consist of a number of tubular joints1 each having a separate motion2 being thus jointed throughout their whole length1 they are1 therefore1 capable of every variety of flexure1 and their extremities are exquisitely sensitive4 ,with the antenn1 these insects recognise their queen1 and appear to communicate to each other their joys and sorrows4 ,for instance1 if a colony be deprived of its queen1 bees may be seen rushing about the hive1 and1 with a nervous twinge1 crossing their antenn and conveying the intelligence of their forlorn state4 ,the sense of touch is here most acute4 ,huber points out a moonlight night as the best time for observing the antenn in this respect4 ,the bees guarding against the intrusion of moths1 and not having light enough to see fully1 circumambulate their doors like vigilant sentinels1 with the antenn stretched right before them2 and woe to the moth that comes within reach--the instant it is felt1 its death follows4 ,the sense of hearing has been denied bees1 whilst others contend that these organs are situate in their antenn4 ,the sounds which bees emit1 particularly at swarming time1 are conclusive that they possess this faculty2 the only reason for arriving at an opposite conclusion seems to be1 that no precise organ of hearing can be found4 ,naturalists are now more united in the opinion that the seat of hearing is here located4 ,the antenn are said to have also another office1 viz41 that they act as a barometer1 by which bees know the state of the weather and are premonished of storms2 so that this pair of horns play an important part1 since such useful faculties are thus combined4 ,in the dark recesses of the hive the antennas are exceedingly serviceable1 and may truly be denominated eyes to the blind4 ,bees possess acutely the senses of taste and smell4 ,in consequence of their being detected occasionally lapping the impure liquids from stable or other ftid drains1 ,huber considered the former the least perfect of their senses4 ,it is now ascertained that bees1 like most animals1 are fond of salt2 and in spring1 more especially1 their instinct teaches them that salt is beneficial for their health after their winter confinement1 and they therefore resort to dunghills and ,stagnant marshes1 from which they are1 doubtless1 able to extract saline draughts4 ,it cannot be denied1 however1 that1 according to our ideas1 bees' taste is otherwise at fault2 it sometimes happens that1 where onions and leeks abound and are allowed to run to seed1 bees are so anxious to complete their winter stores1 that1 from feeding on these plants1 a disagreeable flavour is communicated to the honey4 ,again1 the fact1 well known in history1 related by ,xenophon in the retreat of the ,ten ,thousand1 that bees in ,asia ,minor extracted honey from plants which had not only a disagreeable but a poisonous tendency to man1 shows that it is quite possible1 where such poisonous plants abound1 for the bees to extract the juices without any injury to themselves4 ,the sense of smell1 so largely possessed by bees1 is extremely serviceable to them4 ,attracted by the fragrance of flowers1 bees may be seen winging their way a considerable distance in an undeviating course1 even sometimes in the face of weather which one might have thought they would not have braved4 ,the thorax or chest approaches in figure to a sphere1 and is united to the head by a thread-like ligament4 ,this is the centre of the organs of motion4 ,here are attached both the muscles that move the legs and wings1 and the legs and wings themselves4 ,in ,plate ,,ii41 fig4 #a1 b1 b1 b1 show the muscles that move the wings2 e1 e1 the bases of the wings4 ,the wings consist of two pairs of unequal size1 which are hooked to one another4 ,in ,plate ,i41 fig4 ,a1 will be seen the margins of the two wings4 ,in fig4 ,b are the eighteen or twenty hooks placed on the anterior margin of the hinder wing1 whilst the posterior margin of the fore wing is beautifully folded over to receive them1 so that1 when distended for flying1 the two wings on each side act as one to steady their movements in flight4 ,the bee has six legs1 three on either side4 ,each leg is composed of several joints1 having articulations like a man's arm1 for the thigh1 the leg1 and the foot4 ,the foremost pair of these are the shortest2 with them the bee unloads the little pellets from the baskets on her thighs3 the middle pair are somewhat longer1 and the hindmost the longest of all4 ,on the outside of the middle joint of these last there is1 in each leg1 a small cavity1 in the form of a marrow spoon1 called the pollen basket4 ,in ,plate ,i41 fig4 #b b shows the inner side of the hind leg and pollen brush2 #b b991 same figure1 the outer side and pollen basket4 ,the legs are covered with hairs1 more particularly the edges of the cavity mentioned1 in which the kneaded pollen requires to be maintained securely4 ,in this they convey those loads of pollen which are so constantly seen carried into a hive4 ,this basket1 or pollen groove1 in the thigh is peculiar to the worker2 neither queen nor drone have anything of the kind4 ,another provision of the bee's limbs consists in a pair of hooks attached to each foot1 with their points opposite to each other1 by means of which the bees suspend themselves from the roof or sides of hives1 and cling to each other as they do at swarming time or prior to and during the formation of new comb1 thus forming a living curtain4 ,in these circumstances1 each bee1 with its two fore claws1 takes hold of the two hinder legs of the one next above it4 ,this mode of suspension is1 no doubt1 agreeable to them1 although the uppermost bees appear to be dragged by the weight of the whole4 ,wildman supposed that bees had a power of distending themselves with air1 to acquire buoyancy1 and thus lessen the burden of the topmost bees4 ,they find no difficulty in extricating themselves from the mass2 the most central of the group can make its way without endangering the stability of the grape-like cluster4 ,bees are able to walk freely in an inverted position1 either on glass or other slippery substances4 ,the peculiar mechanism of their feet1 which enables them to do so1 consists in their having in the middle of each hook a thin membranous little cup or sucker that is alternately exhausted and filled with air4 ,flies have the same beautiful apparatus--hence a fly commonly selects the ceiling for a resting-place4 ,these little air-cups1 or exhausted receivers1 may be seen by applying a strong magnifying-glass to a window that has a bee traversing the reverse side4 ,the edges of these little suckers are serrated1 so as to close against any kind of surface to which their legs may be applied4 ,this apparatus may be also serviceable for gathering the pollen before transmitting it to the baskets on the hind legs4 ,besides these appendages and apparatus of the thorax1 that region is traversed by the sophagus or gullet 7the opening to which will be found in ,plate ,i1 fig4 #b c71 on its way to the digestive and other organs1 situate in the third part of the insect--viz41 the abdomen4 ,the covering of the thorax1 with the external covering of the gullet1 may be seen in the drawing of the magnified dissected body of the bee 7,plate ,,ii41 fig4 #a74 ,the breathing apparatus of bees is a very remarkable feature3 they have no lungs1 but1 instead1 air-vessels or tubes1 ramifying through every part of the frame4 ,these openings1 called spiracles1 are found in the sides of their bodies1 behind the wings4 ,two of the openings are located in the thorax1 and one on each side of the scales of the abdomen4 ,these air-vessels would be difficult to show in a drawing1 the multitude of hairs which protect them are in the way of getting at a very distinct delineation4 ,the writer has traced their oval form by the aid of ,messrs4 ,smith and ,beck's ,binocular ,microscope1 and exceedingly interesting objects they appeared4 ,from the circumstance of bees breathing through these orifices in their bodies1 it will not be difficult to understand how sadly the little creatures must be inconvenienced when1 by accident1 they fall on loose mould1 and thus have their breathing pores choked with dust3 it also shows how needful it is to prevent bees being besmeared with honey 7by using bad appliances for feeding71 which is still more injurious to them4 ,these air-vessels are the only real circulating system1 as bees have neither lungs1 heart1 liver1 nor blood4 ,it appears1 however1 that a white fluid matter1 called chyle1 which1 in degree1 answers the purpose of blood1 is produced in the intestines1 nourishes the body1 receives the oxygen from the air-vessels1 and generates that animal warmth so necessary for the insect's well-being4 ,bees have the power of counteracting superabundant heat by perspiration4 ,not unfrequently1 on a hot summer's morning1 a good deal of moisture may be noticed at the entrance of a crowded hive1 which the inmates have been enabled to throw off4 ,this is a healthy sign1 because a sign of great numerical strength4 ,the abdomen1 attached to the posterior part of the thorax by a slender ligament1 has1 for an outer covering1 six folds or scales of unequal breadth1 overlapping each other1 and contains the honey-bag1 or first stomach1 the ventricle1 or true stomach 7,plate ,,ii41 figs4 #a and #b;f71 with other intestines1 to be hereafter referred to4 ,the honey-bag 7,plate ,,ii41 figs4 #a and #b1 d7 is an enlargement of the gullet1 and1 although called the first stomach1 no digestion takes place here4 ,in shape it is like a taper oil flask2 when full1 it is about the size of a small pea1 and so transparent that the colour of the honey may be seen through it4 ,this sac1 as it is sometimes called1 is susceptible of contraction1 and so organized as to enable the bee to disgorge a part of its contents at pleasure1 to fill the honey-cells of the hive4 ,it has formed a subject of some controversy whether any or what change takes place in the nectar of flowers whilst in the bee's stomach4 ,a short passage 7,plate ,,ii41 figs4 #a and #b1 f7 leads to the ventricle or true stomach1 which is somewhat larger4 ,this receives the food from the honey-bag1 for the nourishment of the bee and the secretion of wax4 ,the stomach1 like the honey-bag1 has a considerable number of muscles1 which are brought into play to help the digestive and other organs4 ,the biliary vessels 7,plate ,,ii41 figs4 #a and #b1 h1 h7 receive the chyle from the digested food in the stomach1 which from thence is conveyed to all parts of the body for its support4 ,formerly1 naturalists thought that wax was elaborated from pollen2 but it is now fully known that it is the animal fat of the bees1 and to produce it requires a considerable consumption of honey to supply the drain upon the system4 ,whilst this secretion is going on1 bees keep themselves very still4 ,in order to pass through the pores of the abdomen1 the wax is1 no doubt1 a liquid oily matter1 which1 on making its appearance outside the abdominal rings1 thickens1 and exudes from under the four medial rings1 in flakes like fish scales1 one on either side2 so that there are eight of these secreting cavities1 which are peculiar to the worker3 they are not found either in the queen or drone4 ,the shape of these cavities is that of an irregular pentagon1 and the plates of wax1 being moulded in them1 exhibit accordingly the same form 7see ,plate ,,ii41 fig4 #e1 w74 ,no direct channel of communication between the stomach and these receptacles1 or wax-pockets1 has yet been discovered2 but ,huber conjectures that the secreting vessels are contained in the membrane which lines these receptacles1 and which is covered with a reticulation of hexagonal meshes1 analogous to the inner coat of the second stomach of ruminant quadrupeds4 ,the little plates of wax are withdrawn by the bee itself1 with its hind feet1 carried to the mouth with its fore feet1 where the wax is made soft and ductile4 ,when a cluster or swarm is placed in a new hive1 and the bees suspend themselves in the form of a garland1 as before described1 it seems feasible that the lower bees pass their secretions up the living ladder to the uppermost ones1 to be moulded by them into those beautiful white hexagonal shapes of which new comb is composed4 ,the rapidity with which comb-building progresses at such times would lead to the supposition that there is a division of labour of this kind among them1 just as our labourers convey building material to the artisan on the scaffold above4 ,this work of comb-building is carried forward in warm weather2 a cold temperature interferes with the secretion of wax4 ,the last important organ of the abdomen is the sting3 this small but effective weapon is situate close to the stomach1 and is found in the queen and worker1 but is absent in the drone4 ,our engraving 7,plate #aa41 fig4 #d7 exhibits the sting of the worker-bee1 with its muscles and attachments3 r shows the muscles that move the sting1 and q the curved base of the sheath that encloses the sting4 ,much beautiful mechanism is observed on a microscopic examination of this weapon and its appendages1 so powerful in comparison with their bulk4 ,the sting is composed of three separate portions1 i4 e41 two sheaths 7as seen in ,plate ,,ii41 fig4 #d7 and the barb4 ,the sheaths1 which are attached to the powerful muscles on either side at s1 are first protruded in the act of stinging1 and1 clasping the barb1 enables the insect to bury it in the flesh to the depth of one-twelfth of an inch2 at the same time1 by a muscular contraction1 the poison is forced along the groove1 and the barb enters the wound1 causing the well-known painful effects which arise from the sting of a bee4 ,the darts composing this instrument are furnished with teeth or barbs1 set obliquely on their outer side1 which give it the appearance of an arrow1 and by which it is retained in the wound until the poison has been ejected4 ,if the sufferer could only command himself so as to remain perfectly passive1 the bee might be able to draw in these barbs which protrude beyond the sheath1 and would then have a chance of withdrawing the sting3 the little insect would consequently inflict less pain1 and might perhaps escape paying the penalty of her life4 ,it generally happens1 however1 that the excitement of both parties is so great1 that the poor bee leaves behind the whole apparatus1 and even part of her intestines1 so that her death is the result1 and the wound is more severe4 ,the sting is about the sixth part of an inch long1 and is largest at the base4 ,here are situated the glands or ducts 7,plate ,,ii41 fig4 #d1 u74 ,by these the poison is secreted1 and passed into the poison-bag 7,plate ,,ii41 fig4 #d1 f71 which acts as a reservoir for retaining it till required4 ,on the subject of the sting1 ,paley remarks3--,the action of the sting affords a beautiful example of the union of chemistry and mechanism3 of chemistry1 in respect to the venom1 which in so small a quantity can produce such powerful effects2 of mechanism1 as the sting is not a simple1 but a compound instrument4 ,the machinery would have been comparatively useless had it not been for the chemical process1 by which1 in the insect's body1 honey is converted into poison2 and1 on the other hand1 the poison would have been ineffectual without an instrument to wound1 and a syringe to inject the fluid4 ,as before stated1 the drone has no sting1 but1 in place thereof1 the organs of reproduction4 ,and now1 in concluding this section1 we would remark the wonderful mechanism and finish all the works of the ,great ,master ,builder unfold4 ,in the works of man we see1 perhaps1 a piece of mechanism of unquestioned beauty and excellence2 but there is a bolt here or screw there that might have been dispensed with1 and does not possess any definite use1 whilst in the works of ,nature everything has a place2 we may not at once comprehend the exact purpose of some intricate parts1 but that only implies that we have not made a thorough investigation4 ,the most minute hair serves its required end4 ,canst thou by searching find out ,god8 ,canst thou find out the ,almighty unto perfection8 ,illustration ,illustration ,,iii4--,,modern ,,bee-,,hives4 ,,nutt',s ,,collateral ,,hive4 ,the late ,mr4 ,nutt1 author of ,humanity to ,honey ,bees1 may be regarded as a pioneer of modern apiarians2 we therefore select his hive wherewith to begin a description of those we have confidence in recommending4 ,besides1 an account of ,mr4 ,nutt's hive will necessarily include references to the various principles which subsequent inventors have kept in view4 ,nutt's ,collateral ,hive consists of three boxes placed side by side 7,c1 ,a1 ,c71 with an octagonal box b on the top1 which covers a bell-glass4 ,each of the three boxes is nine inches high1 nine inches wide1 and eleven inches from back to front4 ,thin wooden partitions1 in which six or seven openings corresponding with each other are made1 divide these compartments1 so that free access from one box to the other is afforded to the bees2 this communication is stopped1 when necessary1 by a zinc slide passing down between each box4 ,the octagonal cover ,b is about ten inches in diameter and twenty high1 including the sloping octagonal roof1 surmounted with an acorn as a finish4 ,there are two large windows in each of the end boxes1 and one in the centre box4 ,across the latter is a thermometer1 scaled and marked so as to be an easy guide to the bee-master1 showing him1 by the rise in temperature1 the increased accommodation required2 this thermometer is a fixture1 the indicating part being protected by two pieces of glass1 to prevent the bees from coming between it and the window1 and thereby obstructing the view4 ,illustration ,d ,d are ventilators4 ,in the centre of each of the end boxes is a double zinc tube1 reaching down a little below the middle3 the outer tube is a casing of plain zinc1 with holes1 about a quarter of an inch wide1 dispersed over it2 the inside one is of perforated zinc1 with' openings so small as to prevent the escape of the bees2 a flange or rim keeps the tubes suspended through a hole made to receive it4 ,the object in having double tubing is to allow the inner one to be drawn up1 and the perforations to be opened by pricking out the wax1 or rather the propolis1 with which bees close all openings in their hives4 ,these tubes admit a thermometer1 enclosed in a cylindrical glass1 to be occasionally inserted during the gathering season2 it requires to be left in the tube for about a quarter of an hour1 and on its withdrawal1 if found indicating ninety degrees or more1 ventilation must be adopted to lower the temperature4 ,the ornamental zinc top ,d must be left raised1 and is easily kept in that position by putting the perforated part a little on one side4 ,the boxes before described are placed on a raised double floor-board1 extending the whole length--viz41 about thirty-six inches4 ,the floor-board projects a few inches in front4 ,in the centre is the entrance 7as our engraving only shows the back of the hive1 we must imagine it on the other side72 it is made by cutting a sunken way1 of about half an inch deep and three inches wide1 in the floor-board1 communicating only with the middle box2 it is through this entrance alone that the bees find their way into the hive1 access to the end boxes and the super being obtained from the inside4 ,an alighting-board is fitted close under the entrance1 for the bees to settle upon when returning laden with homey4 ,this alighting-board is removable for the convenience of packing4 ,the centre1 or stock-box ,a1 called by ,mr4 ,nutt the ,pavilion of ,nature1 is the receptacle for the swarm4 ,for stocking this1 it will be necessary to tack the side tins so as to close the side openings in the partition1 and to tack some perforated zinc over the holes at top2 the swarm may then be hived into it just the same as with a common hive4 ,a temporary bottom board may be used if the box has to be sent any distance1 or a cloth may be tied round to close the bottom 7the latter plan is best1 because allowing plenty of air72 and when brought home at night1 the bees being clustered at the top1 the cloth or temporary bottom must be removed1 the box gently placed on its own floor-board1 and the hive set in the place it is permanently to occupy4 ,e ,e are two block fronts1 which open with a hinge4 ,a semicircular hole1 three inches long and two inches wide in the middle1 is cut in the upper bottom-board1 immediately under the window of each box2 these apertures are closed by separate perforated zinc slides4 ,these blocks1 when opened1 afford a ready means of reducing the temperature of the side boxes1 a current of air being quickly obtained1 and are also useful for allowing the bees to throw out any refuse4 ,illustration ,the centre ,f is a drawer1 in which is a feeding-trough1 so constructed that the bees can descend through the opening before mentioned on to a false bottom of perforated zinc4 ,liquid food is easily poured in by pulling out the drawer a little way2 the bees readily come down on to the perforated zinc1 and take the food by inserting their probosces through the perforations1 with no danger of being drowned4 ,care must be exercised that the food is not given in such quantity as to come above the holes2 by this means2 each hive has a supply of food accessible only to the inmates1 with no possibility1 when closely shut in1 of attracting robber-bees from other hives4 ,the exterior of these hives is well painted with two coats of lead colour1 covered with two coats of green1 and varnished4 ,notwithstanding this preservation1 it is absolutely essential to place such a hive under a shed or cover of some sort1 as the action of the sun and rain is likely to decay the wood1 whilst the extreme heat of a summer sun might cause the combs to fall from their foundations4 ,neat and tasteful sheds may be erected1 either of zinc supported by iron or wooden rods1 or a thatched roof may be sustained in the same manner1 and will form a pretty addition to the flower-garden4 ,when erecting a covering1 it will be well to make it a foot or two longer1 so as to allow of a cottage hive on either side1 as the appearance of the whole is much improved by such an arrangement4 ,the following directions1 with some adaptation1 are from ,nutt on ,honey-,bees3-- ,in the middle box the bees are to be first placed3 in it they should first construct their beautiful combs1 and under the government of one sovereign1 the mother of the hive1 carry on their curious work1 and display their astonishing architectural ingenuity4 ,in this box1 the regina of the colony1 surrounded by her industrious1 happy1 humming subjects1 carries on the propagation of her species1 deposits in the cells prepared for the purpose by the other bees thousands of eggs1 though she seldom deposits more than one egg in a cell at a time3 these eggs are nursed up into a numerous progeny by the other inhabitants of the hive4 ,it is at this time1 when hundreds of young bees are daily coming into existence1 that the collateral boxes are of the utmost importance1 both to the bees domiciled in them and to their proprietors2 for when the brood become perfect bees in a common cottager's hive1 a swarm is the necessary consequence4 ,the queen1 accompanied by a vast number of her subjects1 leaves the colony1 and seeks some other place in which to carry on the work ,nature has assigned her4 ,but as swarming may1 by proper precaution and attention to this mode of management1 generally be prevented1 it is good practice to do so1 because the time necessarily required to establish a new colony1 even supposing the cottager succeeds in saving the swarm1 would otherwise be employed in collecting honey1 and in enriching the old hive4 ,here1 then1 is one of the features of this plan--viz41 the prevention of swarming4 ,the period when symptoms of swarming begin to present themselves may be known by an unusual noise1 the appearance of more than common activity among the bees in the middle box1 and1 above all1 by a sudden rise of temperature1 which will be indicated by the quicksilver in the thermometer rising to seventy-five degrees1 as scaled on the thermometer in the box2 when these symptoms are apparent1 the bee-master may conclude that additional space is required4 ,the top sliding tin should now be withdrawn from under the bell-glass1 which will open to the bees a new store-room2 this they will soon occupy1 and fill with combs and honey of pure whiteness1 if the weather be favourable for their uninterrupted labour4 ,it may be well here to mention1 that if the glass have a small piece of clean worker comb attached to the perforated ventilating tube1 the bees will more speedily commence their operations in it4 ,when the glass is nearly filled1 which in a good season will be in a very short space of time1 the bees will again require increased accommodation2 this will also be indicated by the thermometer further rising to eighty-five degrees4 ,the end box1 as thereon marked1 must now be given them4 ,previously to drawing up a slide to enlarge their crowded house1 the manager should carefully take off the empty end box he intends to open to them1 and thoroughly cleanse it1 and then smear or dress the inside of it with a little liquid honey4 ,thus prepared1 he must return the box to its proper situation1 and then withdraw the sliding tin that hitherto has cut it off from the middle box2 by so doing1 the store-room is again enlarged4 ,the bees will commence operations in this new apartment4 ,this simple operation1 performed at the proper time1 generally prevents swarming2 by it the queen gains a vast addition to her dominions1 and1 consequently1 increasing space for the multiplying population of her domicile4 ,provided the weather continue fine1 and the thermometer has risen to ninety-five degrees1 as marked on the scale1 the remaining tin may be also withdrawn1 thereby giving the bees admittance to another box4 ,there is now no lack of store-rooms or of employment for our indefatigable labourers4 ,the cylinder thermometer is required to be occasionally dropped into the ventilating tube of the side boxes to ascertain their temperature2 for1 if exceeding or approaching that of the middle box1 it must be reduced by ventilating3 this is done by raising the zinc tops1 to allow the air to pass through the perforations4 ,the grand object of this system is to keep the end boxes and the bell-glass cooler than the pavilion or middle box1 so as to induce the queen to propagate her species there and there only1 and not in the depriving part of the hive2 by this means the side and upper combs are in no way discoloured by brood4 ,the queen requires a considerable degree of warmth2 the middle box does not require more ventilation than the additional openings afford4 ,the bees enjoy coolness in the side boxes1 and thereby the whiteness and purity of the luscious store are increased4 ,after the foregoing directions for the working of the hive1 it remains to be told how to obtain possession of the store1 and to get rid of our industrious tenants from the super and end boxes1 of which the super glass will be almost sure to be filled first1 having been first given to them4 ,the operation of taking honey is best performed in the middle of a fine sunny day4 ,the mode we prefer is as follows3--,pass an ordinary table-knife all round underneath the rim of the glass1 to loosen the cement1 properly called propolis2 then take a piece of fine wire1 or a piece of string will do1 and1 having hold of the two ends1 draw it under the glass very slowly1 so as to allow the bees to get out of the way4 ,having brought the string through1 the glass is now separated from the hive2 but it is as well to leave the glass in its place for an hour or so2 the commotion of the bees will then have subsided3 and another advantage we find is1 that the bees suck up the liquid and seal up the cells broken by the cutting off4 ,you can then pass underneath the glass two pieces of tin or zinc2 the one may be the proper slide to prevent the inmates of the hive coming out at the apertures1 the other tin keeps all the bees in the glass close prisoners4 ,after having confined the bees in the glass for a short time1 you must see whether they manifest symptoms of uneasiness1 because1 if they do not1 it may be concluded that the queen is among them4 ,in such a case1 replace the glass1 and recommence the operation on a future day4 ,it is not often that her majesty is in the depriving hive or glass2 but this circumstance does sometimes happen1 and the removal at such a time must be avoided4 ,when the bees that are prisoners run about in great confusion and restlessness1 the operator may conclude that the queen is absent1 and that all is right4 ,the glass may be taken away a little distance off1 and placed in a flower-pot or other receptacle1 where it will be safe when inverted and the tin taken away3 the bees will then be glad to make their escape back to their hive4 ,a little tapping at the sides of the glass will render their tarriance uncomfortable1 and the glass may then be taken into a darkened room or out-house1 with only a small aperture admitting light1 which must be open2 the bees1 like all insects1 make towards the light1 and so escape4 ,the bee-master should brush them off with a feather from the comb as they can be reached2 but on no account1 if there are many bees1 should the glass be left1 because the bees that are in the glass will gorge themselves to their full1 and speedily bring a host of others from the adjacent hives1 who1 in a very little time1 would leave only the empty combs4 ,it is truly marvellous how soon they will carry all the store back again1 if allowed to do so4 ,an empty glass should be put on to the hive in place of the full one1 as it will attract the bees up1 thereby preventing the too close crowding of the hive2 and1 if the summer be not too far advanced1 they will work more honey-comb in it4 ,the removal of the end boxes is a somewhat similar process1 but they should on no account be taken away1 at the same time as the glass1 or1 indeed1 at a time when any other hive is being--robbed we were going to say1 for it is robbery to the bees3 they intended the honey for their winter food1 and are much enraged at being deprived of it4 ,first shut down the dividing tin2 the bees in the end box are now prisoners separated from the hive2 keep them so half an hour1 and then take away the box bodily to another part of the garden1 or into the dark out-house1 as before recommended4 ,it may not be out of place here to say something respecting the enthusiastic inventor of the collateral hive--,thomas ,nutt--who was an inhabitant of ,spalding1 in ,lincolnshire4 ,having been disabled during a considerable period by rheumatic fever1 he devoted all his attention to bees1 at a time when bee-culture was but little valued2 and1 although it must be admitted that two boxes were used side by side long before ,mr4 ,nutt's day1 still it is due to him to state that the adoption of three boxes was entirely his own idea1 and that1 so far as he then knew1 the collateral system was his original invention4 ,his statements have been severely criticised1 and it does appear almost incredible that the weight of honey which he names could have been produced in one season4 ,but as in the district where he lived there is grown an immense quantity of mustard seed--the flowers of which afford excellent forage for bees--the honey harvests there would1 doubtless1 be very large4 ,if ,mr4 ,nutt has given his little favourites too much praise1 it will be only charitable now to account for his statements by an excess of zeal and enthusiasm in this his study of bee-culture4 ,it may be that the golden harvests he spoke and wrote of have been so far useful that they have induced many to commence bee-keeping1 some of whom1 whilst they condemned his statements1 have themselves written really useful and practical works on the subject1 which otherwise might possibly never have appeared4 ,as the monks of old kept the lamp of religion burning1 however dimly1 until a more enlightened age1 so ,thomas ,nutt may have assisted in a somewhat similar manner by energetically propounding his views1 and thereby causing other apiarians to rise up1 whose names are now as familiar to us as household words1 and whose works posterity will value4 ,the writer of these pages has often accompanied ,mr4 ,nutt on his visits to his patrons in the neighbourhood of ,london1 and seen him perform his operations regardless of the anger of the bees1 and free from all fear of their stings4 ,he often expatiated on the cruelty of the brimstone match and suffocation1 denouncing the barbarous custom in the following terms3 ,you may as well kill the cow for her milk1 or the hen for her eggs1 as the bee for its honey2 why continue to light the fatal match1 when every cottager in ,england has the means of saving this most useful and valuable insect8 ,,neighbour',s ,,improved ,,single ,,box ,,hive4 ,we have introduced the ,single ,box ,hive to suit the convenience of those who1 though desirous of keeping bees on the improved principle1 do not wish to incur the expense or devote the space which is necessary for ,nutt's hive4 ,illustration ,it consists of a lower or stock-box ,a1 eleven inches square1 nine inches deep1 with three large windows1 a thermometer ,d1 as in ,nutt's1 being fixed across the front one1 protected at the sides by strips of glass1 to prevent the bees obscuring the quicksilver from sight1 ,b is a cover the same size as the lower hive1 large enough to allow space for a bell-glass nine inches wide1 six inches deep4 ,e is the ventilator between the glass and the stock-hive1 intended to prevent the queen travelling into the super hive1 and also1 by cooling the hive1 to endeavour to prevent swarming2 a sloping pagoda roof1 with an acorn top1 completes the upper story4 ,a floor-board with a block front1 as in ,nutt's collateral1 forms the base1 the entrance being sunk1 as before described1 and furnished with zinc slides to reduce or close it as may be required4 ,to stock a hive of this description1 it is necessary to send the stock-box to the party with whom you have agreed for the supply of a swarm4 ,in the evening of the day the hive is thus tenanted1 remove it to the position it is designed permanently to occupy2 if the swarm has to be procured from a distance1 and is transported by rail or other conveyance1 a perforated zinc slide should be substituted for the plain slide that covers the top1 and a large piece or perforated zinc must also be tacked to the bottom after the swarm has settled in4 ,thus securely confined1 with a free circulation of air throughout1 bees that have been' swarmed the day before may be safely sent any distance that will allow of their being released the day after2 because bees1 though they provision themselves for a couple of days1 cannot with safety be confined in an empty hive much longer4 ,having now1 we will suppose1 procured your swarm1 and placed it in a south or south-east aspect1 you may1 with advantage if the weather be wet1 give a little liquid food3 the feeding in this hive is performed at the top of the stock-box1 where the glass is worked4 ,our round feeding pan1 or the new feeding bottle1 may here be used4 ,any fancy as to the position may be indulged in1 but must be settled on by the time the bees are set at liberty1 because any alteration afterwards is detrimental to the working of the hive4 ,the bees1 on first issuing forth1 carefully mark their new abode and the surrounding objects1 so that1 if a change be made1 they are completely thrown out in their observations1 which confuses them not a little1 and occasions loss4 ,bees always return to the same spot2 it is the locality that they know1 and if the hive is moved a less distance than a mile1 thousands return to the spot on which the hive has been accustomed to stand4 ,allow your bees to collect honey and build their combs for ten days or a fortnight4 ,much now depends on the weather2 if fine1 by this time they will require additional room1 which will be indicated by the thermometer ,d rapidly rising2 #ajj degrees is the swarming point4 ,the hive must be kept below this by ventilation4 ,access must now be given to the flat bell-glass at the top1 which is done by withdrawing the top slide4 ,in a few hours1 sometimes immediately1 the work of comb-building begins in the glass--all the sooner1 if a piece of clean empty comb be placed therein4 ,it is of service to keep the glass warm by means of a worsted or baize bag2 it prevents the temperature from falling at night1 when much comb-building is carried on1 providing the heat is not allowed to escape4 ,probably1 if all goes on well1 in three weeks the glass will be found filled with fine white honey-comb4 ,when you find that the comb is well sealed up1 it is time to take it off2 but if the cells are unfilled and unsealed1 let the labourers complete their work--a little experience will soon enable the bee-keeper to determine this point4 ,the plan to be adopted for taking glasses of honey1 comb is the same as described for ,nutt's hive4 ,,taylor',s ,,amateur ,,shallow ,,box ,,or ,,eight-,,bar ,,hive4 ,illustration ,taylor's ,amateur ,hive1 as seen by reference to the engraving1 consists of three boxes--the lower one1 ,a1 is the stock-box1 in which the swarm is first placed2 ,b is the first super2 and ,c1 the centre box3 all three boxes are of the same diameter1 viz41 thirteen and a half inches square inside1 ,a1 the stock-box1 is seven and a half inches deep2 ,b1 six and a half inches3 both are fitted with eight moveable bars1 each bar being one inch and an eighth wide1 with spaces of half an inch between1 and all easily removed by unscrewing the crown-board1 in which are two openings closed by zinc slides4 ,the middle box1 ,c1 has no bars1 and is still shallower than either of the other boxes1 being five inches deep4 ,in many localities and seasons1 the third box may not be required4 ,each box has two windows1 one at the back and another at the side1 a zinc shutter1 sliding in a groove1 excluding light and retaining warmth4 ,the box ,c differs from the others in another respect2 instead of bars1 it has a grating made by seven openings1 each half an inch wide and nine inches long3 these three boxes stand on a stout floor-board1 in which is cut the entrance way1 four inches wide and three-eighths of an inch high4 ,the floor-board projects so as to support an outer cover of half-inch wood1 surmounted by a sloping roof4 ,this is an effectual protection from the weather1 and is necessary when hives are exposed2 of course1 if placed in a bee-house1 such protection may be dispensed with4 ,the outer case is well painted1 of a green colour1 and when it is used the hive may be placed in any part of the garden4 ,the dimensions of this hive1 with outside cover1 are eighteen inches square1 and two feet six inches high4 ,suitable stands are provided1 consisting of a stout pedestal with four feet4 ,stakes should be driven into the ground to secure the whole against wind4 ,height from the ground1 four feet three inches4 ,the bars before alluded to are for the purpose of inducing the bees to build parallel combs1 for without such an arrangement extraction would be impossible4 ,it is a great convenience1 in many ways1 to be able to take out a bar of comb2 it gives such a complete control over the hive4 ,to ensure comb-building on the bars1 pieces of clean worker-comb should always be carefully preserved2 and before a swarm is put in1 either every bar or1 if guide comb is not plentiful1 every other bar should have a piece fixed to it in the following manner3--,cut a piece of clean empty comb of the required size1 say two inches square1 not less2 heat a common flat iron1 with which slightly warm the bar2 then melt a little bees'-wax upon it2 draw the comb quickly over the heated iron1 hold it down on the centre of the bar1 giving a very slight movement backwards and forwards2 then leave the wax to grow cold1 and1 if cleverly managed1 the guide will be found firmly attached4 ,care must be taken that the pitch or inclination of the comb be the same as it is in the hives--upwards from the centre of each comb4 ,a new plan has lately been introduced by ,mr4 ,woodbury1 of ,exeter1 to facilitate the correct construction of parallel combs4 ,,neighbour',s ,,improved ,,cottage ,,hive4 ,our ,improved ,cottage ,hive is neatly made of straw1 bound with cane1 and therefore very durable4#i ,the lower hive is covered with a wooden top1 having in it three holes1 through which the bees convey their honey into three middle-sized bell glasses with ventilators1 which1 when filled1 hold about #f lbs4 each4 ,there is a hoop at the bottom1 another round the top of the lower hive2 to this the wooden crown-board is fastened4 ,these hoops are a great improvement1 and are less liable to harbour insects than if straw alone were used4 ,the floor-board1 as its name implies1 is a wooden board one and a quarter inch thick1 with a projection of three or four inches under the entrance to form an alighting place4 ,this entrance is cut out of1 or sunk in1 the board4 ,footnote #i3 ,this is the hive referred to by the ,bee-,master of the ,times1 when he says3--,the second kind of hive ,i alluded to is made of straw1 and may be purchased at ,neighbour's1 in ,holborn4444 ,it is so well made that it will last very long4 ,i have had one in constant use during ten years1 and it is still as good as when it was bought4 ,illustration ,there are three windows in the lower hive1 each closed with a shutter2 these are very useful and interesting for inspecting the progress made4 ,across the centre window is a thermometer1 enclosed at the sides by slips of glass4 ,the window shutters being painted green1 add very much to its appearance4 ,the upper hive1 which is merely a cover for the glasses1 is a conical-topped hive1 also made of straw bound with cane2 a hoop is worked into the straw1 and made sufficiently large to allow the cover to drop over the top hoop of the lower hive1 keeping the whole close1 and preventing wet from drifting in4 ,a zinc ventilator1 ornamentally painted1 forms the apex3 this is useful in letting the confined hot air pass away in warm weather4 ,the ventilator is opened by raising it4 ,the dimensions of the lower or stock-hive are fifteen inches diameter1 nine and a half inches deep outside2 its weight1 when empty1 seven and a half pounds4 ,the cover1 or top hive1 is twelve inches deep and fifteen inches in diameter2 the ornamental zinc top being four inches deep4 ,the whole is about twenty-four inches high4 ,the weight of a hive packed1 including glasses1 c41 is about #ah lbs4 ,these hives have a tasteful appearance in the garden1 but they require some further protection from the weather in the form of a cover or of a bee-house--contrivances that have yet to be described4 ,in extreme cold weather1 a little additional protection1 by having matting folded round them1 will be advisable4 ,one of the advantages this hive has over the common cottage hive is1 that it affords opportunity for the humane management of bees4 ,the owner has also the power of taking a glass of honey-comb of pure quality1 free from the extraneous matter known as bee-bread1 instead of combs that are darkened by having brood hatched in them4 ,by this system1 we have combs newly made and used only for depositing the honey first put into them2 hence the name virgin honey4 ,these glasses have a very pretty appearance1 and1 when nicely filled1 are very convenient for home use or for making presents4 ,the lower hive is the receptacle for the bees2 when a swarm is placed in this hive1 they immediately proceed to fill it with combs1 in which to store honey for themselves1 and for cells to breed in4 ,this hive remains undisturbed4 ,the best mode of tenanting a hive of this description is by placing an early and strong swarm in it1 which may be generally procured of a neighbouring bee-keeper2 if from a distance1 considerable care is necessary to admit plenty of air2 the shaking attendant upon carriage irritates the bees so much1 that1 if not well ventilated1 there is danger of the swarm being stifled1 and the finer the swarm1 the greater the danger4 ,for the purpose of ventilation1 remove the slides and substitute perforated zinc1 wrapping the hive up in a coarse cloth of open texture 7dispensing with the floor-board during transit when the distance is great74 ,it is necessary only to send the lower or stock hive to the party furnishing the swarm1 taking the precaution to fix the slides at top with tacks1 as the hive has to be inverted to receive the bees4 ,they are shaken into it in the usual manner1#aj as they cluster around the branch of the tree or shrub on which they may have chosen to alight4 ,after the hiving is accomplished1 the hive should be left near to catch any stragglers1 for there will always be a few2 towards evening1 close the entrance1 and remove them to the exact position they are intended permanently to occupy4 ,success depends on this1 and also on their careful removal on the day or evening of swarming4 ,the following morning the bees labour in the new location1 marking well their habitation before they take flight1 and to which they will not fail to return1 loaded with luscious store4 ,footnote #aj3 ,sometimes swarms alight on trunks of trees or on walls1 where it may be difficult to shake or brush them off4 ,in the ,journal of ,horticulture1 ,mr4 ,woodbury mentions an instance of this kind1 which he experienced last summer3--,a swarm clustered among the large branches of a pear-tree1 just at their point of union with the trunk4 ,in this case he merely supported a straw hive just over the swarm with the left hand1 whilst he struck the trunk of the tree with the open palm of the right4 ,the vibration thus produced sent the bees up into the hive with great rapidity1 and the entire swarm was speedily hived in the most satisfactory manner4 ,a few whiffs of smoke will accelerate upward movement of swarms in such circumstances4 ,a fortnight must be allowed for filling the stock-hive2 then1 if the weather be fine and warm1 they will prepare to swarm again1 as will be indicated by the thermometer rising rapidly to #ajj degrees or upwards4 ,one of the zinc slides on the wooden top must now be withdrawn1 and a bell-glass put on1 covered and protected by the upper hive2 the other glasses may then be given in the same manner1 a day or two after which1 should the weather continue favourable1 all signs of swarming will at once disappear1 the bees now having increased store room1 which they will readily fill with comb4 ,it is often found useful to attach a piece of clean empty honey-comb to the ventilating tube of the glass2 it is an attraction1 and induces the bees to commence working in it sooner than they otherwise would do4 ,the ventilator should always remain open during the day1 to allow the hot air to pass away from the interior1 thereby contributing to the whiteness and beauty of the work2 the bees enjoy the refreshment of coolness thereby afforded1 and they work the faster for it4 ,at evening1 all ventilation should be stopped1 and the glasses wrapped round with flannel or some warm material1 for the reasons mentioned at page #fe4 ,the directions for taking honey are much the same as before mentioned4 ,some apiarians1 however1 consider that deprivation is more easily accomplished by disconnecting the super over night1 in the manner described at page #eh4 ,the bee-keeper1 equipped with bee-dress and gloves1 must first raise the glass of comb1 and1 blowing a little smoke to intimidate and drive back the bees1 wedge it up all round1 an inch or so from the crown-board1 by means of three or four blocks1 thus to remain all night4 ,this operation is best performed a little before dusk4 ,bees are then less likely to come out1 and if they should do so1 will speedily return4 ,the opening in the crown-board remains unclosed1 to afford the bees the opportunity of descending1 and joining the stock-hive below1 which they will naturally do for warmth4 ,the upper straw-hive1 or cover for the glasses1 is better placed on for the night4 ,early in the following morning1 before the bees are much about1 the super will be ready for removal4 ,the few bees that remain within may be speedily induced to quit1 and will fly to the entrance4 ,the slides covering the holes in the crown-board must be inserted1 or an empty glass can be put on1 to take the full one's place4 ,a slide seven and a half inches square is furnished with the hive2 this is useful to remove the glass upon4 ,the holes in the wooden top of this hive are of a peaked shape1 to act as a preventive against slaughtering any bees whilst pushing the slide in for the purpose of removing the glass when full4 ,the tacks before alluded to should be removed from the slides when the hive is fixed in its place2 they are now in the way of cutting off the glass4 ,the entrance slide is very serviceable during the winter months1 to lessen the passage way1 thereby' preventing the admission of too much cold air3 it is also occasionally useful on a summer evening1 to lessen the entrance when moths are troublesome2 for if there be only a small opening1 the bees can guard it1 and easily repulse intruders4 ,during the time of gathering1 they require the whole width to remain open4 ,when the weather is so unfavourable as to prevent the bees leaving home for a few days after being hived1 it will be necessary to feed them4 ,bees should not be fed in the midst of winter2 the proper time is in the autumn or in the spring4 ,the best mode of feeding is at the top of the stock hive4 ,this is done by using the round feeder4 ,the bottle feeder may be used instead of the round feeder1 and in the same place1 by those who give the preference to that method4 ,whilst on the subject of feeding1 it may be well to suggest to the bee-keeper1 that1 after the honey harvest1 he should ascertain the state of the stock-hive1 because we have sometimes found that hives which were very strong during summer1 and which have yielded a good supply of honey1 have been left rather poorly off for the winter4 ,no doubt1 under the impression that those nicely-filled supers which the bees intended for themselves would be amply sufficient for their sustenance1 they have1 for the most part1 devoted the space below to the queen for breeding1 little imagining that the precious store would be taken away1 and consequently have left themselves too small provision for autumn and winter4 ,the apiarian having1 therefore1 so richly reaped the fruit of his bees' labours1 it is but right that he should guard against the labourers themselves suffering any want therefrom4 ,the state of the interior of the hive may be ascertained by applying a weighing machine1 and the requisite supply administered by feeding4 ,both weighing machine and feeder are described further on4 ,the simplicity and easy management of this hive have deservedly rendered it an especial favourite1 combining1 as it does1 real utility with many conveniences to satisfy the curious4 ,not a few bee-keepers desire to unite the two qualifications1 and no hives combine these advantages in a greater degree than ,neighbour's improved cottage hive4 ,,improved ,,cottage ,,hive ,,without ,,windows4 ,this hive is of precisely the same size1 construction1 and management as the last mentioned1 with the exception that it has no windows or thermometer in the lower or stock hive4 ,the apiarian1 with this hive1 will have to trust more to his own judgment as regards the likelihood of swarming1 and must watch the appearance the bees present at the entrance4 ,when it is time to put on supers1 in order to prevent swarming1 premonition will be given by the unusual numbers crowding about the entrance1 as well as by the heat of the weather1 making it evident that more room is required for the increasing population4 ,not being able to form an idea of the state of the hive in spring and autumn by looking into the stock-hive1 it will be advisable to adopt the means of weighing4 ,a stock at ,michaelmas should weigh #bj lbs41 exclusive of the hive1 or be made up to that weight by feeding4 ,,the ,,ladies' ,,observatory ,,or ,,crystal ,,bee-,,hive4 ,illustration ,the following engraving illustrates the construction of the ,ladies' ,observatory ,hive4 ,the stock-hive is cylindrical1 with a flat top and a hole in the centre2 the dimensions twelve and a half inches inside1 eight and a half inches deep2 the outer cover being raised1 and made of stout glass1 so as not easily to break4 ,a support1 composed of even wooden bars fixed on a pedestal from the floor-board1 is very useful for the bees to cling to and attach their combs1 instead of resting wholly against the glass4 ,the floor-board is of mahogany1 the border being ,french polished4 ,a middle-sized bell-glass1 for deprivation1 is placed over the hole2 this hole may be closed by a zinc slide4 ,a cover of straw1 eighteen inches deep1 fifteen inches wide1 with a zinc ventilating top similar to that affixed to the cottage hive1 completes the arrangements4 ,the weight of the stock-hive and board is about #af lbs4 ,this hive is well adapted for those persons who are desirous of having the opportunity of more closely examining the workmanship of these industrious and interesting insects1 as the whole of the interior may be exposed to view2 it is particularly suitable for a window or an indoor apiary1 and will also be found a valuable addition to the green-house4 ,under these circumstances1 the entrance-way should be covered with a flat piece of glass1 and an aperture cut in the sash corresponding with the entrance to the hive2 through the glazed passage the bees may then find egress and ingress without being able to gain access to the apartment4 ,an alighting board1 four inches wide1 must be fixed outside1 on a level with the entrance4 ,we had a hive of this kind in operation at the ,great ,exhibitions of #ahea and #ahfb1 fixed after the manner above described4 ,it answered admirably1 and excited much interest and curiosity1 though placed there under many disadvantages4 ,when a hive of this kind is to be stocked1 procure an early and strong swarm1 which must be temporarily hived in a common straw hive1 from which dislodge the bees into the glass hive1 but for this purpose a little preparation will have to be made4 ,spread a sheet on the ground1 place the mahogany floor-board on it with the support1 put three bricks1 or some solid blocks of about the same substance1 upon which the glass will rest2 then1 with a sharp and sudden blow1 precipitate the swarm out of the straw hive on to the floor-board and support1 place the glass hive on the bricks1 and the bees will collect under the bars and on to the pedestal4 ,in about one hour's time the whole will have settled quietly and all the stragglers on the board will have collected together1 the swarm hanging pear-shaped from the bar support2 the bricks can now be removed1 and the glass put in its right place on the floor-board4 ,the straw cover being put on the hive1 it can be removed to the place it is destined permanently to occupy4 ,the light should not be admitted for some days after hiving2 if undisturbed1 the bees will speedily build comb1 working from the wooden bars1 which are placed there for their assistance and support4 ,in ten days or a fortnight1 if the weather continue fine and warm1 they will prepare to swarm again2 the opening at the top must now be unstopped1 and the bell-glass put on1 guide-comb having been previously fixed4 ,the directions given for the improved cottage hive equally apply to the ladies' observatory hive4 ,it is advisable1 in winter1 to furnish the glass stock-hive with more protection from cold than is afforded by the straw cover alone2 some thick baize1 or wrapper of wadding1 for which there is space between the glass hive and the cover1 will prevent so much moisture condensing on the sides of the glass4 ,moisture is injurious1 causing the combs to grow mouldy2 a little protection in the way of wrapping very much prevents this4 ,the hole at top is used for supplying food1 should the apiarian fear the stock of honey is in danger of running short2 either the bottle feeder or the round feeder maybe used for the purpose4 ,,cottager',s ,,hive1 ,,for ,,taking ,,honey ,,in ,,straw ,,caps1 ,,without ,,the ,,destruction ,,of ,,the ,,bees4 ,illustration ,a very prevalent opinion exists1 that bees do better in straw than in hives made of any other material4 ,another opinion prevails1 viz41 that the old-fashioned straw hive is the least expensive1 the most simple1 and the most productive4 ,although we cannot go so far as this1 we are willing to admit that a simplified adaptation of the humane system to the old common straw hive is the most suitable to put into the hands of that large class of bee-keepers--cottagers4 ,by these the more fanciful hives will be instantly condemned2 besides1 the expense puts them quite beyond the reach of the poorer class4 ,the object aimed at in planning our ,cottager's ,hive has been to furnish a depriving hive that should be at once easy of management1 inexpensive1 and convenient4 ,the stock-hive1 into which the bees are first hived1 is a round straw hive1 having a flat top1 with a hole in the centre4 ,the size of this lower hive is seven or eight inches deep1 fourteen inches across the bottom1 finished with a wooden hoop1 which adds very much to the firmness and durability of the hive4 ,the floor-board is one and a quarter inch thick1 with a way sunk therein for the entrance4 ,a small round mat of straw closes the hole in the top2 this mat may be fixed by wooden pegs4 ,we have now described what is termed the stock-hive1 which is1 in fact1 an old-fashioned straw hive1 adapted1 modernised1 and improved to the more humane1 viz41 the depriving1 system4 ,the weight of the stock-hive1 with its floor-board1 is about #g lbs4 ,the super or cap hive is about seven inches deep1 eight inches in diameter1 and1 when filled1 contains about #aj lbs4 of honey and comb4 ,a glass window1 which is placed at the side1 is useful for inspecting the progress made in filling it6 ,a common straw hive1 sufficiently deep to cover1 drops over the super1 keeping the window dark1 and fitting close on to the stock-hive4 ,this cover-hive may be made fast by driving in two skewers1 one on either side1 to keep the whole firm4 ,unless placed in a bee-house or under a shed1 the outside should be painted2 or a piece of oil-cloth1 or water-proof covering of any kind1 shaped so as to shoot off the rain1 will save the trouble of paint1 and answer the purpose4 ,if no protection of this sort is used1 the rain is likely to rot the straw4 ,as a covering1 cottagers often use straight stiff thatching straw1 sewed together2 this contrivance is termed a hackle1 and has a pretty appearance1 particularly if a number of hives are in a row4 ,care has to be exercised that mice do not make the covering hive a resting-place4 ,mortar is often used for fastening round the hive at the bottom3 this is a bad plan1 as it forms a harbour for insects2 the wooden hoop fits so close as to leave little necessity for anything of the kind4 ,the principle of the depriving system is so much the same with all our hives1 that a good deal of repetition is necessary in describing in detail the management of each separate variety4 ,the object aimed at with the cottager's hive1 as1 indeed1 with all our hives1 is to provide a compartment for the bees to live in with their queen1 she being the mother of all4 ,it is intended1 by inducing the queen to remain in her original apartment1 that all breeding should be there performed1 as well as the storing of bee-bread and honey1 for the winter sustenance of the bees4 ,the cap hive1 or upper chamber1 known as the super1 is for the storing of honey1 which the bee-keeper looks upon as a surplus1 and which1 at the close of the honey gathering1 or as soon as filled1 he intends to deprive the bees of1 and appropriate to his own use1 of course taking care to leave sufficient in the lower or stock hive for winter sustenance4 ,the mode of stocking a hive of this kind is so familiarly known1 that any who at all understand the hiving of bees into a common straw hive can make no mistake or find any difficulty in performing it4 ,lest these pages should fall into the hands of persons who are not so acquainted1 we will refer them to the directions already given at pages #ba and #gb4 ,the hive may be smeared inside with a little honey1 if at hand2 but this is unimportant1 as a clean hive answers well4 ,some older bee-keepers prefer to give a little dressing1 to encourage the bees to like their new home4 ,after the swarm has been in the hive two weeks1 the straw super hive may be put on1 first removing the straw mat1 to give the bees access to it4 ,if the hive be a stock1 that is1 a swarm of the last or previous years1 the super may be put on as soon as the weather is fine and warm1 in ,may4 ,but much depends on the weather and strength of the hive1 as regards the time occupied1 by the bees in filling the super2 in favourable weather a fortnight suffices4 ,if1 on looking in at the little window1 the bee-master sees that the cells are sealed over1 the cap of honey may be removed in the mode already described4 ,the cells near the window are the last to be filled1 so1 when they are sealed1 it is safe to conclude that the combs in the unseen parts are also finished4 ,sometimes the queen ascends and deposits her eggs2 if1 on turning up the super1 brood be visible1 replace the cap for a few days1 until the young bees quit their cells4 ,when thus emptied1 honey will be deposited in lieu of the brood4 ,suitable pedestals for these hives to stand upon may be obtained4 ,it is important that these be firmly fixed1 and the hive also made fast to the stand1 to prevent its being blown over by high winds4 ,,woodbury ,,bar ,,and ,,frame ,,hives4 ,illustration ,mr4 ,woodbury's ,bar and ,frame ,hive1 as originally made1 consists of a wooden box1 fourteen and a half inches square inside1 nine inches deep4 ,this is a hive of large size1 but the actual habitable space inside is lessened by the room occupied by the frames1 of which there are ten2 these rest on a rabbet a little below the surface1 leaving a space of three-eighths of an inch between the upper side of the bars and the crown-board4 ,this allows a free passage on the top for the bees1 entirely obviating the necessity of making excavations in the crown-board1 as has hitherto been recommended4 ,each frame is seven-eighths of an inch wide1 and rests in notches1 with a space of half an inch between each4 ,the frames extend to within three-eighths of an inch of the floor-board1 so as to hang without touching any part1 leaving about the same distance from the sides4 ,it will be seen that there is a free passage for the bees on every side1 and they are thus kept from coming in contact with the sides of the hive4 ,our engraving shows the hive open1 and exposes to view the top of the ten bars and frames1 as they range from back to front4 ,a window is also shown2 this is placed in the engraving over the entrance1 but the proper position would be just opposite4 ,the drawing is made so as to show back and front at once4 ,the floor-board is one and a quarter inch thick1 having two keys on the under side to prevent warping4 ,,woodbury ,,straw ,,bar ,,and ,,frame ,,hive4 ,illustration ,since the introduction of the wood hive by ,mr4 ,woodbury1 that gentleman has recommended1 in the ,journal of ,horticulture1 that the stock-hive be made of straw1 of exactly the same dimensions2 this material being wanner in winter1 slightly ventilating1 and allowing of absorption4 ,bees1 during cold weather1 cluster together to generate the requisite degree of heat2 the temperature of the interior of the hive being thus so much higher than the external atmosphere1 a good deal of moisture condenses at the top and on the sides of the hive4 ,the straw1 as before stated1 prevents this dampness hanging about the hive1 and tends to keep the inmates more healthy4 ,dampness in a hive is a fruitful source of mischief1 causing empty combs to grow mouldy1 and is injurious in many ways4 ,the square straw hives1 and a machine for making them1 exhibited in the ,austrian department of the ,international ,exhibition of #ahfb1 suggested the idea of employing that material for ,english bar and frame hives4 ,we have had a machine made somewhat similar to the one exhibited1 and suited to the size of our hives1 by which our hive-maker is able to manufacture neat square straw hives4 ,these have a wood frame at top1 an inch deep1 with the requisite notches to allow the ten-comb frames to hang4 ,a similar frame forms the base1 the straw being worked between4 ,the floor-board is one and a quarter inch thick1 keyed with stout keys1 as before mentioned4 ,an inch projection is left on all sides beyond the exterior of the hive1 from which it is slightly chamfered down4 ,an entrance1 four inches wide1 is cut out of the substance of the board1 beginning at the edge1 and continuing on the same level until inside the hive1 where it slopes upwards4 ,this entrance is about three-eighths of an inch high where the hive crosses it4 ,these straw hives have been generally made without windows1 as ,mr4 ,woodbury and other scientific apiarians so prefer them4 ,they consider that glass windows are unsuited for winter1 because then moisture condenses on the glass4 ,there is no doubt that the having a peep-hole or two in a hive adds very agreeably to its value for amateur bee-keepers1 and1 to meet the wishes of such1 we have had straw hives constructed with windows4 ,it is not every one who would like to lift out the frames as often as is necessary for an inspection of the state of the colony1 nor1 perhaps1 is it advisable to be often thus meddling4 ,the windows have also a very neat appearance4 ,we have hives with one1 and some with two and three windows2 of course1 a little extra expense is incurred where these are made1 but that is not objected to by those who approve of the additional convenience4 ,the crown-board 7if correct to call a straw top by that name7 has1 like the hive1 a frame of wood all round1 and a square1 piece of wood in the centre1 with a two-inch hole2 this hole is for the purpose of administering food1 in a mode to be explained hereafter4 ,a circular block of wood1 four inches in diameter1 closes the opening4 ,,woodbury',s ,,glass ,,bar ,,and ,,frame ,,hives4 ,illustration ,some bee-keepers like to be able to make a full and daily inspection of the hive2 we have1 therefore1 prepared a few hives1 constructed of wooden frames1 enclosed on all sides and on the top with window-glass4 ,the dimensions are precisely the same as those before mentioned1 and allow the same number of bars and frames 7ten74 ,the crown has a round hole cut in the glass to admit of feeding4 ,the four sides are constructed of double glass1 to preserve the bees from variations of temperature4 ,we cannot1 however1 recommend this hive for a winter residence for the bees2 we should prefer lifting the combs out with the bees1 and placing them in a straw hive of similar construction1 to pass through the ordeal of the winter season4 ,a stock of bees might be kept through the year in a hive of this kind1 but would require well wrapping round to keep out the cold4 ,there should be a small glass over the hole at top1 so as to allow the moisture to arise and condense1 instead of doing so in the hive4 ,the operation of exchanging the hive is so easy1 that we should be content to place a stock in one1 say1 from ,april to ,september1 and shift it in the autumn4 ,such a hive is a very pleasing object of interest1 as in it the whole commonwealth of bees is exposed1 to view2 and the hive need not be obscured from daylight1 provided it be protected from sun and rain4 ,all the external wood-work is of oak-colour1 varnished1 so that the appearance of the ,glass ,bar and ,frame ,hive is extremely neat and much approved of4 ,,frames4 ,illustration ,as before mentioned1 each stock-hive has ten of these frames--each thirteen inches long1 by seven and a quarter inches high1 with a five-eighths of an inch projection at each upper end1 which rests in the notch1 either back or front4 ,the width1 both of the bar and frame1 is seven-eighths of an inch2 this is less1 by a quarter of an inch1 than the bar recommended by the older apiarians4 ,mr4 ,woodbury--whose authority on the modern plans for keeping bees is of great weight--finds the seven-eighths of an inch bar an improvement1 because with them the combs are closer together1 and require fewer bees to cover the brood4 ,then1 too1 in the same space that eight old-fashioned bars occupied1 the narrower frames admit of an additional bar1 so that1 by using these1 increased accommodation is afforded for breeding and the storing of honey4 ,,improved ,,comb ,,bar4 ,illustration3 ,section of ,bar4 ,mr4 ,woodbury says that this little contrivance has proved very effectual in securing straight combs when guide-combs are not obtainable4 ,the lower angles are rounded off1 whilst a central rib is added1 of about one-eighth of an inch in breadth and depth4 ,this central rib extends to within half an inch of each end1 where it is removed1 in order to admit of the bar fitting into the usual notch4 ,all that is necessary to ensure the regular formation of combs is1 to coat the underneath surface of the central rib with melted wax4 ,mr4 ,woodbury further says3 ,my practice is to use plain bars whenever guide-combs are attainable1 as those can be attached with much greater facility to a plain than to a ribbed bar2 but whenever ,i put in a bar without comb1 ,i always use one of the improved ones4 ,by this method1 crooked and irregular combs are altogether unknown in my apiary4 ,most of our bars are made with the ridge2 but should any of our customers prefer the flat ones1 we keep a few to supply their requirements4 ,with the moveable bar and frame hive1 every comb is available for extraction1 and may easily be taken out of the hive2 each comb being fixed within its frame1 there is less disturbance to the bees than if the combs were fixed to the sides1 as is the case with ordinary hives4 ,a strip of wood1 about half an inch wide1 rests on the floor-board2 in this strip are ten notches1 made to receive the lower part of the frames1 so as to retain them in their places at equal distances from each other4 ,a difficulty is found1 with a well-stocked hive1 in dropping the frames into the exact notches1 so that it is not necessary to have these rack works always in use2 but when any movement of the hive is made1 it is essential to have the frames firmly fixed by the aid of this contrivance4 ,it is also advisable to have the frames perpendicularly supported until the combs are built1 so1 in order that the frames should hang true1 the hive ought to be on the level4 ,a little inclination may be given to it from back to front1 causing the hive to fall slightly towards the entrance1 so as to allow the moisture inside the hive1 caused by the exhalations of the bees1 to run off4 ,,compound ,,bar ,,frame4 ,illustration ,in the ,journal of ,horticulture1 ,mr4 ,woodbury thus describes the compound bar frame4 ,being his own adaptation1 we cannot do better than use his own words3--,this is a contrivance of my own1 which ,i have found very advantageous in enabling me to use frames in stock-hives1 and bars in supers1 without forfeiting the advantages arising from the unlimited interchangeability of every comb in every hive and super in the apiary4 ,its construction will be readily understood by an inspection of the annexed sketch1 in which the comb bar is shown slightly raised from its frame4 ,the bar itself is thirteen and a quarter inches long1 by seven-eighths of an inch wide1 and three-eighths of an inch thick4 ,when the comb bar is in its place1 the whole forms a frame thirteen inches long1 by seven and a quarter inches high 7inside measure71 with five-eighths of an inch projection at each end1 which rests in its appropriate notch in either the back or front of the hive4 ,when filled with comb1 the bar becomes so firmly cemented to the frame as to admit of its being handled with facility4 ,this contrivance is1 no doubt1 very excellent in the hands of ,mr4 ,woodbury2 but in the hands of the unpractised severe mishaps may arise4 ,in warm weather the propolis and wax1 with which the bees cement the bar to the frame1 become soft2 consequently1 in handling the frames1 unless dexterity is used1 the comb is likely to drop out4 ,we therefore recommend that the bar and frame be made both in one3 greater firmness and simplicity are thereby gained4 ,some of these compound bars and frames are kept in stock at our establishment1 though they cannot be recommended for general use2 but should anyone prefer them1 they can be supplied at the same price as the common frames4 ,in describing the stock-hives of wood1 straw1 and glass1 allusion has frequently been made to the depriving hives technically called supers4 ,these are also made of glass1 in wood frames1 thirteen inches inside1 six inches deep1 with eight bars 7without frames74 ,the above engraving represents the super used with the bar and frame hive4 ,illustration ,honey-combs in supers are better when made thicker than those for breeding1 consequently the bars are placed a little further apart than in the lower or stock hive2 they are either the ,woodbury ,ribbed1 contrived to induce the straight building of combs1 or flat bars with guide-combs affixed4 ,,covers4 ,a loose outer case1 forming a complete cover for the hive1 is found very useful4 ,the case is made in two parts1 for convenience the roof is also separate1 having an acorn at top1 which forms a neat finish4 ,these outside cases are made of wood1 and drop lightly over all2 when thus protected1 and fixed on a pedestal1 the hive may be placed in the open air in such position as fancy may dictate4 ,the aspect should be south or south-east1 and1 if against a wall1 sufficient space must be allowed for a free passage behind1 as it is from thence all operations must be conducted by the apiarian4 ,the case and roof1 with the stand1 being the only parts exposed to the weather1 will be the only portions that require painting2 they are sometimes stained and varnished1 and we are inclined to prefer the latter for appearance4 ,should the apiarian have a complete bee-hive house1 the cover1 and stands will not be needed4 ,illustration ,when removing or replacing the covers1 care should be taken to do so very gently1 or the bees will be enraged1 and rush out1 and may inflict stings upon those within their reach4 ,we have obviated the necessity for lifting off the cover for the purpose of looking in1 either at the window of the stock-hive or of the super1 by making a door1 both in the upper and lower parts of the outside case4 ,these doors1 or unglazed windows1 are hinged at the bottom1 so as to open downwards1 rendering inspection easy1 without disturbance to the bees4 ,a wooden range for supporting a number of hives makes a safe and economical stand2 it may be formed by driving firmly into the ground two rows of posts1 each row about twelve inches apart2 to these two rails1 about two inches square1 are nailed1 and upon these the hives firmly rest4 ,care should be taken not to have the hives nearer together than eighteen inches2 the intermediate space will be found very convenient on which to rest the cover1 or for supporting an empty hive during the proper performance of any operation4 ,mr4 ,woodbury has his hives arranged on rails1 somewhat after the plan before described4 ,in describing1 as above1 the various hives and frames1 some hints have been given as to the methods of handling them4 ,this1 however1 will not suffice for an induction to the mysteries of practical bee-keeping1 and we must refer the reader to a subsequent section1 wherein the details as to manipulation will be fully explained1 and the results of the experience of several distinguished apiarians will be embodied4 ,,taylor',s ,,improved ,,cottage ,,hive4 ,illustration ,this hive is similar in principle to the cottager's4 ,it is also similar in size1 with the exception of being quite straight at the sides4 ,a zinc rim affords protection from the weather4 ,under the upper straw hive a bell-glass is worked4 ,a mahogany adapting board1 with a four-inch hole in the centre1 corresponding with that of the hive1 supplies an even surface for the glass to rest on1 and facilitates its removal when full4 ,for particulars as to stocking and management1 see directions for cottager's and improved cottage hives1 pages #gb and #hc4 ,,eight-,,bar ,,straw ,,hive4 ,illustration ,this is an ingenious contrivance of ,mr4 ,taylor's4 ,hoops are worked in the straw1 both at the top and bottom of the stock-hive1 and in the upper hoop are openings cut to receive eight comb bars2 each bar is one inch and an eighth wide1 with a space of half an inch between4 ,since the introduction of square straw bar and frame hives1 these hives have not been much in request4 ,considerable inconvenience is found to arise1 because the bars1 being of unequal lengths1 cannot be interchanged one with the other4 ,the description given of ,taylor's ,amateur ,hive1 and mode of stocking and furnishing it with guide-comb1 apply to this hive4 ,the large straw hive raised up in the engraving is an outside case2 the roof is a large zinc cover4 ,if placed in a bee-house1 the outside case and zinc roof are not required4 ,,neighbour',s ,,unicomb ,,observatory ,,hive4 ,this hive is well adapted for those persons who are desirous of having the opportunity of closely examining the workmanship of the industrious and interesting inmates4 ,it is particularly intended for a window recess or an indoor apiary1 and will also be found an interesting addition to the green-house4 ,bees cease to appear disturbed when exposure to the light is continuous4 ,this discovery enables the bee-keeper to gain a full inspection4 ,the hive should be screened from the direct rays of the sun1 which would worry the inmates1 and be otherwise prejudicial4 ,an aperture should be cut in the sash corresponding with the entrance to the hive1 through which the bees may find egress and ingress1 without being able to gain access to the apartment1 as described for the ladies' observatory hive 7page #gh74 ,illustration ,the unicomb hive is constructed of so narrow a width between thin plates of glass that it admits of one comb only to be built1 and1 at the same time1 leaves space between the comb and the glass on either side for the bees to pass and repass4 ,it is thus made so that every bee may be exposed to view4 ,the queen forming the most prominent feature of attention1 she is readily distinguished by the greater length of her body1 as well as by the attention paid her by the other bees4 ,the mode of stocking this hive is as follows3--,procure a strong swarm1 if practicable1 and let it be first hived into a common straw hive in the usual way4 ,take care to make the necessary preparations previous to the operation of stocking3 for this purpose1 at evening time1 place the hive on its side1 oil the ground 7having already spread a sheet1 or large white cloth1 underneath72 unfasten the side of the hive which is hinged1 turn this sash quite back1 very gently lift the straw hive containing the swarm2 then1 with a sudden shake1 dash as large a portion of the bees into the unicomb hive as can be done in a few seconds4 ,have ready a feather or1 better still 7because firmer71 a goose-wing2 with this1 quickly brush the bees off the edges of the frames1 also from the rabbets against which the glass side closes1 in order to prevent killing any2 then gently spread them1 so that the glass1 when closed1 shall not shut against the congregated mass in the middle4 ,when thus ready for closing up1 which should be quickly done1 fasten the side1 and turn the hive right end upwards1 with the entrance towards those bees that are outside4 ,the bees will not1 probably1 have all been ejected from the straw hive at the first brush1 and will require a few sharp raps on the cloth to clear the hive4 ,the moving mass now congregating without1 upon discovering that so large a portion of their companions have found a home1 with 7as is generally the case7 the queen safely housed1 will hasten to join them4 ,it is a pretty sight to see the labourers crowding in like a little army1 with their heads pointing in the same direction1 making for the desired home1 which they will slowly but surely enter1 with fanning wings and a happy hum4 ,considerable help may be afforded by gently collecting the stragglers in a table-spoon1 and shaking them off close to the entrance4 ,in about an hour1 all the bees will have entered the hive1 which may now be bodily taken to the place previously made ready for it1 and which it is intended permanently to occupy1--a shelf1 the size of the bottom of the hive1 with a sloping piece of wood four inches wide1 forms a firm bracket and a substantial stand1--these and all other preparations1 such as cutting the opening1 fixing the alighting-board1 c41 having been previously accomplished when the hive was empty4 ,it will be as well to screen the hive from view for a few days1 until the bees become settled in their new domicile4 ,although this hive is constructed of double glass1 to keep up a more uniform degree of warmth1 still1 from the cold nature of glass1 and the close contact into which the bees are brought with it1 it is advisable to place flannel between the outer shutters and the glass of the hive1 on both sides4 ,such precaution is found essential if the bees remain in this hive during whiter1 and very much adds to their comfort on cold nights at most periods of the year4 ,in the day time1 in summer months1 the hive being of double glass1 the whole may be fully exposed to view4 ,if the temperature of the apartment in which the hive stands be kept at #fj degrees1 this extra attention will not be so needful4 ,as soon as the bees are settled1 comb-building will immediately commence1 and in about two weeks' time there will be comb spreading over the whole hive4 ,the queen may be viewed depositing her eggs1 and all the usual operations of the rearing of brood1 storing of honey1 and the building of combs1 will be open to full inspection1 with perfect ease to the spectator4 ,as an object of lively and permanent interest for the breakfast-parlour or conservatory1 the unicomb observatory hive may be regarded as infinitely superior to an aquarium or fernery4 ,at the ,exposition ,universelle of #ahee1 in ,paris1 we exhibited a hive of this description in full working2 order4 ,the bees left ,london on the #eth of ,july of that year1 and were placed in the ,exposition on the following morning4 ,an entrance was made for them through the side of the building1 as before explained4 ,our bees had no national antipathies1 and they immediately sallied forth to their fresh fields and pastures new in the ,champs ,elysees1 the gardens of the ,tuileries1 the ,luxembourg1 c41 whence they soon returned laden with luscious store from ,french flowers4 ,the ,jurors of the ,exposition awarded us a prize medal for bee-hives4 ,,woodbury ,,unicomb ,,hive4 ,illustration ,the ,woodbury ,unicomb ,hive has many advantages over similar hives as previously constructed4 ,the engraving shows the interior compartment divided into six2 these are sis ,woodbury frames4 ,the inner sash opens1 to admit of hanging up the frames on the notches prepared for them4 ,the width of the hive between the glasses of the sashes is just sufficient to admit of one thickness of comb1 with space on each side for the bees to pass and repass1 the same as in ,neighbour's unicomb4 ,there is1 however1 a great advantage in the use of this hive2 with it1 anyone possessing a ,woodbury box or straw bar and frame hive can readily commence an unicomb1 and as readily put the combs and bees back into the square hive again4 ,the outside shutters on each side are composed of ,venetian blinds1 admitting daylight1 but obscuring the rays of the sun4 ,we had the entrance made at one end1 as represented in our drawing2 this alteration was made after the pattern of the hive from which ,mr4 ,woodbury allowed us to copy4 ,his own was intended to stand wholly out of doors1 and had two central entrances1 one on each side at the bottom1 the hive itself turning on a pivot4 ,when the hive was being examined on one side1 the entrance was closed by a piece of wood inserted in it2 and when the other side was brought round to be inspected1 the piece of wood was withdrawn1 and placed in the opposite entrance4 ,this was a most ingenious contrivance2 but it did not answer our purpose for indoors4 ,when ,mr4 ,woodbury sent us his hive1 we were preparing for the ,international ,exhibition of #ahfb1 and1 in placing it against the sides of the building1 we followed our old plan for ingress by having the entrance at the end4 ,since that time1 we have made a considerable improvement by adapting ,mr4 ,woodbury's cleverly contrived turn-table to suit our own hive4 ,like ,mr4 ,woodbury's hive1 ours has two iron wheels1 the one fixed to the bottom of the hive1 the other fixed to a stout board running the full length of the hive2 on these two wheels the whole hive turns4 ,in the centre there is an opening into the hive1 with a passage-way running underneath1 so that the bees' entrance is in no way affected by the position of the hive1 which revolves1 to suit the convenience of visitors inspecting it4 ,should the queen1 with her attendants1 not be visible on one side1 the other side of the comb can be brought into full view1 and examined with the same facility as a picture1 or as articles are inspected in a shop window4 ,thus1 in the unicomb observatory hive1 the sovereign mother1 her train of servitors1 the drones1 with their aimless movements1 and the crowd of ever-busy workers--either building their combs or storing honey--may be always seen1 as presenting a veritable tableau vivant4 ,another improvement that we have made upon ,mr4 ,woodbury's pattern is1 that of accommodating the frames2 his was constructed before frame-hives were in use1 consequently it is only suitable for combs on bars4 ,our adaptation has necessitated an increase in size4 ,the outside dimensions are nearly three feet square1 and seven inches deep from back to front4 ,provision is made at top for feeding1 and for working two small flat-top glasses for deprivation1 which are protected by the weather-board4 ,an alighting-board is placed at the centre1 close under the entrance1 when the hive is located out-of-doors4 ,when the hive is placed indoors1 a passage-way1 about eighteen inches long1 covered with glass1 is fixed to the entrance1 the other end communicating with an opening in the wall or sash2 through this the bees find access1 an alighting-board being fixed outside the building4 ,it is requisite that the passage-way be about this length1 in order to allow the hive to turn round clear of the side of the building4 ,in the summer of #ahfc1 we had ample proof of the success of this hive during its exhibition at the annual show of the ,bath and ,west of ,england ,agricultural ,society at ,exeter4#aa ,we selected six combs1 and packed them in one of the square box ,woodbury bar and frame hives1 and1 on arrival at ,exeter1 ,mr4 ,woodbury assisted us in taking out the frames and placing them in the unicomb4 ,that being fixed against the boarded side of a shed1 we found the covered way a great convenience1 and it answered remarkably well2 the bees did not seem to be inconvenienced by having to travel through so long a passage4 ,a glass covering admitted a full view of the little labourers as they crowded in1 and the sight of them very much enhanced the interest of visitors examining the hive4 ,footnote #aa3 ,it may require explanation how it was that we took bees to ,exeter1 which sounds something like carrying coals to ,newcastle4 ,the reason was this--the garden of our friend1 ,mr4 ,woodbury1 at ,mount ,radford1 from which we could have been supplied1 was so near to the show yard1 that he was apprehensive a large number of the bees would return to their old hives4 ,our bees from a distance would1 according to their nature1 return to their own hive1 for bees1 although they may be moved miles away1 take care to mark their new position1 and are careful to return to it4 ,mr4 ,woodbury lent us a small stock of his ,ligurian bees1 and between it and our own hive the crowd of visitors divided their attention4 ,since the time before mentioned1 we have exhibited bees at the meetings of the ,bath and ,west of ,england ,agricultural ,society at ,bristol1 and of the ,royal ,agricultural ,society at ,newcastle1 in #ahfd4 ,on both occasions1 further proof was given that this hive admirably answers the purpose intended1 and it afforded pleasure and interest to many thousands of visitors4 ,the unicomb hive may be stocked in two ways1 which have been previously referred to4 ,the bee-keeper may either select the comb upon which the queen is found1 and put it into the hive1 and so form an artificial swarm1 or he may take six brood-combs from a hive1 and so stock the unicomb at once1 which we did for the show at ,exeter4 ,the former plan is1 perhaps1 the most advisable1 because new comb has to be built within the five frames2 for1 be it remembered1 in this case five empty frames must be put in4 ,it is #i1 better plan still1 if artificial combs are placed in each frame1 so as to afford an interesting opportunity of watching the formation of the cells therein4 ,the combs are sure to be dark in colour when taken from a stock-hive1 and new combs1 being whiter1 have a better appearance in the hive4 ,the comb upon which the queen was introduced may be taken away after the artificial swarm has made combs within some of the other five frames2 when the queen is on one of the new combs1 opportunity may easily be taken for opening the hive and removing the old dark comb4 ,the bees can easily be shaken or brushed off the comb1 and will return to the hive4 ,the comb1 with the unhatched brood1 may be deposited in any square hive that needs strengthening4 ,we mention this1 to show how to obtain a hive with entirely fine white comb4 ,if the possessor of a square ,woodbury frame-hive wishes to start a strong unicomb hive1 and does not object to appropriate the stock1 he must take out of the ,woodbury hive any six combs on the frames1 and put the unicomb in its place so as to receive all the returning bees that happen to be abroad2 the remaining four combs1 supposing there are ten1 can be inserted in any other frame-hives in the garden in which there may be vacancies4 ,we have had this hive in operation1 in the manner last described1 during the summer of #ahfc1 and found it to answer remarkably well4 ,on a lawn1 placed on a suitable ornamental stand1 it formed a pleasing object1 besides affording great interest and instruction4 ,in unicomb hives stocked with a natural swarm 7as is generally the plan71 there is considerable difficulty in keeping the bees alive through the winter4 ,in a hive where the combs are removable1 no loss of bees need be occasioned4 ,we do not recommend the hive we are now describing as a winter residence for bees4 ,for four months in the year1 when bees are most active1 and when their operations are most interesting1 this hive may be brought into use1 either of the two plans before described being adopted4 ,an artificial swarm should be put in during ,may or ,june1 and taken out1 in the method before mentioned1 and then placed in the square box during the month of ,september2 sometimes it may do for a stock to be put in a month or so earlier1 but it should never be retained later in this hive4 ,in ,october1 we often have cold nights2 the bees and brood being in such close contact with the glass1 and not able to cluster as is their natural wont1 suffer from exposure to the variations of temperature4 ,in some degree to moderate this1 we have used treble glass with a space between each square2 greater warmth is thus obtained1 and the view is not intercepted4 ,opportunity should be taken for cleaning the unicomb hive when empty1 so as to be ready for re-stocking as a new hive in the following summer4 ,the unicomb observatory hive is one which might have been suggested by the lines of ,evans3-- ,by this blest art our ravished eyes behold ,the singing masons build their roofs of gold1 ,and mingling multitudes perplex the view1 ,yet all in order apt their tasks pursue2 ,still happier they whose favoured ken hath seen ,pace slow and silent round1 the state's fair queen4 ,,the ,,stewarton1 ,,or ,,ayrshire ,,hive4 ,illustration ,the ,stewarton ,hive is so often spoken of1 and in such favourable terms1 by bee-keepers1 that we deem it necessary to give it a place here1 and to supply some explanation of its construction and management4 ,we consider this especially needful1 as some of the principles of its management are so imperfectly understood1 that frequent mistakes are made1 and also because1 for the convenience of bee-keepers1 we keep a supply of these hives on hand4 ,the name is derived from their having been first manufactured at ,stewarton1 in ,scotland2 and they are still made so well1 and at so moderate a price in that country1 that ,london workmen are unable to compete in their manufacture4 ,our supply is therefore from that source2 so that1 with a little addition for carriage1 the price approximates that of the makers themselves1 affording a convenience to many of our apiarian friends in being able to obtain these hives in ,london4 ,our engraving shows the four boxes set up4 ,these constitute the hive4 ,we will suppose that the young bee-keeper has just received the four octagonal boxes1 with the bundles of grooved slides 7of which there are nearly forty72 about one half of these slides are short pieces1 similarly cut to the longer ones4 ,these are to fill up the openings where the slides are not put in1 or are required to be withdrawn1 as hereafter explained4 ,he will find himself in possession of four boxes so neatly dove-tailed on the bevel1 that1 if he be of a mechanical turn1 he will not only be surprised at the way in which they are put together1 but also at the price for which they are offered4 ,three of the boxes1 ,a1 ,b1 ,c1 technically called body boxes1 are precisely similar1 each being fourteen inches in diameter and five and a half inches deep inside4 ,nine bars range along the top of each box4 ,these are not movable1 but are so constructed to induce the correct and regular building of the combs4 ,the fourth box1 ,d1 is the depriving box or super1 is only four inches deep1 and the same in diameter as the others4 ,this being the honey-box1 it is furnished with seven wide fixed bars1 instead of nine1 because1 as stated at page #ic1 bees construct deeper receptacles to contain the honey than for breeding in3 thus1 should the queen go up into this compartment1 she may find the cells are too much elongated to enable her to reach the base1 when her body is inserted for the purpose of depositing an egg4 ,we have too much confidence in her majesty's sagacity to expect her to make such an attempt in honey-cells thus elongated2 doubtless she will only look and pass on1 seeking more suitable depositories1 and confine her nursery to those lower regions where she is welcome4 ,the honey is thus kept pure1 and that which not unfrequently mars the qualify of a super--viz41 cells that either contain brood or have been bred in--is prevented4 ,each box is furnished with two small windows1 back and front1 closed by sliding shutters1 by which opportunity is afforded for inspecting the progress made1 and also of knowing when the time has arrived that the cells are filled and the box may be taken away4 ,each of the boxes1 ,a1 ,b1 ,c1 is furnished with an entrance-way1 four inches wide1 half an inch high1 a wooden slide either wholly or partially closing same1 as required4 ,when at work1 the bees only need one entrance open1 and that at the lowest box4 ,the long slides before mentioned are pushed in to their respective receptacles from the back of the hive1 to close the openings between the bars2 those of them that are shorter will be seen to belong to the sides of the octagon1 and the ends are cut angular to suit the form of the box4 ,a little examination will suffice to show the right allotment of the slides1 the appropriation of which may be said somewhat to resemble the putting together of a child's puzzle4 ,the box ,b must be left open at the interstices that correspond with the box ,a1 placed above1 the little openings being closed by the insertion of the ten sections of slides1 thus leaving free communication inside with the upper box ,a1 and admitting of no outlet for the bees1 except at the entrance4 ,when the four boxes are placed above each other1 the structure measures twenty-two inches high4 ,the ,scotch carpenters send no floor-board1 and no covering or roof for the top to shoot off the rain2 they evidently expect that the purchaser is provided with a shed or bee-house of some kind1 and also with a floor-board4 ,should the apiarian1 however1 not have these necessaries1 we can supply the deficiency4 ,the sides of the boxes are furnished with wooden buttons1 which1 when turned round1 keep each box exactly in its place above the other3 there are also projecting irons or screw heads for tying the two boxes ,a and ,b together1 preparatory to hiving the swarm2 or if the boxes stand out exposed1 all may be thus secured1 to prevent their being blown over by high winds4 ,directions for ,management4 ,take the two boxes ,a and ,b1 made one by the junction before mentioned1 and similarly inside by the free communication afforded4 ,shake the swarm in as described at page #bh1 just as with a common cottage hive4 ,if the weather be favourable1 these two boxes will be nearly filled in ten days4 ,to get the full advantage of the ,stewarton hive the first year1 put two swarms into two body boxes1 ,a and ,b2 if the two are too small1 then add the other box ,c4 ,allow the bees to remain there till they have nearly filled the body boxes with comb1 which 7with this increased number of workers1 and in favourable weather7 should be from five to ten days4 ,two swarms are seldom procurable the same day1 so as then to be joined together1 and even if they were1 there is a doubt whether greater progress may not be attained by hiving a swarm a week or so earlier than the other1 so as to build comb and raise brood ready for the reception of the new comers4 ,the second swarm is added best in the evening1 after the bees have ceased working4 ,for this purpose spread a sheet on the ground1 place two sticks so as to prevent the box being close to the ground1 then1 with a sudden knock1 eject the bees of the second swarm on to the cloth1 and place the two body boxes that contain the earlier swarm over the dislodged bees2 these will1 in the course of an hour or so1 ascend and become one family1 and one of the queens will be speedily destroyed4 ,in the meantime1 prepare the shallow honey-box ,d1 by fixing small pieces of worker guide-comb1 of pure white colour1 on the centre of each side bar4 ,if1 however1 a box of honey with neatly made1 straight1 and quite regular comb be desired1 a piece of this guide-comb must be fixed to the centre of each bar4 ,if guide-comb be unobtainable1 strips of the impressed wax sheets or artificial comb 7hereafter described7 will be found excellent substitutes4#ab ,footnote #ab3 ,the body boxes may be prepared in a similar manner4 ,when selecting guide-comb1 avoid combs with drone-cells2 to fix these is setting the bees a bad pattern4 ,honey stored in drone-combs has more wax1 and is coarser in appearance and taste4 ,having satisfied yourself1 by peeping in at the windows1 and from symptoms at the entrance1 that the original boxes are well filled1 place your prepared honey-box on the top1 draw a slide at each side of the middle box to afford communication1 and insert the little plugs4 ,it is not so well to withdraw the middle slides1 because the queen is more likely to ascend from the centre4 ,when you notice that the bees have fairly commenced work in the honey-box and are likely to keep to it1 the remaining box ,c may be added below the stock1 which will afford additional room and prevent swarming1 exchanging the entrance to the newly-furnished box and sliding in pieces wood to close the aperture of that above4 ,should the bees begin making comb in the bottom box1 draw two more slides for freer access into the super1 as there will then be little risk of the queen ascending1 having so much range for egg-laying in the three lower boxes4 ,in very fine weather1 a good swarm or stock will fill a honey-box in the space of two weeks2 but a much longer time is usually occupied4 ,the more quickly the box is filled1 the purer will be the colour of the comb and honey1 because bees very much discolour their work when they have it long on hand4 ,before taking off the honey-box1 observe particularly that the combs are well sealed at the windows1 because1 as mentioned at page #hc1 this portion of the work is always left till the last4 ,when you see that all is ready for the removal of a box1 select the middle of a fine day for the purpose 7not omitting to don the bee-armour74 ,draw out one or two of the slides1 and give the bees a few gentle puffs1 either of fungus or of tobacco smoke1 from the tube fumigator1 which will cause the majority of the bees to descend into the body of the hive2 then stop the communication1 by pushing in the slides4 ,next1 with a spatula1 make a slight opening for a piece of strong thin twine at the front of the box1 and immediately behind the thread two thin wedges2 with the two ends in hand1 work the twine gently forward1 bringing the wedges1 after1 until the opposite side is reached4 ,this will remove any obstruction caused by the bees having attached their combs to the top of the next box1 and thus leave the super entirely free for removal4 ,it will be as well1 for the reasons stated at page #eh1 not to remove the box immediately4 ,after waiting an hour1 the box may be taken off1 and conveyed to a quiet place4 ,should any bees remain1 they will be glad1 after their confinement1 to escape to the parent hive2 or if you have an empty hive to put over1 by gently drumming the sides1 the remaining bees will ascend and leave the box at your disposal4 ,the bees driven into the empty box may now be shaken out in front of the mouth of the hive4 ,another plan is to cut off the communication over night1 and raise the hive on wedges1 as recommended to be adopted with the super 7page #gc74 ,before winter sets in1 the box ,c may be removed and the comb it contains 7if well filled7 be used for consumption3 if the comb be empty1 let it remain carefully preserved from moth and insects2 it will be invaluable next season4 ,empty comb may be thus preserved by tying or pasting a piece of stout newspaper closely round the bottom1 and keeping the box in a dry place4 ,feeding1 when required1 may be liberally pursued1 by withdrawing two slides and supplying a bottle-feeder4 ,enough food should be given in the early autumn to last until spring4 ,the chief value of the ,stewarton hive consists in the boxes being shallow1 so that the combs are more likely to be well filled down to the base4 ,this is a great advantage with supers1 particularly when required to be sent to a distance1 as there is less likelihood of the combs breaking down4 ,a fine super of honey1 that would be valuable1 is materially depreciated when it reaches its destination in a damaged state1 with the honey running from the cells4 ,for the same reason1 when the weather is hot and the rays of the sun fall on the hive1 the combs might part from their foundations if there were no intermediate bars1 which is now the case in the stock-hive1 composed as it is of two boxes4 ,if these two boxes were in one1 the depth of each comb would be twelve inches2 and when filled with brood and honey1 would probably weigh #aj lbs4 ,this is a great weight to be supported in hot summer weather1 when the wax is softened by the heat4 ,another distinguishing feature that the ,stewarton hive possesses is the use of the box ,c1 which1 by giving increased room1 as the season advances1 prevents what is often an annoyance to the apiarian1 viz41 a late swarm--too late to be of any value1 and impoverishing the stock by a division of its numbers1 thereby perhaps impeding the completion of the super4 ,a further advantage of the box c1 is that it induces the bees 7who frequently hang in dusters about the entrance7 to carry on their labours instead of remaining in enforced idleness4 ,we often receive from ,scotland magnificent boxes of honey2 the fine quality is no doubt to be attributed to good pasturage1 and to the fact of keeping the stocks strong 7see page #ai71 by adopting the means before hinted at2 and thus having hives well stored and well populated early in the season1 so that they may betimes take full advantage of supplies of nectar in the flowers4 ,early honey is generally the best in colour4 ,the old proverb runs3--,it is the early bird that finds the worm4 ,the hive that is strong is certain to produce the most honey4 ,to make this plain1 we will suppose that a bee-keeper has a weakly hive2 it will take some weeks1 if not months1 to grow populous2 and as soon as the strength of the hive has recovered1 the honey season will have advanced1 if not ended1 whilst the strong stocks have been able to take full advantage of the supplies1 having an abundance of labourers to collect the honey and store it in supers for their master4 ,to induce the bees to build quickly1 cover up the super with as much warm woollen covering as you can1 as recommended for glasses1 page #fe4 ,in fine seasons1 and under good management1 extra supers and body boxes 7the latter to be used as nadirs7 maybe required to place above and below the supers and nadirs partly filled1 in order to reap the full benefit of the honey season2 for with strong colonies one box after another may be inserted1 till the whole towers from six to ten boxes high4 ,this plan is1 indeed1 collecting honey while the sun shines1 but requires a greater amount of apiarian skill and good pasturage to carry on in its entirety than is generally possessed4 ,in other words1 we in the south may find it difficult to rival our accomplished brother-apiarians north of the ,tweed1 for they do wonders with the ,stewarton hive4 ,,huber',s ,,hive4 ,to ,francis ,huber--not improperly styled the ,prince of ,apiarians--we are indebted for more extensive and accurate observations on the habits of the bee than have been contributed by all other observers since the time of ,aristotle4 ,during the early period of ,huber's investigations1 he prosecuted them by means of single-comb hives1 which allow of each side of the comb being examined4 ,he found1 however1 that there was one important defect4 ,the bees could not in these hives cluster together1 which is their natural method of withstanding the effects of a reduced temperature4 ,huber hit upon the ingenious expedient of combining a number of single-comb frames1 so as to form one complete hive1 which could be opened1 in order to expose any particular comb1 without disturbing the rest4 ,from the manner of the opening and closing of this hive1 it has generally been called the ,leaf or ,book ,hive4 ,the division separating each comb is joined both back and front with butt hinges1 fastened with a movable pin1 on withdrawing which1 at either side1 each comb and the bees on it may be inspected as easily as if in a single-comb hive4 ,huber's leaf hive is thus in appearance1 as if several ordinary ,history of ,england backgammon chess-boards were set up on end together4 ,the floor-board on which the hive stands is larger than the hive when closed1 so as to allow of its being opened freely at any particular volume4 ,an entrance-way for the bees is hollowed-out of the floor-board as in other hives4 ,there is a glass window in each end of the hive1 which is provided with a shutter4 ,there is1 however1 one serious objection to ,huber's hive1 which1 though not noticed by him or his careful assistant1 has prevented its general use--that is1 the difficulty there is in closing it without crushing some of the bees--a catastrophe which1 by exasperating their comrades1 is certain to interfere with any experiments4 ,there is no such risk in the bar and frame hive1 whilst in it every facility possessed by ,huber's is retained2 so that we strongly recommend scientific apiarians to use some kind of bar and frame hive in preference to ,huber's4 ,we have here introduced a description of ,huber's leaf hive 7and should be glad to exhibit one7 for the sake of its historic interest1 in connection with apiarian science4 ,the invention was invaluable for ,huber himself1 and it suggested to other apiarians the adoption of the present plan of vertical bars and frames4 ,the character of ,huber and the circumstances under which he pursued his observations are so remarkable1 that we need scarcely apologize for stating a few particulars respecting him here4 ,he was born at ,geneva1 in ,july1 #agej1 his family being in honourable station and noted for talent4 ,just as he attained to manhood he lost his sight1 and remained blind to the end of his days4 ,this apparently insuperable obstacle in the way of scientific observation was overcome by the remarkable fidelity with which ,burnens1 his assistant1 watched the bees and reported their movements to ,huber4 ,madame ,huber also1 who1 betrothed to him before his calamity1 had remained constant in her affection1 assisted in the investigations with great assiduity during their long and happy wedded life4 ,we quote the following from ,memoirs of ,huber1 by ,professor de ,candolle3-- ,we have seen the blind shine as poets1 and distinguish themselves as philosophers1 musicians1 and calculators2 but it was reserved for ,huber to give a lustre to his class in the sciences of observation1 and on objects so minute that the most clear-sighted observer can scarcely perceive them4 ,the reading of the works of ,reaumur and ,bonnet1 and the conversation of the latter1 directed his curiosity to the history of the bees4 ,his habitual residence in the country inspired him with the desire1 first of verifying some facts1 then of filling some blanks in their history2 but this kind of observation required not only the use of such an instrument as the optician must furnish1 but an intelligent assistant1 who alone could adjust it to its use4 ,he had then a servant named ,francis ,burnens1 remarkable for his sagacity and for the devotion he bore his master4 ,huber practised him in the art of observation1 directed him to his researches by questions adroitly combined1 and1 aided by the recollections of his youth and by the testimonies of his wife and friends1 he rectified the assertions of his assistant1 and became enabled to form in his own mind a true and perfect image of the manifest facts4 ',i am much more certain1' said he1 smiling1 to a scientific friend1 'of what ,i state than you are1 for you publish what your own eyes only have seen1 while ,i take the mean among many witnesses4' ,this is1 doubtless1 very plausible reasoning1 but very few persons will by it be rendered distrustful of their own eyesight4 ,the results of ,huber's observations were published in #agib1 in the form of letters to ,ch4 ,bonnet1 under the title of ,nouvelles ,observations sur les ,abeilles4 ,this work made a strong impression upon many naturalists1 not only because of the novelty of the facts stated and the excellent inductive reasoning employed1 but also on account of the rigorous accuracy of the observations recorded1 when it was considered with what an extraordinary difficulty the author had to struggle4 ,huber retained the clear faculties of his observant mind until his death1 which took place on the #bbnd of ,december1 #ahca4 ,most of the facts relating to the impregnation of the queen1 the formation of cells1 and the whole economy of the bee-community1 as discovered and described by ,huber1 have received full confirmation from the investigations of succeeding naturalists4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,iv4--,,exterior ,,arrangements ,,and ,,apparatus4 ,,bee-,,house ,,to ,,contain ,,two ,,hives4 ,there is no contrivance for protecting' hives from the weather so complete as a bee-house3 one which also admits of an easy inspection of the hives ranged therein is especially convenient for lady bee-keepers4 ,illustration3 ,front ,view of ,bee ,house4 ,the folding2 doors behind the bee-house have only to be opened1 and the hives are at once exposed to full view2 then1 by raising the upper hive or cover1 the glasses may be deliberately inspected without molestation from the bees1 and the progress made by the busy multitude in building and filling their combs may be watched by the bee-keeper1 from day to day1 with great and increasing interest4 ,under the roof on each side are openings to act as ventilators1 to allow the heated air to escape4 ,with the sun shining on the house and no escape of this kind1 the heat would be retained inside1 and the temperature become that of an oven4 ,illustration ,here our engraving shows the back view of the bee-house1 the interior being furnished with two of our improved cottage hives4 ,two suspended weights will be noticed2 these are to balance the top hives which cover the glasses2 the cord for each runs on pulleys1 so that the covers can be easily raised and as easily shut down again when the inspection is finished4 ,we may here remark1 that it is not well to keep the glasses long exposed to full light and view4 ,the front of the bee-house being closely boarded1 a passage-way is contrived for the bees1 by which they have egress and ingress1 without being able to gain access to the house4 ,the hives must be kept close to the front boarding of the house1 to prevent the opening of any crevices which the bees might mistake for the entrance to their hives1 and so find their way into the house4 ,the front view of this bee-house shows the ordinary contrivance for entrance2 the sliding zinc entrances may also be advantageously fixed1 as shown in the engraving of a bee-house to contain twelve hives4 ,in many parts of the country1 hives and honey are sometimes stolen from the garden2 the bee-houses we furnish have a lock and key to prevent depredations of this kind4 ,care must be taken to keep the bee-houses free from spiders and other insects4 ,in some districts1 ants are numerous and troublesome4 ,the plan we recommend for excluding them is to put some pitch round the four supports of the bee-house1 or1 better still1 strips of loose flannel1 or other woollen material that is absorbent1 which have previously been soaked in lamp oil4 ,we use sperm oil1 as being the slowest-drying oil we know of4 ,a piece of string will keep the flannel close to the wood and then neither ant nor other insect will pass up2 so that ,dy this simple means the hives may1 so to speak1 be insulated1 and placed beyond their reach4 ,as the oil dries up1 it can easily be renewed4 ,we have found this an effectual remedy against these insidious enemies of bees4 ,,bee-,,house ,,to ,,contain ,,twelve ,,hives ,illustration ,illustration3 ,back view of ,bee-house1 showing the ,interior4 ,where economy of room is a consideration1 we fit up bee-houses with a double row of hives1 one above the other4 ,our engravings show the back and front of a house of this kind1 having an ornamental zinc gutter to prevent the wet from dripping on to the alighting-board4 ,when a number of hives are thus together1 we colour the alighting-boards differently1 so that the bees may have a distinctive mark by which each may know its own home1 and not wander into its neighbour's house4 ,bees readily enough receive a honey-laden labourer into a hive2 but if the wanderer be poor and empty1 he will be promptly repulsed1 and may have to forfeit his life for his mistake4 ,queens returning from their wedding trip are liable to mistake their hive if all the entrances are so much alike that a noticeable difference is not easily apparent4 ,a queen entering a hive already supplied with a fruitful sovereign would be certain to be killed4 ,the loss to the hive to which the queen belonged is a serious one4 ,hives are often made queenless from this cause1 and thereby reduced to utter ruin1 the bee-master perhaps attributing his failure to something altogether different4 ,,bee-,,house ,,to ,,contain ,,nine ,,hives4 ,illustration ,this engraving represents a bee-house adapted for having a number of hives in a limited space1--three rows of hives1 one above the other4 ,we do not recommend a bee-house of this construction2 it is difficult to erect one to afford space for super hives1 without its being so inconveniently high as to be liable to be blown over by strong winds4 ,hives thus located in a bee-house are not exposed to so much change of temperature1 and the stocks generally pass the winter well4 ,here we may introduce the meditations of a ,german apiarian1 who describes the advantages of a bee-house for the bees1 and his own pleasure in watching over his pets in the winter1 as they dwell so comfortably and safely4 ,it is true that ,herr ,braun associates still choicer delights with the simple pleasures of bee-keeping1 but as ,mr4 ,woodbury has not excluded the higher theme from his translation1 we need not hesitate to quote the whole3-- ,,evening ,,thoughts ,,in ,,january4 7,translated from the ,german by ,adalbert ,braun47 ,,by ,a ,,devonshire ,,bee-,,keeper4 ,within my little garden ,stands also a bee-house1 ,and bees therein protected ,from sly tomtit or mouse4 ,how quietly they're sitting6 ,and little trouble give1 ,beyond the needful watching ,that undisturbed they live-- ,that all1 indeed1 are living ,in strong1 unbroken health1 ,and1 in the brood-nest hanging1 ,consume their hoarded wealth-- ,that in the dwindling store-room ,sufficient stores remain1 ,until the rape-plant donneth ,its blossom-dress again6 ,thus daily do ,i visit ,my garden and my bees1 ,neglecting thereby often ,my dinner and my ease4 ,thank ,god6 they all were humming ,within their hives to-day2 ,nor could ,i find a symptom ,of hunger or decay4 ,and yet what ardent longing ,i feel1 ,o ,spring1 for thee6 ,my darlings' gleesome frolics ,are happiness to me6 ,how would this anxious longing ,consume my very breast1 ,but for a little being ,so full of love and jest4 ,in heat or cold that prattles ,around me ev'ry day1 ,and still1 the throes of longing ,by commune blithe and gay4 ,ye bee-keepers can value ,a joy that is complete2 ,it is my wife--the darling ,whose lips are honey-sweet4 ,with e'en the richest bee-stand ,were joy and pleasure gone1 ,if my heart's queen were wanting ,and ,i left here alone4 ,thus1 her ,i love and honour1 ,no difference have we1 ,but ofttimes go together ,our little pets to see4 ,her kisses sweet removing ,all sorrow from my breast1 ,and honied joys surrounding ,proclaim us highly blest4 ,mount ,radford1 ,exeter4 ,t4 ,w4 ,woodbury4 ,,ornamental ,,zinc ,,cover4 ,illustration ,the annexed engraving of the ,ornamental ,zinc ,cover renders but little description necessary4 ,the illustration shows one of our improved cottage hives on a stand4 ,three clumps of wood must be driven into the ground1 and the three iron rods supporting the covering made fast to them with screws2 there are screw holes in the feet of the iron rods for the purpose4 ,when thus secured1 but little fear need be entertained of its being blown over by high winds4 ,in the roof two pulleys are fixed1 so that1 by attaching a cord1 the upper hive covering the bell-glass supers may be raised with facility for the purpose of observing the progress made by the bees4 ,the ornamental zinc cover will form a pleasing object in the flower-garden1 when placed in a suitable position on the grass plot4 ,it is painted green2 the iron rods are of such a length as to support the roof at a convenient height from the ground4 ,,zinc ,,cover4 ,illustration ,this is a simple and inexpensive covering for any cottage straw hive when exposed in the garden4 ,it fits close on to the upper hive1 coming sufficiently low to protect it from sun and rain1 without obscuring the whole hive4 ,these covers are painted green--a colour that is generally preferred4 ,,taylor',s ,,zinc ,,cover4 ,illustration ,this zinc cover1 introduced by ,h4 ,taylor1 ,esq41 for his cottage hive1 will also be found useful as a protection from wet1 for many other descriptions of round straw hives4 ,,bell ,,glasses4 ,illustration ,to contain #aj lbs41 #aj inches high1 #g inches wide4 ,to contain #f lbs41 #g inches high1 #e inches wide4 ,to contain #c lbs41 #e inches high1 #d inches wide4 ,these bell glasses are used in the hives before described4 ,the largest is for ,nutt's hive2 the middle-sized is for our improved cottage hive2 the smallest glass is so very small that it is not often used1 and we do not recommend it4 ,bees will generally fill a middle-sized glass quite as soon as one so small as this4 ,,taylor',s ,,bell ,,glasses4 ,illustration ,these glasses have been introduced by ,mr4 ,taylor1 and are recommended as preferable to deep narrow glasses4 ,the drawings will show that they are straight at the sides1 flat at the top inside1 with a knob outside to take hold by1 through which is a half-inch opening to admit a ventilating tube4 ,the larger is six inches deep1 twelve inches wide2 smaller1 five inches deep1 nine and a half inches wide4 ,illustration ,the late ,mr4 ,j4 ,h4 ,payne1 of ,bury1 author of the ,bee-keeper's ,guide introduced another glass4 ,it has a three-inch hole in the centre1 the purpose of which is to tempt bees to produce additional and larger stores of honey4 ,it is to be used as follows3--,when a bell glass is half or quite filled1 raise it1 and place ,payne's glass over the hole of the stock-hive1 with the filled glass on it1 over the three-inch hole4 ,the bees will bring their combs through1 and thus ,mr4 ,payne found that they would store more honey than if the bell glass were removed and another empty one put in its place4 ,of course1 the first glass must be smaller in diameter than ,payne's glass1 so as to rest upon it4 ,,flat-,,topped ,,glass4 ,this is a glass super1 to be placed on the hive in a similar way to the bell glasses already alluded to4 ,it has the advantages of being straight at the sides1 flat at top1 and without a knob2 so that when filled it may be brought on to the breakfast table1 inverted1 on a plate4 ,the glass lid shown in the engraving forms a cover1 and fits over outside1 so as not to interfere with the combs within4 ,these flat-top glasses1 like those with a knob1 have a hole through which a zinc ventilating tube is inserted4 ,dimensions1 six and three-quarter inches wide1 five inches high4 ,illustration ,,guide-,,comb ,,for ,,glasses4 ,in some of our previous allusions to the best mode of inducing bees to commence working in glasses1 we have recommended attaching guide-comb4 ,we will now more particularly explain how this attraction can be best applied4 ,we have already shown how bees may be induced to make use of guide-combs fixed to bars1 and the same principle is applicable to glasses4 ,these may be filled1 with great regularity1 by adopting the following directions1 which1 we believe1 have never before appeared in print3-- ,procure a piece of clean new empty worker honey-comb1 which has not had honey in it 7because honey will prevent adhesion to the glass72 cut it into pieces of about three-quarters of an inch square4 ,gently warm the exterior of the glass 7this we find is best done by holding the glass horizontally for a short time over the flame of a candle72 then apply one of the pieces of empty comb inside at the part warmed1 taking care1 in fixing it1 that the pitch or inclination of the cells is upwards--in fact1 place the guide-comb in the same relative position that it occupied in the hive or glass from which it was taken4 ,there is some danger of making the glass too warm1 which will cause the comb to melt and the wax to run down the side1 leaving an unsightly appearance on the glass2 this should be carefully avoided1 and a little experience will soon enable the operator to determine the degree of warmth sufficient to make the comb adhere without any of it being melted4 ,it is hardly necessary to state that only the very whitest combs ought to be used4 ,a short time should be allowed before changing the position of the glass1 so that it may cool sufficiently to hold the comb in its place4 ,six or eight pieces may thus be fixed1 so that1 when the glass is filled1 it will present a star shape1 all the combs radiating from the centre4 ,the annexed engraving shows the appearance of a glass as worked by the bees1 in which guide-combs were fixed in the manner described above4 ,the drawing was taken from a glass of our own filled after being thus furnished4 ,illustration ,in the ,old ,museum at the ,royal ,gardens1 ,kew1 may be seen a ,taylor's glass1 presented by us1 some of the combs in which are elongated on the outside to the breadth of six inches4 ,we believe1 that not only does a glass present a much handsomer appearance when thus worked--and will1 on that account1 most fully reward the trouble of fixing guide-comb--but that more honey is stored in the same space1 and in less time than if the glass be placed on the hive merely in a naked condition for the bees to follow their own devices4 ,this mode of fixing guide-comb does not solely apply to the above-shaped glass1 but is equally useful for all kinds of glasses4 ,it is introduced in connection with this glass because1 from its having a flat top and no knob1 the regularity is more clearly apparent4 ,the working of bees in the bell glasses illustrates how tractable their disposition really is1 if only scope be allowed for the due exercise of their natural instinct4 ,they have no secrets in their economy1 and they do not shrink from our constant observation as they daily pursue their simple policy of continuous thrift and persevering accumulation4 ,yet it is only owing to the labours of successive inventors that we are now enabled to watch the very pulse of the machine of the bee-commonwealth3-- ,long from the eye of man and face of day4 ,involved in darkness all their customs lay1 ,until a sage well versed in ,nature's lore1 ,a genius formed all science to explore2 ,hives well contrived1 in crystal frames disposed4 ,and there the busy citizens disclosed4 ,murphy's ,vaniere4 ,illustration3 ,exterior of an ,apiary4 ,as originally erected in the ,zoological ,gardens1 ,regent's ,park4 ,illustration3 ,interior of an ,apiary4 ,may be taken as suggestive for the construction or appropriation of rooms for the larger ,apiaries in summer-houses or other out-buildings4 ,,the ,,new ,,bottle-,,feeder4 ,illustration ,it has long been acknowledged that the best mode of feeding bees is through an opening at the top of the stock-hive4 ,the new bottle-feeder is a simple and good means of administering food when a stock requires help in that way1 as bees can take the food from it without leaving the hive4 ,any kind of hive that has an opening at the top may thus be fed4 ,another important feature is the cleanliness with which liberal feeding can be accomplished2 and few operations require more care than does feeding4 ,if liquid sweet is left hanging about the hive1 it tempts robber-bees2 and when once the bees of an apiary have had a taste1 there is no knowing where their depredations will stop3 they resolutely attack and endeavour to rob other hives1 fighting and killing one another to a considerable extent4 ,even if no hives be completely destroyed1 weakness from loss of numbers will be the portion of most1 if not of all1 the hives in the garden4 ,the morals of our favourites are here a good deal at fault1 for the stronger hives1 when their inordinate passion is thus stirred up by the carelessness or want of knowledge of the bee-keeper1 attack and prey upon the weaker ones4 ,to be forewarned is to be forearmed--and prevention is better than cure4 ,we strongly recommend closely covering up the feeder2 one of the middle-size bell glasses put over it makes a close-fitting cover1 should the regular cover to the hive not be sufficiently tight4 ,when bees are not kept in a bee-house1 and are1 on that account1 more accessible1 this extra care is particularly needed4 ,the right time for feeding is in the autumn or spring4 ,as stated at page #gf1 it is requisite to ascertain the condition of the hive at ,michaelmas1 and1 if wanting1 the deficiency can then be made up4#ac ,it is not wise to defer feeding until later in the season1 because it is important that1 when the food is placed b the cells1 the bees should seal it up2 and a tolerably warm temperature is required to enable them to secrete the wax for the delicately-formed lids of the cells4 ,if the food remained unsealed1 there is danger of its turning sour1 and thereby causing disease among the bees4 ,it is not well to feed in mid-winter or when the weather is very cold3 bees at such times consume but little food1 being in a state of torpor1 from which it is better not to arouse them4 ,footnote #ac3 ,a much greater quantity of food will have to be administered than the actual weight required to be furnished1 because there is a very considerable decrease after it is taken by the bees4 ,a little food in the spring stimulates the queen to lay more abundantly1 for bees are provident and do not rear the young so rapidly when the supplies are short4 ,in this particular1 the intelligence of bees is very striking2 they have needed no ,malthus to teach them that the means of subsistence must regulate the increase of a prosperous population3-- ,the prescient female rears the tender brood ,in strict proportion to the hoarded food4 ,evans4 ,judgment has1 however1 to be exercised by the apiarian in giving food1 for it is quite possible to do mischief by over-feeding4 ,the bees1 when over-fed1 will fill so many of the combs with honey1 that the queen1 in the early spring1 cannot find empty cells in which to deposit her eggs1 and1 by this means1 the progress of the hive is much retarded1--a result that should be guarded against4 ,the following directions will show how the bottle-feeder is to be used3--,fill the bottle with liquid food2 apply the net1 affixed by an india-rubber band1 over the mouth2 place the block over the hole of the stock-hive1 invert the bottle1 the neck resting within the hole in the block2 the bees will put their tongues through the perforations and imbibe the food1 thus causing the bottle to act on the principle of a fountain4 ,the bottle being glass1 it is easy to see when the food is consumed4 ,the piece of perforated zinc is for the purpose of preventing the bees from clinging to the net1 or escaping from the hive when the bottle is taken away for the purpose of refilling4 ,a very good syrup for bees may be made by boiling #f lbs4 of honey with #b lbs4 of water1 for a few minutes2 or loaf sugar1 in the proportion of #c lbs4 to #b lbs4 of water1 answers very well when honey is not to be obtained4 ,,round ,,bee-,,feeder4 ,illustration ,round bee-feeders are made of zinc and earthenware1 eight inches across1 three inches deep4 ,the projection outside is a receptacle for pouring in the food2 the bees gain access to the feeder through a round hole1 which is placed either at the centre or nearer one side1 whichever may best suit the openings on the top of the stock-hive4 ,the feeder occupies a similar position to that of the glasses or cap hives in the gathering season4 ,a circular piece of glass1 cut so as to fit into a groove1 prevents the bees escaping1 and retains the warmth within the hive1 whilst it affords opportunity for inspecting the bees when feeding4 ,the feeders were originally only made of zinc2 but some bee-keepers advised the use of earthenware1 and a few have been made to meet the wishes of those who give the preference to that material4 ,when the bees are fed from above in this manner1 the feeder is kept at a warm temperature by the heat of the hive4 ,in common hives1 cottagers feed the bees by pushing under the hive thin slips of wood scooped out1 into which the food is poured4 ,this plan of feeding can only be had recourse to at night1 'and the pieces of wood must be removed in the morning4 ,by feeding at the top of the stock-hive any interruption of the bees is avoided4 ,for further instructions on this head1 see the directions given for using the bottle-feeder4 ,,zinc ,,fountain ,,bee-,,feeder4 ,illustration ,we have invented the fountain bee-feeder1 in order that a larger supply of liquid food might be given to a hive than is practicable with the round feeder4 ,the liquid honey is poured in at1 the opening1 which unscrews2 whilst being filled1 the inside slide1 closing the opening through which the food passes into the feeding-pan1 should be shut down4 ,when the reservoir is filled1 the screw is made fast1 and1 the slide being withdrawn1 a wooden float1 pierced with small holes1 through which the bees take the food1 forms a false bottom1 and rises and falls with the liquid4 ,this feeder1 being on the siphon principle1 like a poultry or bird water-fountain1 is supplied from the reservoir until that is empty4 ,a piece of glass is fixed in the side of the reservoir1 in order that the bee-keeper may see when it is emptied4 ,a flat piece of glass on the top prevents the bees from escaping1 and through it they may be inspected whilst feeding4 ,the bees find access to the feeder on to the perforated float through the central round hole1 which is placed over a corresponding hole in the stock-hive4 ,,honey ,,cutters4 ,illustration ,honey cutters are used for removing comb from boxes and glasses without damaging it4 ,the flat-bladed knife is for disconnecting the combs from the sides2 the hook-shaped one is for the same purpose1 to be applied to the top or horizontal part of the box or glass4 ,,box ,,fumigator4 ,illustration ,this fumigator is a tin box1 somewhat like a pepper-box upon a foot4 ,it is a simple adaptation of the fumigating apparatus described by ,mr4 ,nutt1 and is used in the following manner3--,have a straw hive or other vessel ready that will match in circumference the hive intended to be fumigated4 ,if the empty hive have a conical top1 it will not remain crown downwards without a rest2 in this case1 it will be convenient to invert it on a pail4 ,having ascertained that the hive to be operated upon and the empty one in its reversed position nearly match in size1 take half a packet of the prepared fungus1 fire it well1 and place it in the box or fumigator2 place this in the centre of the empty hive1 then bring the occupied hive directly over1 so as to receive the fumes of smoke4 ,to keep all close1 put a wet cloth round the place where the two hives meet4 ,in a minute or two1 the bees may be heard dropping heavily into the lower empty hive1 where they lie stupefied4 ,after a little while1 the old hive may be tapped upon to make the bees fall more quickly4 ,on removing2 the upper hive1 the bees from it will be found lying quiet at the bottom of the lower one4 ,place a sheet on the ground1 and spread the bees on it2 then1 with a feather1 sort them over1 in order to pick out the queen-bee4 ,as soon as the queen is found1 pour the rest of the lethargic swarm from off the sheet back into the inverted hive again4 ,the stupefied bees must now be sprinkled freely with a syrup made of honey and water1 or sugar and ale boiled together4 ,some' apiarians recommend a few drops 'of peppermint to be mixed with the syrup1 in order to drown the peculiar odour which is special to each hive of bees1--this is more necessary when two-hives of bees are fumigated1 and whilst under the influence of smoke are well mixed together4 ,the hive containing the bees with which it is intended to unite the stupefied bees must now be placed on the top of that 'containing the latter1 just as the hive was from which they have come4 ,a wet cloth must be fastened round the two hives1 so as to prevent any of the bees from escaping4 ,the hives in this position must be placed where they are not likely to be knocked down or meddled with4 ,the fresh bees in the upper hive1 attracted by the scent of the bees besmeared with honey1 go down and commence licking off the sweets from the sleepy ones4 ,the latter gradually revive1 when all get mingled together and ascend in company to the upper hive1 where they live as if they had not been separate families4 ,the two hives should be left undisturbed for twenty-four hours1 then the upper hive may be removed and placed immediately on the spot from whence it was brought4 ,the reason the queen is recommended to be taken is to prevent any fighting4 ,she should be kept alive and fed as long as she will live1 in case any harm should befall the sovereign of the other community4 ,,tube ,,fumigator4 ,illustration ,the tube fumigator#ad is useful for several purposes4 ,when a frame-hive has to be disturbed it is requisite to raise the lid and blow a little smoke into the hive1 so as to check the angry passions of the bees4 ,if it be desirable to stupefy the bees1 ignited fungus must be placed in the box and the flattened end applied to the entrance of the hive2 the smoke is then blown in1 either with bellows or by applying the mouth of the operator1 taking care to close all openings through which it can escape4 ,the bees fall down stupefied1 generally in about ten minutes2 but the effect varies according to the populousness of the hive and the quantity of comb in it4 ,the projected operations must now be performed speedily1 as activity will soon be regained4 ,see preceding directions4 ,footnote #ad3 ,this fumigator will be found to possess many advantages over the box fumigator before mentioned4 ,,the ,,bee ,,dress ,,or ,,protector4 ,illustration ,all operations connected with the removal or the hiving of bees should be conducted with calmness and circumspection4 ,bees1 although the busiest of creatures1 entertain a great dislike to fussiness in their masters1 and become irritable at once if the apiarian allows them to see that he is in a hurry4 ,hence1 there is great advantage in having the face and hands covered whilst at work amongst the bees2 for when the operator knows he cannot possibly be stung1 he can open his hives1 take out the combs1 gather in his swarms1 or take the honey1 with all the deliberation of a philosopher4 ,various kinds of bee-dresses have been contrived2 one that we keep ready in stock is of a very simple construction4 ,it is made of strong black net1 in shape like an inverted bag1 large enough to allow of a gentleman's wide-awake or a lady's hat being worn underneath4 ,the projection of the hat or cap causes the dress to stand off from the face1 and the meshes1 of the net1 though much too small for a bee to penetrate1 are wide enough to allow of clear vision for the operator4 ,an elastic band secures the dress round the waist2 the sleeves also1 made of durable black calico1 are secured at the wrists by a similar method4 ,the hands of the bee-master may be effectually protected with a pair of india-rubber gloves1 which should be put on before the dress is fastened round the wrists4 ,this kind of glove is regularly used by photographers1 and allows of greater ease in manipulation than any other description4 ,thus a very simple and inexpensive means of protection will enable even a novice in bee-keeping to make his observations and conduct his experiments under a sense of perfect security4 ,still1 he need not be careless as to the feelings of his bees2 his success and their comfort will be promoted by his handling them gently1 and as if he loved them4 ,familiarity between bees and their master breeds not contempt1 but affection4 ,any sudden or clumsy movement1 which jars the combs or frames1 will excite the bees1 and if but one should be crushed1 the odour of their slaughtered comrade rouses the inhabitants of the hive to a pitch of exasperation4 ,their powers of smelling are very acute4 ,the human breath is abomination to them2 therefore1 when operating upon bees1 be careful to close the mouth and breathe only through the nostrils4 ,the best time for most operations is in the middle of a fine day4 ,,engraved ,,pressing ,,roller ,,for ,,the ,,guidance ,,of ,,bees ,,in ,,the ,,construction ,,of ,,honey-,,comb ,,on ,,the ,,bars4 ,illustration ,this is an engraved metal roller1 which1 when applied to the coated underside of a comb-bar1 leaves an impression as shown in the diagram4 ,the wax having been spread on the flat bar1 the roller1 heated by being put into hot water1 is heavily pressed over it4 ,the roller has two wooden handles1 so that considerable pressure may be given to it4 ,the roller is a little less than two inches in diameter1 seven-eighths of an inch wide1 and the length from handle to handle is six inches4 ,the diagram shows the full size of the impressions as left on the wax1 after passing the roller along the comb-bar1 in the manner above described4 ,it is a contrivance invented in ,switzerland1 and exhibited in the ,international ,exhibition of #ahfb1 when the pattern roller was purchased by ourselves4 ,the bars of a hive prepared with these markings in wax afford ready-made foundations for regular combs1 which very much facilitate the operations of the bees4 ,,impressed ,,wax ,,sheets ,,for ,,artificial ,,combs4 ,these artificial partition walls for combs are sheets of genuine wax1 about the substance of thin cardboard4 ,they receive rhomboidal impressions by being pressed between two metal plates1 carefully and mathematically prepared and cast so that the impressions are exactly the same size as the base of the cells of a honey-comb4 ,an inspection of a piece of comb will show that the division of the opposite cells is made by a thin partition wall1 common to both4 ,now the substance of this is said to be only the one hundred and eightieth part of an inch1 whilst the artificial ones we are recommending are between the thirtieth and fortieth part of an inch1 more than four times the thickness of the handiwork of the bees themselves4 ,it would1 indeed1 be vain to attempt to furnish sheets of wax at all approaching their own delicate fabric2 the impressed sheets are quite as thin as they can be to bear the handling which is requisite for fixing them in the hives4 ,we find1 however1 that the thickness is no disadvantage2 the bees speedily excavate and pare the artificial sheet so as to suit their own notions of the substance required2 then1 with admirable economy1 they use the surplus thus obtained for the construction of the cells4 ,after a sheet has been partly worked at by the bees1 it is interesting to hold it up to the light and observe the beautiful transparency of that part of it1 contrasted with the opaqueness of the part not yet laboured upon4 ,when it is considered1 as writers tell us1 that more than #ad lbs4 of honey are required for the secretion and elaboration of a single pound of comb1 it will not be difficult to form a just estimate of the value of this invention1 which thus furnishes cheap and excellent assistance to our industrious favourites4 ,it also shows the bee-keeper that all clean empty combs should be carefully preserved and considered as valuable stock4 ,another great advantage that it affords us is1 that it renders us independent of guide-comb1 which is not always obtainable4 ,when a sheet or a strip of this impressed wax is properly fixed to the comb-bar1 it is certain to be the guide and foundation of a straight comb4 ,this invention has been derived from ,germany1 where it has been adopted many years with success4 ,at the ,international ,exhibition of #ahfb1 we purchased the metal plates or castings1 so as to manufacture the impressed sheets with which we are now able to supply our customers2 and1 after the careful trials we have made1 we have great confidence in recommending them4 ,in the season of #ahfc we furnished a ,woodbury glass super1 with the wax sheets fixed to the bars1 in the manner hereafter to be explained1 and it was truly astonishing to see the rapidity with which these sheets of wax were worked into comb4 ,receptacles were quickly made ready for the storing of honey1 and the new combs soon became beautifully white2 for1 although the artificial wax has a yellow tinge1 yet1 after being worked at and made thinner1 it is as good in colour as ordinary combs4 ,for supers we cut the wax plates in half1 making one serve for two bars4 ,we have received from ,germany the following directions for the fastening of the artificial plates to the comb-bars4 ,hereafter will be described a plan which we have adopted1 and to which preference is given4 7,translation47--,the unstamped edge of the plate receives incisions half an inch distant from one another1 made with a sharp knife1 the plate having been a little warmed2 then it is pinched between two equally strong ledges1 which have been well moistened4 ,the projecting edge of the plate which received the incisions is alternately bent to the right and to the left4 ,the comb-bar is well besmeared with artificial sticking wax 7a mixture of two parts of wax and one part of ,american resin71 and is well warmed at a fire4 ,afterwards the besmeared side is laid upon the bent end of the plate1 and pressed to it as firmly as possible4 ,a small wooden ledge1 besmeared with sticking wax1 and fastened by means of pressure to the lower edge of the plate1 prevents it from bending1 which sometimes happens when the bees work it4 ,to carry out the directions here given1 it is necessary to warm the besmeared comb-bar at a fire2 the wax plate has also to be warmed4 ,having tried this plan1 and found inconvenience attending it1 especially from the wax curling with the heat and the difficulty of making it stick firm1 to say nothing of the uncomfortableness of performing the operation before a fire on a hot day in ,july1 we began to consider if a little carpentering might not do the work better and more pleasantly1 and adopted the following plan3--,we split or cut the comb-bars of the ,woodbury super in half1 lengthways1 and1 taking the unstamped edge between the two strips1 joined them together again by small screws at the side1 confining the wax plate tightly in the centre1 with no possibility of its falling down4 ,where frames are used1 of course the bar could not be cut in two 7except with the compound bar and frame1 where the bar being loose1 it might be as easily managed74 ,the plan we adopt with an ordinary frame is to saw out an opening1 about an inch or an inch and a half from either end1 where the sides are morticed in2 this opening we make with a keyhole-saw4 ,through it the wax plate is easily put1 and1 with a heated iron passed over the upper side of the bar1 is made sufficiently firm4 ,if the wax plates are too large1 a portion may be cut off2 an opening of full eleven inches long can be made without materially weakening the bar and frame4 ,another1 and perhaps the simplest1 plan is1 to fix a strip of wood with brads to the underside of the top frame or bar3 place the wax sheet against this1 then wedge another strip close to it1 and thus hold the wax sheet firmly in the centre of the frame1 taking care also to make the second strip of wood fast with brads4 ,the wax plates must not extend to the bottom of the frame2 a space of at least one inch should be left for expansion1 because the bees1 in working the plate1 stretch it down lower4 ,we also use a few pins firmly pressed into the frames1 and long enough to reach the edge of the plate2 for by fixing three or four pins on either side1 both at the sides and at the bottom1 the plate may be held in an exactly central position within the frame4 ,as before mentioned1 when these directions are carried out1 there is no fear of being troubled with crooked combs or bars4 ,the secretion of wax1 and the method of its adaptation by the bees1 is thus admirably described by ,evans3-- ,thus filtered through your flutterer's folded mail ,clings the cooled wax1 and hardens to a scale4 ,swift at the well-known call1 the ready train 7,for not a buzz boon ,nature breathes in vain7 ,spring to each falling flake1 and bear along ,their glossy burdens to the builder throng4 ,these1 with sharp sickle1 or with sharper tooth1 ,pare each excrescence and each angle smooth1 ,till now1 in finish'd pride1 two radiant rows ,of snow-white cells one mutual base disclose2 ,six shining panels gird each polish'd round1 ,the door's fine rim1 with waxen fillet bound1 ,while walls so thin1 with sister walls combined1 ,weak in themselves1 a sure dependance find4 99 99 99 99 99 ,others in firm phalanx ply their twinkling feet1 ,stretch out the ductile mass1 and form the street4 ,with many a cross-way1 path1 and postern gate1 ,that shorten to their range the spreading state4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,manipulation ,,and ,,uses ,,of ,,bar ,,and ,,frame ,,hives4 ,having1 at page #hd1 given a description of the mechanical arrangements of bar and frame hives1 the next thing is1 to describe the mode of introducing the bees1 and of thus bringing the humane and scientific hives into operation4 ,the swarm should be first hived into a common straw hive from the bough or shrub upon which they may have alighted2 place this hive1 into which we will suppose the bees have been shaken1 on the ground1 propped up on one side with a brick or a flower-pot1 or anything of the sort that may be handy1 in order that straggler-bees may join the swarm4 ,the spot selected for this should be as shady an one as can be found1 near to the place where the swarm settled2 or it may be shaded from the rays of the sun by fixing matting on two poles1 so as to prevent the heat falling on the hive2 spread a sheet or cloth on the ground where an even surface can be obtained2 stake this sheet down at the four corners1 to prevent ruts and inequalities1 which are great hindrances to the bees going into the bar and frame hive2 place the latter upon the sheet1 without its floor-board1 having its front raised on blocks or sticks rather more than an inch1--not more1 otherwise the bees will cluster1 and attach themselves to the lower part of the frames1 instead of going up between4 ,these preparations will1 perhaps1 occupy ten minutes1 by which time the swarm will have become settled and tolerably quiet4 ,then1 with a sharp rap1 precipitate the bees out of the straw hive on to the sheet immediately in front of the frame hive2 give the straw hive another knock1 so as to dislodge all the bees1 and then take it quite away1 otherwise they may1 if it be left near1 perversely choose to go into that1 instead of the one desired4 ,in some cases1 as when the swarm has to be brought from a distance and procured from a cottager about whose skill in carrying out these directions there may be misgivings1 it is best to give instructions that the swarm be brought home after sunset1 and then the foregoing directions for inducing the bees to tenant the frame hive may be better carried out4 ,for ourselves1 we much prefer the evening for the purpose4 ,a little water sprinkled over them from a watering-pot is likely to induce the bees to quit the ground and go up into the hive more quickly4 ,mr4 ,langstroth1 in his admirable book1 ,the ,hive and ,honey ,bee1 writes3--,if they are too dilatory in entering the new hive1 they may be gently separated with a spoon or leafy twig where they gather in bunches on the sheet1 or they may be carefully 'spooned up' and shaken out close to the front of the hive4 ,as these go in with fanning wings1 they will raise a peculiar note1 which communicates to their companions that they have found a home1 and in a short time the whole swarm will enter1 without injury to a single bee4 ,in the ,journal of ,horticulture1 ,mr4 ,woodbury says3--,if combs be fixed in the frames1 the crown-board may be removed and the cluster knocked out of the straw hive on to the top of the exposed frames4 ,the bees will disappear between them with the utmost alacrity1 delighted to have met with a ready-furnished dwelling1 and the top1 or crown-board1 having been replaced1 the hive should at once be removed to the position it is intended to permanently occupy4 ,no one should attempt these operations without being protected by a bee dress and a pair of india-rubber gloves1 which are sting-proof4 ,some persons also take the precaution of tying strings round the ancles of the trousers1 lest some straggler should determine to attack the outposts of the enemy1 which1 to say the least1 might perplex the operator in the midst of his task4 ,elastic india-rubber bands are good for this purpose1 or a pair of knickerbockers would be useful4 ,if ,wellington boots are worn1 the trousers may be tucked within the leather1 in which case no bee can molest the operator1 and no string or band will be needed4 ,practice makes perfect in bee-tending1 as in other matters1 and when a light hand is gained1 there is little danger of the apiarian being stung4 ,if the weather be wet the next day or so after hiving1 it will be well to give a little assistance to the new colony in the shape of food1 for although1 when a swarm leaves a hive1 almost every bee composing it fills itself with honey1 we have known not a few instances1 in case of very wet weather1 in which the whole swarm has been starved for the want of this little timely help4 ,of course1 the first work of the bees is to build themselves combs1 and these combs being produced by the secretion of wax from honey1 a great drain upon their resources immediately begins1 and any little outlay at this juncture is abundantly compensated by its enabling these industrious emigrants the more quickly to push forward the furnishing of their new home4 ,clean combs from hives that may have lost their bees are readily accepted1 and cause a great saving in time and2 material to the bees2 these combs may easily be fixed by cutting them the proper size to fit within the frames1 and making them firm by tying with tape or fixing them with pliable wire4 ,in any case where the combs are too small to fit within the frame1 a temporary bar may be fixed1 and held firm by being sprung within the two upright sides of a frame1 and thus pushed up until it presses the comb2 then a piece of tape wound round1 or a clip made of tin or zinc shaped to the top bar1 prevents its falling out4 ,all these supports may be removed#ae as soon as the bees have made the foundation secure2 the comb will then be added to4 ,in this way1 every loose piece of comb may be economised4#af ,footnote #ae3 ,they should be first dismembered from the comb by running a penknife between4 ,footnote #af3 ,artificial comb may be advantageously used1 especially if a little time 7say a couple of days7 be allowed to elapse before it is put into the hive2 because1 at first1 so eager is a swarm to push forward the work of comb-building1 that the sheets are liable to become mutilated4 ,for guide-comb1 cut the sheets in strips of rather more than an inch in depth1 and fix them as mentioned at page #aed4 ,these preparations must be made prior to 'the bees being hived1 so that when a hive is so prepared1 a swarm may begin to adapt whatever advantages they find ready for them2 and it is truly marvellous what a swarm will do when thus furnished with combs in their new habitation4 ,in these the queen can immediately begin to deposit her eggs1 and the workers to store their honey1 without having to wait for the construction of combs1 which is a laborious occupation for the bees4 ,in some cases1 fine white combs of honey may be taken from the stock-hive2 the end frames are always the most free from brood4 ,care must be exercised not to rob this part of the hive too much2 one comb may1 perhaps1 be removed in the course of the season without impoverishing the bees1 but it is not wise to take more4 ,,putting ,,on ,,super ,,hive4 ,a colony established a year or more is called a stock1 by way of distinction from a swarm of the present year4 ,supposing the hive to be a stock1 the super should be given them at the early part of the season1 say1 if fine and warm1 at the latter end of ,april or beginning of ,may2 if the weather be then unfavourable1 it is better to delay doing so until a more genial temperature4 ,if the colony be a swarm of the present year1 two weeks should be allowed to elapse from the time of tenanting a hive1 before putting on the super2 this delay is necessary to give the bees the opportunity of building combs in their new domicile1 and of getting a store of honey for themselves before working for their master4 ,when it is wished to use a super1 the crown-board or roof of the stock-hive must be taken away1 the thin adapting or honey-board taking its place4 ,the two long slits at the sides are to give admission to the super4 ,the bees will begin sooner1 and work faster1 if the eight bars are each furnished with artificial comb 7as described at page #aeb74 ,we have had depriving-hives very quickly filled when the bees were thus assisted4 ,combs that have been left unfilled may be fixed to the bars as before described2 these must be white and clean1 as dark comb should not be used for super hives4 ,the combs1 when filled1 may be taken out singly1 if desired for consumption1 substituting an empty bar or comb2 or1 should the bee-keeper desire to see a handsome super1 he must wait until the bees have filled and sealed up all the combs1 and then he may proceed to disconnect the super by drawing a string or wire between the adapting-board and the stock-hive4 ,after waiting a short time for the commotion to subside1 the operator must raise the super on its board and blow in a little smoke4 ,the bees may be induced to quit by adopting either of the means described at pages #eh and #gc4 ,when the super has been removed1 another may be put on2 but if the honey-gathering be over1 the crown-board should be replaced4 ,,taking ,,out ,,frames ,,with ,,combs4 ,it is well for a beginner to practise the directions for opening and shutting up hives1 by using an empty hive until he becomes familiar with the handling of the frames4 ,the first thing to do is1 to loosen the crown-board1 or lid1 with a knife1 drawing a piece of string underneath it1 to divide the wax or cement with which the bees make all secure4 ,this string should be drawn through very slowly1 so as not to irritate the bees4 ,in hot weather1 the crown-board may be loosened by a lateral movement2 but sometimes1 for want of care1 this loosening of the lid disturbs the bees1 and1 as soon as it is removed1 a number of them1 enraged thereby1 rush out and attack the operator4 ,this and all other operations ought to be performed very carefully and gently4 ,especial care should be taken not to prise the lid upwards1 by way of wrenching it off1 for the frames and combs are generally secured thereto1 and there is a liability of rending the combs with it2 this will greatly irritate the bees1 and be otherwise injurious4 ,when a hive of bees is enraged1 there is little chance of pacifying them2 it is best1 under such circumstances1 to give in1 at once1 and not attempt to perform any operation1 but to shut the hive up and beat a retreat1 benefiting by the experience1 in order to do better a day or so afterwards4 ,there are various devices for intimidating or conciliating the bees1 and one of these already spoken of is--smoke4 ,so next time the experimenter makes his attempt let him raise the lid an inch or so1 and blow a few puffs of smoke into the hive1 which will cause the bees to retreat ,this is best done by using our tube fumigator1 with a little of the prepared fungus lighted4 ,pipes or cigars are not convenient to use for this purpose when the head is enveloped in the dress4 ,as soon as the lid is removed1 a few bees will fly out to learn the cause of such an interference4 ,conciliation should then be offered by having at hand a little1 sweetened water1 which may be sprinkled1 or rather let drop1 from a feather or a brush4 ,the sudden motion of the hand required in the act of sprinkling irritates the bees1 so that1 instead of making them our friends1 they may become our foes4 ,mr4 ,langstroth recommends that a fine watering-pot1 filled with sweetened water1 be used for the purpose4 ,care must be taken not to drench the bees2 only just sufficient should be given to run down the sides of the combs1 as well as sprinkling the top4 ,as soon as the bees really understand that syrup is being given them1 they feast upon it1 instead of angrily attacking the operator4 ,thus pacified1 and with gentle treatment1 but little difficulty will be found in proceeding with the work required4 ,but the unskilled operator should on no account neglect to put on a bee-dress and gloves1 as described above4 ,we would err on the side of caution1 although there is an old saying that a cat in gloves catches no mice2 and the apiarian will find that his fingers are not so free to work as he would like1 for gloves1 make them rather clumsy in drawing up the frames4 ,the frames must now be gently prised from front to rear2 this may be done with a small screw-driver or other stout instrument with a wedged end to go into the notches4 ,the frames fit loosely so as to allow of a little movement from back to front2 a lateral or side-way movement might kill the queen1 or1 if not so fatal as that1 might crush some of the bees and injure the brood combs1 which must be carefully avoided4 ,of course1 much depends upon the nature of the operation that has to be performed1 whether or no all the frames should be thus loosened4 ,if it be for making artificial swarms1 or for any purpose requiring an interview with her majesty1 the whole of them must be loosened1 because it often happens that all the combs have to be examined1 sometimes twice over1 before she can be discovered4 ,bees are very apt to build their combs in a slightly waving form1 and in extracting one it will be needful to make room both for the comb and bees upon it to pass without scraping the next comb1 and there will be a difficulty if the apiarian attempts to draw out one comb whilst the other frames are located in their appropriate notches4 ,let the operator gently proceed to lift1 say1 the third frame 7allowing it to lodge on the little block that divides the notches7 slightly nearer to the fourth frame1 and the second nearer the third1 so as to admit of sufficient space to lift out the end one4 ,very carefully and slowly he should lift the frame by taking hold1 with thumb and finger1 of the projecting shoulders that rest in the notch2 and he must not let it touch or scrape the next frame or the sides of the hive1 so as to crush or irritate any bees4 ,after the end comb is thus removed1 it will be easy to extract the others1 as there will now be plenty of room for drawing them out4 ,a hive of exactly the same size should be at hand2 and in case it be desired to remove the combs and bees into another hive1 care should be taken that each comb occupies the same relative position that it did in the old hive4 ,in handling the frames1 it should be borne in mind that they are to be held perpendicularly4 ,to gain a view of both sides of the comb when searching for the queen1 or for any purpose requiring full inspection1 with a little dexterity in twirling the frame round1 the reverse side may be brought to face the operator1 without letting the comb break away by its own weight1 and so fall out of the frame1 which it will do if allowed to deviate from its upright or downright position4 ,if the operator could see an experienced person perform the operation1 he would quickly understand how combs may thus be handled without any risk of a smash4 ,when placing frames in the hive1 care must be taken not to crush a bee between the projecting shoulders of the frame and the rabbets or notches on which they rest1 and on no account must the frame be let down with a jerk1 or the bees will become exceedingly fierce3 the frame should be so slowly deposited in its place that a bee on feeling the slightest pressure may have the opportunity of escaping unhurt thereby4 ,the crown-board should be replaced by first resting its front edge in its place1 and then slowly lowering the after part1 looking carefully under1 and momentarily raising it when necessary to avoid crushing a bee4 ,should the hive have its super on1 the same directions may be followed4 ,the super with its honey-board may be bodily taken away1 and so placed and confined for a time that robber-bees cannot find an entrance1 and also be far enough from the apiarian to be out of danger of being broken or overturned by him4 ,,advantages ,,of ,,bar ,,and ,,frame ,,hives4 ,it will be asked1 ,why all this trouble about bar and frames with straight combs built upon them8 ,we have shown the full command which the bee-keeper has over a hive so constituted1 and we now proceed to show how1 in skilful hands1 these advantages may be used successfully2 though2 in the hands of the unpractised and unskilful1 the contrary may be the result4 ,all the bars and frames in an apiary ought to be of precisely the same dimensions1 so as to fit every hive4 ,this is essential for the strengthening of weak hives4 ,a hive that is weakly may often be advantageously strengthened by having put into it a comb of brood from a populous stock1 to which an empty frame from the weak one may be given2 no bees must be on the brood-comb--these should be shaken off or gently dislodged with a feather into the hive from which the comb is taken4 ,the frames of combs should then be1 one by one1 placed so as to fill' in the vacancy1 leaving the empty frame nearest the side4 ,when a hive has been in use many years1 the combs become very black1 and every bee that is bred in a cell leaves a film behind4 ,it may be understood how in this way the cells become contracted1 and the bees that are bred in them correspondingly reduced in size4 ,after the lapse of at least1 say1 five years1 it may be necessary to begin removing the old combs4 ,this may be done by cutting away the comb1 or by substituting2 an empty frame for one with old black comb1 gradually moving the frames towards each other4 ,by taking two away in this manner in the spring or summer of every season1 the combs in course of five years may all be reconstructed1 and fresh clean ones be secured for breeding in1 instead of the old black ones that otherwise would remain as long as the stock could live in the hive4 ,,artificial ,,swarming4 ,every bee-keeper knows the anxiety he feels in watching and expecting a swarm to come forth1 fearful lest his favourites should1 like riches1 take wing and fly away1--a mischance that it is desirable to prevent4 ,in our description of natural swarming1 this will be found fully treated of2 we propose here merely to point out how1 with the movable frames1 this work of ,nature may be assisted--we say assisted1 because artificial swarming should1 as nearly as possible1 resemble natural swarming2 that is1 it should be performed at the same time of the year1 and when the populous state of the hive makes a division desirable4 ,this is easily known to be the case when bees hang out in clusters at the entrance1 wasting their time in enforced idleness instead of being abroad gathering honey4 ,it is also necessary that the hive contain drones4 ,when such1 is1 the state of the hive1 the facility of affording an artificial swarm with a movable frame-hive is a decided advantage4 ,the best time for performing the operation is about ten o'clock in the morning of a fine summer's day4 ,the following directions should be carried out3--,place ready a counter or bench that is firm and strong1 and which has space on it for the inhabited--or1 rather1 the over-inhabited--frame-hive and the empty one1 which is about to be made the receptacle of a separate stock4 ,the operator1 attired in his bee-dress1 and having the other appliances ready1 may now open the hive#ag as before described1 and proceed to take out the frames1 carefully examining both sides of each comb to find the queen2#ah she is generally in the centre of the hive1 so that it is not always needful to take out all the ten frames4 ,as they are examined1 the frames may be put into the empty hive1 and when the object of the bee-master's search is found1 he must carefully remove the frame containing her majesty1 and may place it temporarily in the empty hive1 at one end by itself4 ,next he must proceed to put the frames back into the old hive1 closing up the vacancy caused by the removal of the comb with the queen on it1 and leave the empty frame at the end4 ,then he may place the frame containing the queen1 with the few bees that maybe upon it1 in the centre of the empty hive2 and1 finally1 putting all the other frames in1 and replacing the lid1 the bee-master will place this hive in the exact position occupied by the old stock4 ,the bees that are on the wing will go to the old spot1 and1 finding the queen there1 they will rally round her1 and very soon form a sufficient number to constitute a swarm2 comb-building will at once begin1 the frames will1 in a week or so1 be filled1 and a satisfactory stock will thus be established4 ,by doing this1 at the right time1 just before the bees are about to swarm1 or when there are many drones1 all the trouble of watching and waiting for them is saved4 ,mr4 ,woodbury claims the honour of having originated this mode of swarming4 ,footnote #ag3 ,bees are apt to take the interference more kindly if the stock be moved a little distance from its accustomed stand2 in such case1 place an empty hive in its place1 to amuse returning bees4 ,these can be shaken out when the hive it is desired they should inhabit is restored4 ,if the hive be kept in a closed bee-house1 the entrance should be shut down until the hive is replaced1 when the clustered bees may be at once admitted4 ,footnote #ah3 ,italian queens are more easily detected1 being of a brighter colour and1 generally1 larger than ,english queens4 ,this operation we performed1 exactly as described above1 with one of our improved cottage-hives1 one afternoon at the latter end of ,may1 #ahfb4 ,whilst inspecting our bees1 we caught sight of the queen on the comb in one of the bell-glasses4 ,this was a chance not to be missed1 and we immediately resolved to form an artificial swarm1 for the hive was very full of bees4 ,besides1 being obliged to be away from the apiary most of the week1 we were glad of the opportunity of so easily establishing a colony without the uncertainty and trouble of hiving a natural swarm4 ,in the first place1 we slid a tin under the bell-glass1 and removing the stock-hive from underneath1 we took it a few feet away2 then we placed an empty improved cottage-hive where the old stock had stood1 and put the glass of comb containing the queen and a few bees over one of the holes in the crown of this new empty hive4 ,the bees that were left abroad belonging to the old stock returned as usual to their old entrance as they supposed2 soon a sufficient number formed a large cluster in the hive and began comb-building1 the queen remaining in the glass until the cells below were sufficiently numerous for her to deposit her eggs in them4 ,the division answered exceedingly well2 both hives prospered3 the old hive either had some princesses coming forward to supply the loss of the queen1 or the bees used a power that they possess of raising a queen from worker-brood in the manner we have previously described4#ai ,footnote #ai3 ,see ,section ,i1 page #i4 ,the foregoing account illustrates the successful formation of an artificial swarm2 but1 with a cottage-hive1 gaining possession of the queen is quite a matter of chance4 ,with a movable frame-hive she can at any suitable time be found4 ,precisely the same plan is to be adopted with the old stock in the frame-hive as we have described in the case of the cottage-hive1 that is1 to remove it some few paces off3 when the hives are in a bee-house1 a similar result may be obtained1 by placing the new swarm for a day or two to the entrance used by the bees when with the old stock1 and the old stock may be removed to an approximate entrance4 ,some apiarians recommend that a space be left between the two hives1 by placing the hives on the right and left of the old entrance1 in order that too large a proportion of bees should not enter the new hive at the old position1 to the impoverishment of the other4 ,but we have found the mode adopted with the cottage-hive answer so well1 that we see no reason for recommending any different plan4 ,it is the office of the bee-master to assist1 not in the least degree to oppose1 nature4 ,we know that when a natural swarm issues forth1 it has its impregnated queen1 and1 when located in a new abode1 it commences building worker-combs1 leaving the building of the few drone-combs to a later period2 but if a division of the hive should be made1 by putting half the combs in one hive and half in another1 the hive that is either queenless or contains an embryo queen will busy itself with building only drone-comb2 thus a number of receptacles for useless bees is provided1 which tends to weakness1 and eventually to loss of the hive4 ,in the plan we have recommended for forming two separate families1 we nearly follow the natural state of things2 the comb that the queen is upon is the only one that is taken from the hive1 and this vacancy should be filled in by moving the frames together1 so as to leave the empty frame at the end4 ,the bees1 under the government of the impregnated queen1 construct the combs and furnish their new above1 as before stated1 with worker-cells4 ,by adopting the plan above described1 the movable bar and frame-hive will prove far superior to any of the dividing hives1 which provide for equal division of the combs4#bj ,footnote #bj3 ,at page #adc of ,mr4 ,langstroth's ,honey ,bee1 other methods of artificial swarming are described1 the perusal of which will well repay the scientific bee-keeper4 ,perhaps the greatest advantage the movable frame-hive possesses is1 that a full knowledge can be attained of its exact state as regards the queen1 the population1 and the quantity of food in stock4 ,during weather of a genial temperature1 the combs may on any fine day be inspected1 and thus1 a knowledge being gained of the deficiency existing in a hive1 the necessary means may be adopted for supplying the want4 ,sometimes such an examination will verify the fears of the bee-keeper1 when1 having observed that his bees have ceased to carry in pollen1 he has thereby received warning that the queen has been lost at some juncture when no successor to the throne could be provided4 ,such a hive has entered on a downward course1 and will dwindle away entirely1 unless a queen should be given to it1 or else some combs containing young brood not more than three days old4 ,by the latter method1 the bee-keeper will gain an opportunity of seeing the bees set about their wonderful process of raising a queen from the brood thus provided for them4 ,when a bee-keeper has become skilful in his calling1 he maybe desirous to encourage the breeding of queens1 or rather of preventing their destruction4 ,he will seek to use the propagating instincts of the worker-bees as a set-off against that innate hatred of rivalry which prompts the reigning queen to kill the tender royal brood4 ,illustration ,an ingenious little contrivance has been brought into use by continental bee-keepers1 especially by ,herr ,kleine1 a ,german pastor1 to prevent the destruction alluded to4 ,it consists of a small wire cage 7in fact1 a pipe cover71 as represented in the above engraving1 placed over a queen-cell to protect it from the mother-bee's animosity1 and it also serves to prevent the young queen1 when hatched1 from escaping2 for she will have the same jealous feeling toward her sister-princesses1 should there be more in the hive4 ,the bee-master may thus carefully remove and appropriate her4 ,particular attention will have to be exercised to affix the cage into the comb by pressure1 as far as the middle wall1 but at no point must it touch the royal cell itself4 ,as the cage will probably project so as to touch the adjoining comb1 a little incision and removal of a portion may be necessary1 to allow space for it4 ,it can1 however1 be squeezed into any shape to suit the position required4 ,this covering need not be put over the cell until the egg is a little more than a week old4 ,the animosity of the reigning queen does not generally manifest itself until the royal brood approaches maturity4 ,it is said that these cells are unmolested on the tenth day1 but that on the eleventh day they may be found tenantless4 ,notwithstanding the apiarian's care and skill1 many disappointments are frequently experienced in endeavouring to establishing fertile young queens at the head of colonies4 ,hives found to be queenless may be supplied either with matured queens or with queen-cells4 ,if the latter are sufficiently numerous1 their introduction may easily be effected by exchanging a comb in each hive2 if they have to be cut out and place loosely in the new hive1 a triangular piece of comb should then be removed with them1 to be used as a block in preventing any pressure coming on them4 ,a space must be cut out of the middle in the centre combs of the hive into which they are to be introduced4 ,special care must be taken not to bruise the royal embryos1 as they are particularly sensitive to pressure4 ,it is sometimes best to introduce royal brood into queenless hives in preference to matured unimpregnated queens1 because1 as mentioned at page #h1 bees are reluctant to receive virgin queens1 whilst they will tolerate one hatched in the hive1 who will speedily depart to seek a drone4 ,bee-masters mostly use small hives for queen-rearing1 consisting of1 say1 four combs4 ,by extracting from a populous hive four such frames of combs 7with the bees on them71 and having eggs in the first stage 7see page #i71 or better still a royal embryo1 the bees will rear a queen or queens therefrom4 ,care will have to be exercised to ensure that there is a sufficient number of bees to mature the brood brought from the hive4#ba ,footnote #ba3 ,these weak little colonies should have small entrances1 so as to be better able to defend themselves from the attacks of robber-bees1 and they will require to be assisted and strengthened by feeding4 ,a colony of this character is technically called a nucleus4 ,such operations as queen-rearing should only be attempted in warm summer weather1 and when drones are abundant4 ,a very great advantage that the ,woodbury bar and frame hive affords1 is the safety and convenience with which a stock of bees can in it be transported to any part of the kingdom3 by a few additional arrangements1 stocks have even been sent in it to distant countries4 ,in many districts hives are removed to moors1 and heaths in autumn1 for the purpose of gathering heather honey4 ,in this operation1 the frames are a great support to the combs1 very much lessening the risk of a break down and consequent loss4 ,from a hive that has been inhabited all the winter1 we have not unfrequently lifted out the frames and removed the stock to a clean hive2 and we believe that the change has always been useful ,the bees find a clean floor-board and a clean hive to breed in1 free from insects that may have harboured in crevices about their former abode4 ,when the change has been made1 the old hive can be thoroughly cleaned and used in the same way for making the exchange with another stock4 ,the process for handling will1 of course1 be the same as before described4 ,we have found that1 where this plan has been carried out1 the bees seem to progress faster4 ,perhaps a little stirring up may be useful in arousing them from their winter doze4 ,the time we recommend for doing this is in the beginning of ,april1 but a fine warm day should be chosen4 ,,driving4 ,driving is an operation by which bees are induced to vacate an old settled hive and to enter an empty one4 ,many apiarians prefer this mode of effecting an exchange of hives to the plan of fumigating the bees4 ,the greatest success attending such a transfer will be in the case of hives well filled with combs that are worked nearly to the floor-board2 and it may be remarked1 that bees are generally so far provident1 that they leave an open space in which to pass underneath their combs over all the floor of the hive4 ,when the old hive is inverted1 the bees crawl up the combs1 and thus more easily pass up into the new hive1 which the operator places over the old one1 with the intent that they should enter it4 ,the best time for performing this operation is about the middle of the day1 and when the weather is warm4 ,it is essential that the operator be protected with a bee-dress and gloves1 as before described2 and previous to commencing his task1 he must provide all necessary implements4 ,these are3--a couple of hives1 one of which should correspond in shape and size with the hive from which the bees are to be driven2 a cloth to tie round at the junction when the new hive is placed on the old one2 some string to keep the cloth in its place2 an empty pail to receive the top of the old hive1 if one of the old conical shape1 but if the stock of bees is in a square box-hive with a flat top1 a firm stool will be the best2 and a tube fumigator with some fungus1 which will complete the material of war4 ,the bucket or stool must be placed securely on the ground1 about a yard from the place where the full hive stands2 then a few puffs of smoke1 blown in amongst the bees1 will cause them to retreat up amongst the combs4 ,the bee-master must now turn the hive#bb upside down very gently2 letting it rest in the pail or on the stool2 he then quickly places the empty hive over the full one1 and ties the cloth round it1 to prevent any escape of the bees4 ,if the cloth be damped1 it will cling the closer to the hives4 ,the third hive is intended to be placed on the stand formerly occupied by the stock1 so as to retain the few returning bees which had been absent in the fields4 ,care must be taken that all crevices through which it is possible for the bees to escape from the united hives should be effectually closed4 ,when the two are fairly united1 the operator will proceed by rapping the full hive gently with the hands or a couple of sticks1 more particularly on that side where the combs are the most thickly placed--that is1 if the hive be not equally filled4 ,a stock is in the best condition for driving twenty-one days1 or thereabouts1 after a first swarm has issued2 the brood will then have hatched out1 the bees will quit more readily1 and there will be no loss of larv in the cells4 ,footnote #bb3 ,care should be exercised in turning the hives over to keep the combs vertical1 or they are likely to break from their foundations4 ,it generally happens that1 in about fifteen minutes1 the bees regularly commence the ascent2 their exodus will be known by the distinct rushing sound which is always noticed when a colony of bees is on the move4 ,the first thing bees do when disturbed is to fill their honey-bags1 as they invariably do at swarming time2 consequently1 after the first rush into the new hive is over1 as in the case of a swarm1 the flitting bees are not much disposed to take wing4 ,when the noise made by the ascending bees has been heard1 and has in a great degree subsided1 the cloth may be removed1 and the old hive1 now deserted1 may be taken indoors2 and if a few bees yet remain1 they may be brushed off with a feather4 ,an experienced apiarian1 on first hearing the rushing noise before mentioned1 will not hesitate to tilt the top hive over a little on one side1 so that he may watch the bees during the ascent2 the queen may be seen passing up1 and if the operator desires to take her away1 he can secure her by placing a wine-glass over her4 ,this expedient is often resorted to in the autumn1 when stocks are to be united1 for in such a case the removal of the queen prevents some fighting4 ,if the taking of the honey be the object of the bee-master1 then driving is manifestly a better plan than resorting to the fumes of sulphur for the purpose2 for the bees from whom the store is taken can be joined to stocks that are weak in numbers1 with considerable advantage to the future prosperity of the apiary4 ,when the removed bees are to be joined to another stock1 the operator will proceed as follows3--,at dusk1 dislodge the bees on to a cloth1 sprinkle them with sweet syrup1 and place the hive to which it is intended to join them over the mass2 they will gradually ascend into the hive placed for them1 and early next morning the hive1 with its slender stock thus augmented1 may be removed to its stand4 ,should the operator not have been successful1 or not sufficiently skilful to gain possession of the queen1 he may leave it to the bees themselves to decide which queen they will have4 ,by this plan of driving1 artificial swarms may be secured by an expert even in common hives1 though those do not afford the facilities for such a purpose as do the bar or bar-and-frame hives4 ,,changing ,,old ,,stocks ,,to ,,new ,,hives4 ,we frequently find that the possessor of a stock of bees in a cottager's common straw hive is desirous of removing the whole stock of bees and comb into one of our improved hives1 in which the honey may be obtained without the destruction of the bees4 ,we mostly discourage such a transfer1 attended as it is with much labour1 and requiring a considerable amount of apiarian skill4 ,an old-fashioned hive may very readily be rendered a humane one1 simply by cutting out with a sharp-pointed knife the middle of the top of the hive2 a piece may thus easily be taken out1 so as to leave a round hole two or three inches in diameter1 but care must be taken that the knife does not penetrate much below the straw1 lest it reach the comb or the bees--and it will be safer for the operator to have a bee-dress on4 ,there should be ready a round adapting-board1 with a corresponding hole1 which may be secured on the top by putting four long nails through the same number of holes in the board2 then a cap-hive or a glass may be placed on the top1 for the purpose of admitting the bees1 who will soon crowd therein to work4 ,this hive or glass will form a super or depriving-hive1 and can be worked as profitably as most of the improved hives4 ,for the sake of an improved appearance1 an outside case1 either of zinc1 straw1 or wood1 may be dropped over all1 and then1 if well painted1 the whole will form no disfigurement to any flower-garden4 ,this is1 beyond doubt1 the easiest way of overcoming the difficulty1 but as it may not satisfy all1 we now proceed to describe how a complete transfer may be made4 ,no hive offers such facilities for the correct placing of the combs in a perfectly upright position as does the bar-and-frame hive4 ,as before remarked1 we should be slow to recommend any one to attempt the operation who is not already pretty well accustomed to the handling of bees and acquainted with their habits2 but by carefully carrying out the following directions any one may successfully perform the feat4 ,the first thing is to get the bees away from the combs3 there are two ways of doing this1--one is by fumigation 7see page #ade71 the other by driving 7see page #agi74 ,whichever plan may be resorted to1 have the bees confined in the old hive on their stand until you are quite ready to admit them into the bar-and-frame hive4 ,have in readiness all the necessary appliances4 ,these consist of a large knife for cutting the hive1 a good-sized table on which to lay the brood-combs1 a basin of water--for washing off honey which may besmear the hands1--tape or cotton string to fasten the combs in their frames1 a pair of honey-cutters for cutting out the combs1 jars to hold the honey that runs out1 and a feather for brushing off any bees that may remain4 ,it is necessary that the operator should have on his bee-dress and india-rubber gloves4 ,then begin by slicing off a piece of the hive with a sharp table-knife2 carefully cut out the working combs--cut them large1 so that they will squeeze into the frames2 and1 to be more secure1 wind some of the tape round to keep them in position until made fast by the bees4 ,after a few days1 these fastenings may be removed4 ,care should be taken that the combs occupy1 the same position in the frames as in the hive from which they were extracted4 ,having thus prepared the hive1 the bees may be let into it1 in the manner ,mr4 ,woodbury recommends for a swarm 7see page #aei74 ,it may be as well to keep them confined a few hours1 giving them water at the top1 until they make the combs secure2 the new hive will then be less likely to offer an attraction to bees from other hives1 who1 if feloniously inclined1 might come to rob4 ,this transfer should be made when the weather is such that the bees can fly about3 when not warm enough1 it should be done in a room at a temperature of about #gj degrees4 ,an expert apiarian could perform the operation in less than three quarters of an hour1 and with little loss4 ,a week or so after a swarm has left the old stock is perhaps the very best time for such a removal4 ,should the operation be performed in the open air1 the bees from surrounding hives will be sure to come in great numbers to obtain a share of the honey necessarily exposed1 for they delight in plunder4 ,in order1 therefore1 to avoid annoyance to the operator1 and the excitement which is certain to be induced in surrounding hives1 it is better to conduct the dissection in some building with closed doors4 ,in some instances a routing of this kind has a beneficial effect2 old stocks of hives that have previously appeared to be dwindling are often aroused to activity by their removal into a fresh domicile4 ,,weighing ,,hives1 c4 ,one of the most effectual modes of ascertaining the condition of a hive is by weighing it4 ,such knowledge is most important at the close of the gathering season1 in order that the bee-keeper may determine whether he ought to give his bees artificial food to enable them to live through the dreary winter4 ,a knowledge of the numerical strength of the colony is also useful1 in enabling the bee-keeper to decide which hives will be benefited by being joined together1 on the plan explained in the articles on ,fumigation and ,driving4 ,illustration ,a hive can very easily be weighed1 if a ,salter's ,spring ,balance be suspended near the apiary4 ,the hive1 having a strap or cord passed under and over it1 crossing at right angles on the top1 may be hooked on to the balance1 so that the weight will be indicated on the dial4 ,the annexed engraving represents a tripod stand1 with a weighing-machine of the above-named construction1 to which a hive with a super is attached4 ,such an arrangement will be found convenient for those bee-keepers who may not possess suitable sheds in their gardens1 where a hive could be thus suspended from a beam4 ,this contrivance is both portable and simple1 and can be used from time to time2 or1 if the apiarian desires to have the hive constantly suspended1 a water-proof covering might easily be made to drop over1 and adapted so as to admit of being raised occasionally for ascertaining the weight shown on the dial4 ,to prevent the hive being swayed to and fro by the wind1 three cords 7gear ropes7 might be attached therefrom to the three legs of the stand4 ,the height of such a stand need not exceed four feet4 ,much interest might be derived by watching the daily or hourly increasing store brought into a hive during the gathering season4 ,mr4 ,george ,fox1 of ,kingsbridge1 and ,mr4 ,s4 ,bevan ,fox1 of ,exeter1 have for some years each kept one stock attached to a ,salter's ,circular ,spring ,balance1 suspended from a beam under a shed1 and1 from experience1 find that from a hive so balanced a criterion may be formed of what other hives in the apiary are doing through the day4 ,many ingenious contrivances will1 no doubt1 suggest themselves to the apiarian for suspending hives in this manner4 ,for instance1 instead of the cord being tied round the hive1 three or four strong irons1 with a screw at one end and a ring at the other 7known by iron mongers as eyes71 could be screwed into the floor-boards1 to which the attachments might be made fast4 ,it will scarcely be necessary to hint that great care is necessary that full provision should be made securely to support the increasing weight2 a fall would be most ruinous1 and terribly enrage the bees4 ,the weight of the hive should be marked on it when empty1 so that the exact amount of its contents may at any time be ascertained4 ,a colony of bees at ,michaelmas ought to weigh from #bj to #bd lbs41 that is1 exclusive of the hive2 if falling short of that weight1 the hive should be made up to it by the artificial means before recommended4 ,experienced apiarians are able to judge of the weight of a hive by lifting it a few inches from the stand2 or by looking in at the windows of a stock-hive1 a conclusive opinion may be formed as to the state of the colony4 ,if the combs within view be well filled and sealed1 it will be safe to consider that the hive contains sufficient stores to carry the bees through the winter4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,vi4 ,,miscellaneous ,,information4 ,,stings3 ,,their ,,prevention ,,and ,,cure4 ,some of our readers may deem us neglectful in having1 as it were1 left them to struggle through their bee-keeping novitiate without informing them how to avoid being stung by their docile but well-armed flock4 ,of course1 having described the bee-dress1 we have supposed that the apiarian was clad1 if not in complete steel1 at least in the head-gear and gloves1 which will render him invulnerable4 ,the best safeguard from the anger of bees--as1 indeed1 from the malice of men--is a quiet and peaceable spirit4 ,the apiarian will learn to handle his bees not only as if he loved them1--as the quaint angler says--but as if he fully believes that the bees love him4 ,this they will do whenever he approaches and treats them gently4 ,there are some cases of exception to this generally peaceable disposition of the bee2 perchance a few bees are dyspeptic1 and refuse to be pacified1 let their master seek to bribe them never so wisely4 ,then1 too1 sometimes the bee-master himself may be dyspeptic1 which the unerring olfactory sense of the bees speedily detects1 and their anger is immediately aroused4 ,some few persons1 owing to constitutional peculiarities in their breath or insensible perspiration1 are objects of constant animosity with bees1 who1 by driving them from the apiary1 are giving a physician's advice without charge for a fee4 ,some of the choicest perfumes used by ladies are offensive to bees2 and one may feel very certain that the fine puss gentleman1 who disgusted the brave ,hotspur with his pouncet-box and praise of 'parmaceti for an inward bruise1 would have been speedily driven from an apiary in ignominious flight4 ,occasionally1 even a skilful apiarian may inadvertently crush a single bee2 such a mischance is detected by the community with much more facility than by any crowner's quest1 and their prompt verdict decrees the summary punishment of the offender4 ,there would be much less fear of stings if it were always remembered that bees are never aggressive4 ,defence1 not defiance1 is their motto4 ,they scarcely ever attempt to sting when away from the hive1 and very seldom indeed at the time of swarming1 for then they are gorged with honey4 ,when molested by angry bees1 do not attempt to beat them off2 the safest and best retreat is a green bush4 ,thrust your head into this1 or if no such refuge be near1 in an emergency1 throw yourself on the ground1 and1 with face downwards1 the bees will soon leave you4 ,yet some people appear to think they must inevitably be stung if they meddle with bees and for their sakes it is needful to explain why it is that a sting is painful1 and how the wound inflicted by the bee may be cured4 ,those familiar with the usual microscopic objects will know how marvellously delicate1 and yet effective1 is the mechanical structure of a bee's sting4 7,see page #df47 ,this weapon1 as we see it with our naked eye--finer than a needle's point--is only the sheath1 which lengthens or contracts like the tubes of a telescope4 ,the dart1 as before said1 is barbed on each side1 so that the bee1 when very angry1 is scarcely ever able to withdraw it1 but ,deems life itself to vengeance well resigned2 ,dies on the wound1 and leaves the sting behind4 ,there are1 indeed1 some happy mortals whose blood such an even tenour keeps1 that a bee-sting is to them simply a puncture1 and nothing more4 ,dr4 ,bevan has suggested that lovers should subject themselves to the ordeal of a bee-sting1 in order to prove1 we suppose1 that their temper is proof against the stings and arrows of any outrageous fortune that matrimony can bring4 ,it is the homoeopathically minute tincture of poison injected by the bee which causes inflammation4 ,the first thing to do is1 to remove the sting1 which1 even when detached from the bee1 will continue to penetrate still further into the wound4 ,next1 press the hollow point of a watch-key exactly over the place stung2 this will express a considerable portion of the virus4 ,then dip the hand1 or bathe the part with cold or tepid water1 for the poison is volatile1 and will thereby be dissipated to a great extent4 ,on no account whatever should the part affected be rubbed2 to do that will diffuse the poison and increase the inflammation4 ,the specific remedy for a bee-sting is taught us by chemistry3 the venom is an acid which an alkali will immediately neutralize when brought into contact with it4 ,spirits of hartshorn will generally be found effectual for the purpose1 and should always be kept in an apiary4 ,there are also several other remedies more or less effectual1 according to the special constitution of the patient4 ,a strong infusion of tobacco-water applied to the wound after the sting has been extracted is a specific for many persons2 others find relief from the application of a sliced onion4 ,we have heard the remark from several who have kept bees for years1 that the poison from a sting has little or no effect on them2 after receiving many inflictions1 their flesh appears to become so little affected1 that the swelling and pain at one time experienced no longer trouble them4 ,,pollen1 ,,or ,,food ,,for ,,infant-,,bees4 ,bees1 when fully grown1 feed almost wholly on honey2 but the larvae require for their development a more substantial kind of nourishment4 ,such solid fare is found by the bees in the pollen of flowers1 a farina which contains some of those nitrogenous elements in which honey is deficient4 ,the body of a worker-bee is covered with hairs1 to which the pollen adheres when1 by contact with the bee1 it is rubbed from the anthers and stamens of flowers 7see page #da74 ,dewy mornings or humid bowers suit the bees for the gathering of the pollen4 ,if the atmosphere be too dry for kneading it into pellets1 they roll themselves in the blossoms and trust to the good offices of the bees at home1 who1 on their return1 brush off the farina into the cells intended for it4 ,a portion of this bee-bread is taken at once by the nursing bees1 who are supposed to subject it to some change before offering it to the larv2 but the greater part of the pollen is stored away and sealed over in the cells for future use4 ,in ,april and ,may1 the bees are frequently busy all the day in gathering pollen1 and often one community of bees will collect about twenty pounds weight of bee-bread in one season4 ,one of the objects of the apiarian is to assist the bees in providing for the nurslings of the hive4 ,a ,german pastor1 ,herr ,dzierzon1 first suggested the plan of providing the bees with unbolted rye meal1 as a substitute for the farina of flowers4 ,he had observed that1 in early spring1 before the flowers were open1 his bees had entered a neighbouring corn mill1 from whence they returned laden with rye flour4 ,since his discovery1 some keepers1 in early spring1 place either rye or wheat meal near the apiaries2 to this artificial store the bees repair by thousands1 and seem to rollick in the enjoyment of such plenty1 many of them returning to the hive as dusty as millers4 ,the object in thus supplying them is1 that the brood may be rapidly brought forward1 and early swarming induced4 ,in this way1 a few pounds of rye meal1 at one penny per pound1 may tend to the production of very many pounds of honey of twelve times the price4 ,in gathering pollen from flowers1 bees are doing more than merely providing for their own community4 ,whilst humming through our gardens they are assisting to propagate our flowers1 and their merry buzz in our orchards indicates that the blossoms of spring will in autumn fulfil their promise by abundance of fruit4 ,in ,mr4 ,darwin's remarkable work1 ,the ,fertilization of ,orchids1 the mystery of the fructification of flowers is scientifically explained2 but before the subject was so fully understood1 it was quite believed that bees1 in passing from flower to flower1 performed some important service4 ,owners of fruit-trees have noticed1 in a season generally unfavourable for the orchard1 that if during only one fine forenoon the bees had spread freely amongst the blossoms of a particular tree1 it would prove more fruitful than its fellows4 ,on this account1 the orchard is a good place for an apiary1 for it seems that1 more abundant the honey1 more plentiful will be the fruit4 ,bees bear the fructifying matter from one sex of flowers to the other1 but they confine their attention to one kind of flower during each excursion2 and the careful observer may see how the colour of the pollen on the bodies of the bees will vary from yellow to red and brown1 according to the kind of flowers from which it has been gathered4 ,the gathering of pollen1 its use by the nursing bees1 and the storing of it in the cells1 afford to the bee-keeper opportunity for observations of exceeding interest4 ,,propolis1 ,,or ,,bees' ,,cement4 ,the old notion that wax is gathered by bees from flowers1 as they gather honey1 has long since been set aside by the discoveries of ,hornbostel and ,huber4 ,wax is an oily substance1 as described at page #de2 but there is a resinous substance1 very tenacious and semi-transparent1 which is indispensable for the bees as a cement wherewith to fix their combs and fortify their hives against intruders1 and this is propolis4 ,the bees1 in working the propolis1 often soften it by blending it with a portion of wax2 but they have to extract it in its natural state directly from the bark and buds of certain trees4 ,the bark of the willow1 the leaf-buds of the poplar and alder1 and the unopened blossoms of the hollyhock are very usual sources of propolis4 ,in the case of a new swarm1 as bees must have this glue before they can begin to build their combs1 they will resort to most unlikely places to obtain it4 ,sometimes they will enter a paint shop and attack the varnish1 and it is said they have been seen to obtain propolis from the pitch and rigging of a ship4 ,these circumstances afford intelligible hints to the apiarian1 who1 if his bees have not easy access to firs1 poplars1 or willows1 will provide some glutinous or resinous matter which may serve for a substitute4 ,the extraction of propolis costs the bees very considerable labour1 which they should be relieved of as much as possible1 in order to facilitate their great work of honey gathering4 ,bees choose the warmer part of the day during which to gather propolis1 as then it does not so rapidly stiffen1 frequently1 when they arrive at the hive1 it has become so hard that the other bees are scarcely able to gnaw it from their thighs4 ,with propolis bees fasten down their hives1 stop up crevices to exclude moths and ants1 and sometimes use it to narrow the entrance of their hives against the invasion of wasps4 ,extraordinary anecdotes are told of the prompt and ingenious use they make of this substance4 ,reaumur relates1 that a snail having been observed by the bees oh the window of the hive1 they proceeded to glue the shell to the glass1 and there sealed down the intruder in hopeless durance4 ,in another case1 that of a slug1 or snail without a shell1 the bees1 having slain it with their stings1 were quite unable to remove it from the hive4 ,with wonderful foresight1 they then proceeded to secure their community from the noxious effects likely to arise from the decay of the carcase2 and this they did by completely enveloping it with a coating of impervious varnish4 ,huish relates a similar occurrence in the case of a mouse caught in a hive by bees4 ,propolis yields benzoic acid1 and contains some aromatic properties4 ,,pasturage ,,for ,,bees4 ,bees work for man2 and yet they never bruise ,their master's flower1 but leave it1 having done4 ,as fair as ever1 and as fit for use4 ,apiarians generally agree in the opinion that very little can be done in the way of providing any special forage for bees4 ,yet bee-fanciers are always interested in observing which are the flowers that the bees prefer2 and there are certain well-established conclusions as to the kind of district and seasons which are the likeliest to produce a good honey-harvest4 ,there is an old saying1 that a country which produces the finest wool also yields the best honey2 and a pastoral district is decidedly better than one under tillage4 ,the principle of the matter is1 that the bees are best suited with a long dry-season--an early spring1 a hot summer1 and a late autumn4 ,as not one of these blessings can be commanded by the apiarian1 his art must be applied to provide some mitigation of the injury suffered by the bees when the season is short or wet4 ,for early spring1 the crocus1 the blue hepatica1 and the violet all afford good supplies of pollen and honey1 and1 if cultivated near the apiary1 will be of great service when the wild flowers are backward4 ,all varieties of the willow and poplar furnish early supplies1 of honey1 as well as of the propolis of which we have spoken2 the blossoms of the gooseberry and currant are very useful for the bees in ,may4 ,wet1 when it enters flowers of any kind1 prevents the tongue of the bee from reaching the secret source of honey4 ,on this account1 it is well to know1 as does the bee1 that the drooping blossoms of the raspberry escape the effect of the showers1 and honey is gathered from them when other flowers are drenched within as well as without4 ,for a similar reason1 borage 7,borago officinalis7 is valuable for bees2 and also because that plant continues to flower until the frosts set in4 ,the honey both from raspberry blossoms and borage is very superior4 ,mr4 ,langstroth says1 that the precipitous and rocky lands of ,new ,england1 which abound with the wild red raspberry1 might be made almost as valuable as some of the vine-clad terraces of the mountain districts of ,europe4 ,the golden rod and also asters afford superior honey for autumn gathering4 ,dzierzon strongly recommends buck-wheat being sown in the winter stubbles on behalf of the bees1 and he tries hard to persuade farmers that it is to their interest to cultivate it4 ,it should be named that all the ordinary fruit blossoms1 especially those of the apple1 supply abundant store for bees4 ,it is1 however1 to wild or field flowers that the bee-master must chiefly look for the raw material on which his myriad artisans shall exert their skill4 ,the white clover of the pasture#bc--the wild thyme on the hill--the heather on the moors--the furze and the broom on the sandy waste--offer exhaustless stores for a greater number of bees than can ever be located near them4 ,lime-trees1 when in blossom1 and mignonette are also' most valuable resources4 ,there are also two or three peculiar sources of honey which one would not have suspected1 as1 for instance1 the blossoms of the onion plant1 of turnips1 and1 in still greater degree1 the flower of the mustard plant4 ,footnote #bc3 ,it is a good practice to induce the owners of adjacent fields to sow clover-seed4 ,in those districts of ,england where mustard seed is cultivated so extensively1 it would be well worth while for the farmers to keep large colonies of bees4 ,another1 but a very uncertain1 source of honey is the honeydew1 which1 in some seasons1 appears in large quantities on the leaves of the oak1 the lime1 and some other trees4 ,it is important to mention that bees1 in the principal breeding season1 require a plentiful supply of water4 ,owing either to their carelessness or eagerness1 they are frequently drowned when drinking from any large quantity of water2 the bee-keeper should1 therefore1 place near the hives shallow vessels of water containing pebbles1 on which the bees may alight to take frequent but temperate draughts4 ,,the ,,ligurian ,,or ,,italian ,,alp ,,bee4 ,a new1 or rather a re-discovered1 variety of bee has recently been brought into practical use amongst apiarians in ,germany and ,america1 as well as in this country4 ,the ordinary bee is the ,apis mellifica of naturalists2 the new kind is the ,apis ligustica4 ,it was also named the ,ligurian ,bee by the ,marquis de ,spinola1 who found it in ,piedmont in #ahje2 and he considered it to be the principal species known to the ,greeks1 who speak of the best kind of bee as being of a red colour4 ,leading apiarians agree in pronouncing these bees to be justly entitled to the high character given them4 7,see coloured engraving1 ,plate ,i41 figs1 #a1 #b1 #c47 ,their special advantages are--greater fecundity of the queens1 less irascibility1 and a more handsome appearance1 for1 being of a golden colour1 they are prettier than our black bees4 ,tennyson most probably refers to these ,ligurian bees in the following stanza of his beautiful poem ,eleanore3-- ,or the yellow banded bees1 ,through half-open lattices1 ,coming in the scented breeze1 ,fed thee1 a child1 lying alone1 ,with whitest honey in fairy gardens culled3 ,a glorious child1 dreaming alone ,in silk soft folds1 upon yielding down1 ,with the hum of swarming bees ,into dreamful slumbers lulled4 ,our own experience with the ,italian ,alp bee enables us to corroborate the statements which have been made in favour of this new variety4 ,we find the queens more prolific than those of the common kind1 and the quantity of honey produced is greater4 ,these two facts stand as cause and effect3 the bees being multiplied more quickly1 the store of honey is accumulated more rapidly1 and the ,italian bees consume1 if anything1 less food than the common1 kind4 ,when of pure ,italian blood1 these bees are1 by some apiarians1 thought to be hardier than our own4 ,that they forage for stores with greater eagerness1 and have little hesitation in paying visits to other hives1 we can testify from our own observation4 ,the following anecdote will illustrate their intrusive propensities3--,another bee-keeper living in the neighbourhood of our apiary1 when inspecting our hives1 observed the yellow bees3 he exclaimed1 ,now1 ,i have found out where those strange-looking bees come from2 for1 said he1 these yellow-jackets are incessant visitors to my hives4 ,i thought they were a species of wasp that had come to rob1 and until now ,i have been unable to account for their appearance at the entrance of my hive1 so that ,i have killed them by hundreds4 ,this was not at all pleasing intelligence for us1 and we trust that our neighbour has been more lenient to the yellow-jackets since his visit1 for such summary capital punishment was wholly unmerited1 because1 when a bee is peaceably received 7see page #abg71 it becomes naturalized1 and works side by side with the others in its fresh abode4 ,we are inclined to believe that more visiting takes place amongst bees of different hives than bee-keepers have been accustomed to suppose3 where the ,italian and black bees are kept near each other1 the foreigners being conspicuous by their lighter colour1 there is less difficulty in identifying them when at the entrance of other hives4 ,in the season of #ahfd1 we had more honey from a ,ligurian stock than from any one of our colonies of black bees4 ,from this ,ligurian hive we have taken a glass super containing #dj lbs4 nett of honey1 besides having drawn from it an artificial swarm2 and1 after all1 it remains the strongest hive in our apiary4 ,the ,baron ,von ,berlepsch and ,pastor ,dzierzon1 who are probably the two most intelligent and skilful bee-keepers of ,germany1 award to the ,italian a very decided preference over the common bees4 ,the ,baron says that he has found3--#a4 ,that the ,italian bees are less sensitive to cold than the common kind4 #b4 ,that their queens are more prolific4 #c4 ,that the colonies swarm earlier and more frequently4 #d4 ,that they are less apt to sting1 #e4 ,they are more industrious4 #f4 ,that they are more disposed to rob than common bees1 and more courageous and active in self-defence4 ,they strive1 whenever opportunity offers1 to force their way into colonies of common bees2 but when strange bees attack their hives1 they fight with great fierceness and with incredible adroitness4 ,it is said that the ,italian bee can extract honey from some flowers which the common bee is unable to penetrate4 ,for instance1 the blossom tubes of the red clover being too deep for the probosces of the common bees1 that flower is useless to them1 although so plentiful2 but1 says ,mr4 ,langstroth1 the ,american apiarian1 the ,italian bee visits the red clover assiduously1 and draws large quantities of honey from it4#bd ,footnote #bd3 ,this opinion is not held by the closest observer of ,italian bees in ,england4 ,the introduction of this new variety of bee into ,england was through our agency4 ,m4 ,hermann1 a bee-cultivator at ,tamins-by-,chur1 ,canton ,grison1 ,switzerland1 wrote to us on the #eth ,july1 #ahei1 offering to supply us with ,italian ,alp queen-bees4 ,this letter1 or an extract from it1 appeared in the current number of the ,journal of ,horticulture 7then called the ,cottage ,gardener71 a periodical that regularly opens its columns to apiarian subjects4 ,prior to this the ,italian ,alp1 or1 as it has been named1 the ,ligurian bee1 was unknown in this country1 except to a few naturalists4 ,the letter referred to attracted the attention of that intelligent apiarian1 ,t4 ,w4 ,woodbury1 ,esq41 now so well known as the ,devonshire ,bee-,keeper4 ,on the #aith of ,july1 that is1 a fortnight after ,m4 ,hermann's offer1 we received a consignment of ,italian ,alp bees1--the first imported into ,england4 ,with these ,mr4 ,woodbury also received one queen-bee and a few workers1 which he introduced into a hive of ,english bees from which the queen had been taken4 ,his efforts were very successful1 and the spring of #ahfj found him in possession of four ,ligurianized stocks4 ,his subsequent experience with the ,italian ,alp bee he has fully described in a communication to the ,bath and ,west of ,england ,agricultural ,journal4 ,subsequently1 ,m4 ,hermann sent us a copy of his pamphlet1 entitled ,the ,italian ,alp ,bee2 or1 the ,gold-,mine of ,husbandry1 with the request that we should have it translated from the ,german1 and that copies of it should be printed in the ,english language4 ,the pamphlet was speedily published by us1 and although singular as a literary production1 it may be useful for the advanced apiarian4 ,certainly the bees are partially of an orange or golden colour1 and if one could believe the golden anticipations indulged in by ,m4 ,hermann respecting them1 it would be sufficient to identify the ,italian ,alp bee as the species described by ,hood in ,miss ,kilmansegg2--those which dwelt in ,a golden hive1 on a golden bank1 ,where golden bees1 by alchemical prank1 ,gather gold instead of honey4 ,if we are correctly informed1 poor ,hermann himself has not yet greatly profited by the discovery of the mine4 ,he appears to have quitted ,switzerland1 and travelled to ,america1 as1 by the latest accounts1 we learn that he is now in the neighbourhood of ,philadelphia1 prosecuting his favourite calling with his accustomed ardour1 among the apiaries of amateur bee-keepers4 ,we are glad that ,m4 ,hermann is thus engaged1 for report had reached us that he was dead--a report to which we gave currency in our first edition4 ,in the pamphlet referred to1 ,m4 ,hermann gives the following description of what he insists on designating as ,apis ,helvetica3--,the yellow ,italian ,alp bee is a mountain insect2 it is found between two mountain chains to the right and left of ,lombardy and the ,rhetian ,alps1 and comprises the whole territory of ,tessins1 ,veltlin1 and ,south-,graubunden4 ,it thrives up to the height of #d1ejj feet above the level of the sea1 and appears to prefer the northern clime to the warmer1 for in the south of ,italy it is not found4 ,the ,alps are their native country1 therefore they are called ,yellow ,alp-bees1 or tame house-bees1 in contradistinction to the black4 ,european bees1 whom we might call common forest bees1 and who1 on the slightest touch1 fly like lightning into your face4 787 ,as all good and noble things in the world are more scarce than common ones1 so there are more common black bees than of the noble yellow race1 which latter inhabit only a very small piece of country1 while the black ones are at home everywhere in ,europe1 and even in ,america4 ,notwithstanding the emigration of ,m4 ,hermann from his native land1 we shall in future be able to supply all bee-keepers who may wish to possess stocks of the genuine yellow ,alpine bees4 ,the ,italian varies but little from the common bees in its physical characteristics4 ,the difference in appearance consists in the first rings of the abdomen1 except the posterior edge1 and the base of the third1 being of an orange colour instead of a deep brown4 ,these orange-coloured parts are transparent when closely examined with the sun shining on them4 ,the ,italian bees are more active than common bees when on the wing4 ,during the summers of #ahei and #ahfj we had over from the ,continent a great number of ,ligurian queens2 these were sent to all parts of the kingdom4 ,we regret to say that but few were successfully united to ,english stocks4 ,it requires a considerable amount of apiarian skill to accomplish the union1#be so that we find by experience it is best to send out complete ,ligurian stocks4 ,this is particularly desirable now that the packing of whole hives is so easily accomplished by us with the aid of bars and frames4 ,we have sent a great number of stocks to all parts by rail4 ,footnote #be3 ,the plan of uniting an ,italian queen to an ,english stock is1 first1 to discover the queen by lifting out the frames1 then take her away4 ,this1 we find1 is best done by putting a wine-glass over her whilst on the comb1 and1 with a card a little larger than the diameter of the glass1 very carefully and gently passed underneath1 so as not to injure her majesty1 she is thus1 with a few of her subjects1 made a prisoner1 and easily removed4 ,be careful to cut away with a penknife all queen-cells4 ,let the hive remain queenless for twenty-four hours1 and then place the ,italian queen in a small wire cage1 the openings of which must be large enough to enable her to receive the attentions of1 and to communicate with1 her new subjects1 and1 at the same time1 to defend her from the animosity with which bees regard a stranger-queen1 that has a scent different from that of her new home4 ,three or four days' intercourse through the wire meshes generally has a reconciling effect1 and the ,italian queen may be let go free to become the monarch of the hive4 ,sometimes1 even with all this precaution1 the foreigner is slain1 so that it is well to preserve the black queen alive 7with a few of her own subjects71 by feeding and keeping her warm until the result is known4 ,the wire cage containing the new queen is made of a flat shape1 so as to be pressed down between the combs1 against some honey-cells1 in order that1 should the inhabitants of the hive be inattentive1 her majesty need not starve1 but have food within reach4 ,as it is generally considered that the queen is fed by working bees1 it is always necessary to put about half a dozen of her own subjects in the cage with her1 to pay her the requisite attention4 ,mr4 ,woodbury1 owing to his knowledge and skill in bee-keeping1 was eminently successful in propagating the ,ligurian bees first imported into this country2 and we would recommend all who may be interested in the subject to peruse the interesting articles written by him in the ,journal of ,horticulture4 ,he has shown great patience and energy by his labours in the rearing of queens and the multiplication of stocks1 for which he merits all praise4 ,we now add to the testimonies already cited that of ,mr4 ,woodbury1 as to the superior qualities of ,ligurian bees4 ,the following is extracted from the paper contributed by him to the ,bath and ,west of ,england ,agricultural ,journal3--,from my strongest ,ligurian stock ,i took eight artificial swarms in the spring1 besides depriving it of numerous brood-combs4 ,finding1 in ,june1 that the bees were collecting honey so fast that the queen could not find an empty cell in which to lay an egg1 ,i was reluctantly compelled to put on a super4 ,when this had been filled with #ch lbs4 of the finest honeycomb1#bf ,i removed it1 and as the stock-hive 7a very large one7 could not contain the multitude of bees which issued from it1 ,i formed them into another very large artificial swarm4 ,the foregoing facts speak for themselves2 but as information on this point has been very generally asked1 ,i have no hesitation in saying that ,i believe the ,ligurian honey-bee infinitely superior in every respect to the only species that we have hitherto been acquainted with4 ,footnote #bf3 ,this super was exhibited at our stand in the ,international ,exhibition of #ahfb4 ,in a private letter received from ,mr4 ,langstroth1 he informs us that he has1 in the season of #ahfe1 bred over #cjj ,ligurian queens2 these he has disseminated to various bee-masters on the ,american continent1 and the united opinion of apiarians in that country is increasingly in favour of the decided advantage of the cultivation of the ,italian bee4 ,after such emphatic testimony as this1 corroborated1 as it is1 by many other observers1 there seems every reason to expect that the ,ligurian bee will gradually supersede the common kind throughout the ,united ,kingdom4 ,the honey-bee of the ,holy ,land is the ,ligurian4 ,the ,rev4 ,h4 ,b4 ,tristram1 ,m4,a41 in his valuable book1 ,the ,land of ,israel1 has the following interesting account of the bees in that country3--,in ,palestine bee-keeping is not an unimportant item of industry1 and every house possesses a pile of bee-hives in its yard4 ,though similar in its habits1 the hive-bee of ,palestine is a different species to our own4 ,we never1 he says1 found ,apis mellifica1 ,l41 our domestic species1 in the country1 though it very possibly occurs in the north2 but the common ,holy ,land insect1 ,apis ligustica1 is amazingly abundant2 both in hives1 in rocks1 and in old hollow1 trees4 ,it is smaller 8 than our bees1 with brighter yellow1 bands3 on the thorax and abdomen1 which1 is rather wasp-like in shape1 and with very long antenn4 ,in its habits1 and especially in the immense population of neuters in each community1 and in the drones cast forth in autumn1 it resembles the other species4 ,its sting1 also1 is quite as sharp4 ,the hives are very simple1 consisting of large tubes of sun-dried mud1 like gas-pipes1 about four feet long1 and closed with mud at each end1 leaving only an aperture in the centre1 large enough for two or three bees to1 pass at a time4 ,the insects appear to frequent both doors equally4 ,the tubes are laid in rows horizontally1 and piled in a pyramid4 ,i counted one of these colonies1 consisting of seventy-eight tubes1 each a distinct hive4 ,coolness being the great object1 the whole is thickly plastered over with mud1 and covered with boughs1 while a branch is stuck in the ground at each end1 to assist the bees in alighting4 ,at first we took these singular structures for ovens or hen-houses4 ,the barbarous practice of destroying the swarms for their honey is unknown4 ,when the hives are fully1 the clay is removed from the ends of the pipes1 and the honey extracted with an iron hook2 those pieces of comb which contain young bees being carefully replaced1 and the hives then closed up again4 ,everywhere during our journey we found honey was always to be purchased2 and it is used by the natives for many culinary purposes1 and especially for the preparation of sweet cakes4 ,it has the delicate aromatic flavour of the thyme-scented honey of ,hybla or ,hymettus4 ,but1 however extensive are the bee-colonies of the villages1 the number of wild bees of the same species is far greater4 ,the innumerable fissures1 and clefts of the limestone rocks1 which everywhere flank the valleys1 afford in their recesses secure shelter for any number of swarms2 and many of the ,bedouin1 particularly in the wilderness of ,judea1 obtain3 the subsistence by bee-hunting1 bringing into ,jerusalem jars of that wild1 honey on which ,john the ,baptist fed in the wilderness1 and which ,jonathan had long before unwittingly tasted1 when the comb had dropped on the ground from the hollow tree in which it was suspended4 ,the visitor to the ,wady ,kurn1 when he sees the busy multitudes of bees about its cliffs1 cannot but recall to mind the promise1 ',with honey out of the stony rock would ,i have satisfied thee4' ,there is no epithet of the ,land of ,promise more true to the letter1 even to the present day1 than this1 that it was 'a land flowing with milk and honey4 ,does not evidence such as this point to the conclusion that the bees which ,sampson found in the carcase of the lion were ,ligurian2 and may we not further speculate that the ribs of the carcase constituted the first bar-hive8 ,surely1 there is no new thing under the sun4 ,illustration ,,living ,,bees ,,at ,,the ,,international ,,exhibition ,,of #ahfb1 ,,sending ,,bees ,,to ,,australia1 c4 ,the engraving represents our stand in the ,agricultural ,department of the ,international ,exhibition of #ahfb4 ,the space granted us in the ,world's ,great ,fair was somewhat limited2 but we were able to exhibit a tolerably complete stock of apiarian apparatus1 and all the more important bee-hives4 ,amongst these was an unicomb hive stocked with the ,yellow ,alpine or ,ligurian bee4 ,this was an object of great attention1 and daily hundreds of visitors flocked round our stand1 in order to watch the movements of the ,italian queen1 with her gay and busy subjects4 ,the entrance-way for the bees being in the ,open ,court1 to which all visitors had access1 it was necessary to place the hive in an elevated position1 so as for it to be beyond the reach of incautious passers-by1 and to obviate any chance of annoyance to the vast crowds of people continually around4 ,among others who took a deep interest in our exhibition was ,mr4 ,edward ,wilson1 ,president of the ,acclimatisation ,society of ,victoria4 ,this gentleman requested us to pack four stocks of the ,ligurian bees for conveyance to ,melbourne4 ,with the assistance of ,mr4 ,woodbury--whose aid was1 indeed1 essential--these stocks were sent off on the #beth of ,september1 #ahfb1 by the steam ship ,alhambra1 so as to arrive at the colony during the ,austral summer4 ,the hives were ,woodbury frame hives1 having ample space and ventilation1 as well as the means of supplying water to their inmates during the voyage2 there was1 also1 a sufficient store of honey to last until the following ,march4 ,the bees arrived at ,melbourne1 where they were released after an imprisonment of seventy-nine days1 and have since rapidly multiplied1 the climate and pasturage of ,australia greatly favouring the increase of this superior variety of the bee4 ,mr4 ,wilson was so well pleased with the careful manner in which these stocks were fitted out for their voyage across the seas1 that he subsequently instructed us to prepare him three more hives1 which were sent out in a sailing vessel4 ,owing to the mismanagement of the water supply during the voyage1 only one stock survived in this instance4 ,mr4 ,wilson informs us that one of these hives contained #acf lbs4 of honey1 on the #beth of ,december1 #ahfd 7,midsummer in ,australia74 ,upwards of twenty years ago1 we sent a ,nutt's hive stocked with bees to ,new ,zealand4 ,we then adopted the plan of fixing the hive in a meat safe1 so that the bees could fly about a little1 and also cleanse the hive of their dead1 for bees are very attentive to sanitary arrangements2 they always remove the dead ones from their midst1 and do not void excrement within the hive4 ,when bees are shut up in their hives too long1 even with adequate ventilation1 they are apt to be attacked by a disease called by apiarians dysentery4 ,sometimes1 when confined by the unfavourableness of the weather in winter1 or the lateness of spring1 this disease produces serious mischief amongst the bees4 ,various remedies have been recommended2 but we believe1 the best is to see that there is wholesome food within the hive1 and plenty of it1 and1 when fine weather returns1 the health of the bees will return with it4 ,dampness of the hives1 and too late feeding in the autumn1 are also frequent causes of this disease4 ,,bee-,,keeping ,,in ,,london4 ,there are many persons now in this noisy city pent1 who frequently remember the days of childhood1 when1 among pastures of clover1 or amidst flowery heath and woodlands1 they listened to the cheerful hum of bees4 ,partly from a desire to revive these old associations1 and also from a natural liking for the tendance of living creatures1 such persons would be glad to keep bees if they thought it possible to do so in ,london or its suburbs with any chance of success4 ,we do not wonder that many should doubt even the possibility of bees feeding themselves amidst such an endless meal of brick2 but we can easily prove that bees1 if not placed too near to smoky chimneys1 are able to produce honey1 both for themselves and for their masters4 ,to make this plain1 we will mention some special instances of metropolitan bee-keeping4 ,about ninety years ago1 a ,mr4 ,wildman kept a bee-house and honey warehouse1 near to ,middle ,row1 ,holborn4 ,he was not only a tradesman1 but was also the apiarian of his day4 ,he kept hives of thriving bees on the roof of his house in ,holborn1 and many of the nobility and gentry used to mount thither1 in order to inspect the apiary4 ,at that period1 ,st4 ,pancras was a village two miles north-west of ,london1 and what is now the ,regent's ,park was open country4 ,it was then much easier for ,london bees to find their favourite forage1 but ,mr4 ,wildman believed that his hives were filled with stores from a considerable distance4 ,whilst enjoying his country rambles on ,hampstead ,heath1 he had a shrewd suspicion that many of the bees he there observed gathering honey were labourers from his own apiary4 ,in order to identify his own flock amongst the rest1 he hit upon a homely but very effective expedient4 ,having borrowed ,mrs4 ,wildman's dredging box1 he stationed himself near the entrance of his hives1 and gently dusted his bees with flour as they issued forth4 ,he then betook himself to ,hampstead1 where he found his previous surmise confirmed1 for there were numbers of his bees in their livery of white4 ,wildman became noted for the remarkable control he obtained over his bees1 many instances of which he exhibited before the public4 ,several of his operations with them were regarded as feats of legerdemain by the uninitiated1 as when he appeared before ,king ,george ,,iii41 with a swarm of bees hanging in festoons from his chin1 or suspended in a cluster at arm's length4 ,the ,journal of ,horticulture recently1 in alluding to ,wildman1 gives the following particulars as to his performances3-- ,near the ',three ,hats1' ,islington1 was a place of popular entertainment called ',dobney's ,tea ,gardens1' kept by ,mrs4 ,ann ,dobney4 ,these gardens occupied the ground between ,white ,lion ,street and ,winchester ,place1 and were established as far back as #agbh4 ,in #agga1 the house was taken for a short time as a boarding school2 but it was soon changed to its original purpose as a place of amusement1 for1 in #aggb1 ,daniel ,wildman exhibited bees here4 ,this is a copy of the advertisement3-- ',june #bj1 #aggb4 ,exhibition of bees on horseback6 at the ,jubilee ,gardens1 ,islington 7late ,dobney's71 this and every evening1 until further notice 7wet evenings excepted74 ',the celebrated ,daniel ,wildman will exhibit several new and amazing experiments1 never attempted by any man in this or any other kingdom before4 ,the rider standing upright1 one foot on the saddle and one on the neck1 with a mask of bees on his head and face4 ,he also rides standing upright on the saddle with the bridle in his mouth1 and1 by firing a pistol1 makes one part of the bees march over the table1 and the other swarm in the air and return to their hive again1 with other performances too tedious to insert4 ,the doors open at six2 to begin at a quarter before seven4 ,admittance3--,box and gallery1 #bs42 the other seats1 #as4' ,the secret of ,wildman's skilful manipulation is well understood now2 it consisted in a careful holding and disposal of the queen1 together with confidence in the generally inoffensive disposition of bees4 ,dr4 ,evans1 whom we have often quoted for his correct information in apiarian matters1 thus speaks of his feats3-- ,such was the spell which1 round a ,wildman's arm1 ,twined in dark wreaths the fascinated swarm2 ,bright o'er his breast the glittering legions led1 ,or with a living garland bound his head4 ,his dextrous hand1 with firm1 yet hurtless hold1 ,could seize the chief1 known by her scales of gold1 ,prune1 'mid the wondering train1 her filmy wing1 ,or o'er her folds the silken fetter fling4 ,to recur to our subject4 ,after the days of ,wildman1 our own establishment in ,holborn became widely known for bee-hives and honey4 ,although we never attempted to start a ,london apiary at all approaching in extent that of our predecessor1 we have occasionally kept bees on the house-top1 both in ,holborn and ,regent ,street4 ,at each of those situations1 we have noticed that the bees bring pollen as well as honey into their hives4 ,last summer1 there was brought under our notice an illustration of the acuteness of the scent of bees and of their diligent search for food1 proving1 too1 that if sweets can be obtained even from unusual sources1 the bees will find them out4 ,a poor woman1 who1 at the comer of an adjacent street1 vends brandy balls1 toffee1 rock1 and other saccharine compounds--all well known to and appreciated by most juveniles1--used to receive frequent visits from our bees4 ,their visits to the old dame's domain were at first rather interesting1 and if the few pioneers who had the sagacity to find such a store had kept the secret only to themselves1 their company would not have been objected to4 ,such selfish policy does not1 however1 accord with the social instinct of bees1 and these soon informed their companions of the good fortune provided for them in an archipelago of sugar islands4 ,day by day the swarms of these uninvited visitors increased1 until all legitimate customers were beaten off2 and the old dame had to see1 not only her hope of gain destroyed1 but her stock of goodies sensibly diminishing by the thefts of these brigands of the air4 ,she could not1 or dare not attempt to1 drive the intruders away1 so made diligent inquiry as to where the robbers were harboured4 ,having traced them to our establishment in ,regent ,street1 she came to implore of us to move the bees if possible1 or she would have to move her stall1 and so lose her connection in the toffee and rock trade4 ,wishing not to hinder the poor woman in gaining her livelihood1 we decided on removing our bees into the country4 ,it is difficult to assign an exact limit to the distance that bees will go in search of honey-yielding blossoms4 ,it has been proved by various experiments that they will fly1 say1 five or six miles1 if the supplies are scanty within a shorter radius2 but bees well understand that first of all economies1 the saving of time1 and if they can find forage near at hand1 they prefer it4 ,hence1 other things being equal1 the quantity of honey stored will be in proportion to the contiguity of good pasturage4 ,in this way it is that the systematic removal of hives1 as practised in many districts1 has such a notable effect on the honey harvest4 ,a novel sight for ,londoners to witness occurred in ,june1 #ahfe4 ,a swarm1 having been ordered to be sent into the country the following morning1 was temporarily placed on the leads at the back of our house1 #adi1 ,regent ,street4 ,the sun shining hot on the hive1 or some other cause1 induced the inmates to decamp4 ,a passer-by called in to inform us that some bees had arrested the progress of a cab4 ,we at once conjectured that they were those of our missing swarm1 the absence of which had previously puzzled us not a little2 so we sent our man with a straw-hive to bring the truants back1 which he succeeded in doing1 followed to the door by a crowd1 who were amazed at the sight of the 'oney-bees1 as the ,cockney lads called them4 ,cabby had to be compensated for the loss of his fare1 for the affrighted passengers had left him in a hurry1 so that1 altogether1 no little commotion was caused--a crowd so soon collects in ,london streets4 ,among the lookers-on appears to have been a reporter from the ,times newspaper1 for1 two days afterwards1 the following paragraph appeared in the leading journal3-- ,a ,swarm of ,bees in ,burlington ,street4--,on ,wednesday afternoon1 about five o'clock1 not a little excitement and astonishment was caused in ,new ,burlington ,street1 ,regent ,street1 by the circumstance of a swarm of bees alighting on a cab which had just drawn up at the ,burlington ,restaurant4 ,a man having procured a hive1 set to work1 and1 with assistance1 succeeded in securing the whole of the unexpected visitors1 and took them away4 ,a swarm of bees is rarely1 if ever1 seen in the streets of ,london1 but it is not an uncommon occurrence for a swarm to stray considerable distances4 ,the reporter was1 of course1 unaware that1 instead of the bees having strayed so far as he represented1 they were brought into ,london by rail1 and had made but a short flight from their temporary home4 ,during several years we kept bees in the ,zoological ,gardens1 ,regent's ,park1 and have there frequently taken full and handsome glasses of honey4 ,the position of our apiary was on the site now occupied by the new monkey house4 ,the ,society promise to erect a new building for an apiary in the course of the ensuing summer4 ,the visitors to the gardens found considerable1 interest in watching the bees in our glass hives1 and are now much disappointed at the absence of so entertaining an exhibition4 ,a collection of these hives are now exhibited by the ,acclimatisation ,society of ,great ,britain1 with living bees in them1 at the ,fish ,department of the ,royal ,horticultural ,gardens1 ,south ,kensington4 ,a gentleman residing in ,st4 ,james's ,place has1 for some considerable time past1 kept bees in his garden1 there4 ,he uses our improved cottage-hives1 and his1 bee-keeping is decidedly successful1 as he generally takes1 some fine glasses1 of honey each season1 besides1 leaving sufficient as winter store for the bees4 ,for a ,london situation1 ,st4 ,james's ,place is a very favourable one2 the gardens behind the houses pleasantly face the ,green ,park1 so that the bees have an uninterrupted flight to start with4 ,they are also within easy range of the richly-flowered gardens of ,buckingham ,palace and those of the nobility and gentry who reside around the ,parks4 ,to those1 gardens1 the bees of ,st4 ,james's ,place resort1 without waiting for any licence or certificate from the royal and noble owners of the honey-yielding preserves4 ,being within a short distance of our establishment1 when this gentleman's bees swarm1 he generally sends to us for assistance in hiving them4 ,the neighbourhood of ,st4 ,john's ,wood and1 indeed1 almost all the suburbs of ,london are favourable for the production of honey4 ,we mention ,st4 ,john's ,wood because1 from the fact of having kept bees there ourselves1 we are able to prove by experience that they do well in that locality4 ,we have several customers on nearly all sides of the town1 who have each had this year a considerable surplus of honey in their supers1 after leaving sufficient for the3 bees themselves1 in the lower or stock hives4 ,we exhibited in our window1 in the autumn of #ahfd1 a super of fine honey from the apiary of ,mr4 ,shirley ,hibberd1 the proprietor and editor of the ,gardeners' ,weekly ,magazine4 ,it consisted of a box containing #bj lbs4 nett weight of honey1 and was produced at ,stoke ,newington1 only #c miles from the ,general ,post ,office4 ,the ,times' ,bee-,master1 whose letters from ,tunbridge ,wells have awakened so much interest in this pleasing pursuit1 also commissioned us to exhibit a super1 produced under his own management in that locality4 ,mr4 ,s4 ,b4 ,fox1 at ,exeter1 had1 upwards1 of #djj lbs2 of honey1 of excellent quality1 though one of his apiaries is quite within the city4 ,the last has been an excellent honey-yielding season2 our own bees1 at ,dorking1 ,surrey1 have produced us large quantities1 and the accounts from nearly all parts of the country coincide in stating that the bees have1 in the years #ahfd and #ahfe2 enjoyed unusual opportunities for accumulation4 ,in not a few localities1 the season of #ahfc was even more abundant4 ,,wasps ,,and ,,moths4 ,bees1 have few enemies more formidable1 than wasps4 ,the most effectual method of checking their invasion of hives is to have1 as narrow an entrance1 as the bees can do with4 ,if a stock be not1 very weak in numbers1 the bees will be well able to guard a small aperture1 and can repel the attacks of those insidious1 and merciless robbers4 ,on this account1 the entrance to our cottager-hive1 as described at page #gd1 may be used4 ,the bee-keeper is interested in preventing the increase of wasps2 it is1 therefore1 a good practice for him to set a price on queen-wasps in the spring the death of one of them at that time being equivalent to the destruction of a whole nest4 ,should nests be found in the neighbourhood of an apiary1 their annihilation must be accomplished1 either by blowing them up with gunpowder1 an operation well understood by most country1 lads1 or any1 other effectual method4 ,the late ,mr4 ,payne recommended1 that a small quantity of gas tar should be put into the mouth of a wasps' nest1 and if then covered with earth1 the total destruction of the wasps will be accomplished without further trouble4 ,but to use blazing straw for the purpose is always dangerous in country districts4 ,we have lately heard of a very ingenious and successful mode of entrapping and killing wasps4 ,place some sugar or strongly-sweetened compound on the ground in a garden1 and place over it a square hand-glass1 wedged up an inch or so all round4 ,on this glass1 which should have an opening at the apex1 lodge another1 but a sound one4 ,the wasps1 attracted1 by the sweets1 will soon crowd under the lower glass1 and1 when they have well feasted1 will ascend into the upper one2 there1 between the two1 they soon become scorched and perish by the heat of the sun shining on the outer glass4 ,the season of #ahfd was most productive for the increase of these prime pests of the apiary1 and many hives have severely suffered by their depredations4 ,when once wasps in any number have gained an entrance into a hive1 the bees can seldom eject them1 and the invaders generally remain until they have freely regaled themselves from the luscious store4 ,they not only consume the honey1 but cause a good deal of worry to the legitimate inhabitants of the hive1 as well as killing the foremost defenders of it4 ,wasps being much superior in strength1 it requires at least three bees to master one of them4 ,having suffered loss in our own apiary from the attacks of wasps1 we feel it desirable to give a detailed account of our troubles from that cause4 ,a ,ligurian stock was besieged and worried by wasps to such an extent1 that the bees deserted it on the #eth of ,september1 #ahfd4 ,fortunately1 the bees chose a time for their departure just as we visited the apiary4 ,an unusual turmoil was heard in the hive1 such as is experienced at the time of swarming1 and on immediately examining the entrance1 we observed that the bees were quitting in tumultuous haste4 ,the usual methods that induce bees to settle were tried--amongst others1 that of throwing sand up into the air1 so that it should fall down amongst the bees on the wing2 but they were dispersed in disorder1 and their flight extended over three adjacent gardens4 ,we only discovered the clustered bees by diligent search1 as the sequel will show4 ,permission being asked of our next-door neighbour1 we searched his garden to see if our bees had alighted there2 but found that they had passed over4 ,making a similar application to the owner of the garden adjoining1 we entered1 having a straw hive in hand1 but no bees were there4 ,after looking diligently all round1 and climbing the wall1 thereby gaining a view of the third garden1 we perceived in it unmistakable signs of an unwonted commotion4 ,the occupiers of the house were intently looking at a particular part of the garden1 and there was a dust-pan and a key1 with which the master had been tanging the bees1 to induce them to settle4 ,we quickly made for the proper entrance to the garden1 and soon discovered our little wanderers clustered to a large flower-vase4 ,our neighbours1 however1 were sadly disappointed of their prize1 for the gardener had hastily been dispatched into the town to purchase a hive for the welcome colonists4 ,in depriving our neighbours of a so unexpected and cheaply-acquired treasure1 we could sympathise with their regret1 having been much disheartened half an hour before at our own loss2 but1 of course1 we could do no other than claim our own bees4 ,we gladly agreed to defray the expense of the straw hive that had been purchased for the sake of our truant swarm4 ,after brushing the bees into the hive1 and leaving it propped up with a stick1 in order that the stray ones might join1 we returned home for an hour or so1 to give them time to settle4 ,judge of our vexation when1 on returning to fetch the hive home1 we found that the refractory creatures had again taken flight1 and that all the work was to do over again4 ,the wasps were not to blame for this second flight of the ,ligurians2 we judged that the swarm had been disturbed by visits from a colony of bees that we discovered were living the life of outlaws under the roof of an adjoining house4 ,although much disheartened and perplexed1 we at once renewed our search1 and1 upon inquiry1 found that the missing bees had taken a southerly course across the turnpike road1 and it was therefore necessary to ask permission to search the gardens of the houses opposite4 ,from one of these we observed1 on looking through the hedge1 that the inhabitants of the' next house were on the qui vive4 ,on inquiring whether they had seen a colony of bees1 the wary old dame replied that she had no bees but her own1 and added that they were very much excited4 ,having asked permission to go through the hedge to look at her bees1 we soon discovered our ,ligurians on the top of the old lady's bee-house4 ,there was no difficulty in identifying our own bees2 their yellow rings were as good as a private mark4 ,quickly hiving the swarm1 we took them home1 and replaced them in the hive they had quitted4 ,it was almost destitute of honey2 but by liberal feeding1 and lessening the entrance so that only one bee at a time could find ingress or egress1 we succeeded in inducing them to rest in their old home4 ,thus nearly half a day's exertion was needed to save a fine colony1 which would otherwise have been utterly lost by the power of the relentless wasps4 ,much watchfulness is needed to prevent the loss of swarms1 and the foregoing incident may serve to suggest the necessity of having hives so located as to be constantly within view1 either from the dining-room1 or of those whose duties oblige them to be near the apiary4 ,if we had not happened to be at hand at the moment this colony started1 it would have been irretrievably lost to us4 ,many swarms and colonies are lost1 simply because the departure takes place without anyone witnessing it4 ,let us hope that runaway bees may always fall into the hands of those who are as capable of taking care of them as our neighbours appeared to be on the occasion we have described4 ,other formidable enemies of bees are moths4 ,these insects are creatures of the night1 as the wasps are of the day1 and they make their way into the hives under cover of darkness1 in spite of the bee-sentinels4 ,they deposit their eggs in any crevices in or near the hive that they can find4 ,there the warmth of the hive1 or of the sheltered situation1 causes the eggs speedily1 to hatch1 and then the maggots soon work their way to the comb and larv food1 which they greedily devour1 thereby often bringing about the gradual but certain destruction of the whole community of bees4 ,the best method of1 keeping moths outside the hives is to lessen the entrance1 as before alluded to4 ,also1 in the early spring1 the hives should be lifted from their floor-boards1 which must then be made thoroughly clean2 and all crevices and corners about the hive and stand should be scraped1 so as to get rid of all eggs of moths and other insects before the warm weather hatches them or enables them to do mischief4 ,the bee-moth is not so troublesome in ,england as it is in ,america and some parts of ,germany2 but still its encroachments should be carefully guarded against in this country1 for if not1 it may easily increase to a very serious extent4 ,in the season of #ahfe1 wasps were as few as they were numerous the preceding year2 their paucity was attributable either to frosts in ,may or to heavy rains in ,june1 which destroyed them in their nests4 ,in general1 wasps are great depredators of wall-fruit1 but1 in the autumn before mentioned1 the bees occupied the wasps' foraging-ground4 ,perhaps never in the memory of bee-keepers did bees feast upon fruit in the same manner4 ,various reasons have been assigned for this unusual occurrence2 some thought that as there were so few wasps the bees were unmolested1 and enjoyed the saccharine matter in the fruit without let or hindrance--for bees are about as partial to the company of wasps as mice are to that of rats4 ,other bee-keepers remarked the sudden and early termination of the honey-gathering1 and conjectured that the bees1 being anxious to make up their winter store1 endeavoured to bring home nectar from the fruit because the weather was unusually fine4 ,there was one feature which is worth remarking3 as far as our observation extended1 the bees did not1 like the wasps1 break the skin of sound fruit1 but were satisfied with lapping the juice of the ripe fruit that had the skin already broken4 ,an unusual amount of robbing and fighting occurred in the autumn of #ahfe2 the weather remaining fine and warm1 and the honey having all but ceased in the flowers1 the bees began to assail each other's hives1 as usual1 the strong attacking the weak4 ,in most years1 this spirit of depredation exists1 and the bee-keeper should be on his guard not to tempt the avarice of bees' by exposing honey1 either in the comb or liquid1 and also to be very tardy of opening bar and frame hives at this time of year4 ,if needful to do so 7soon after sunrise is the safest1 because there will be few bees about71 take the hive to a quiet corner of the garden1 many yards away from the other hives1 and do what is requisite speedily1 so as not to expose the honey to the scent of a host of robbers1 who will most unceremoniously pillage1 and cause a terrible commotion4 ,this caution will also be necessary to be kept in view when removing supers4 ,in fact1 many liberties that may be taken with bees when they are busy in the gathering season will most wofully disturb an apiary in ,august or ,september2 and this plundering spirit may exist even in ,october4#bg ,footnote #bg3 ,in the spring of the year1 great care is also needful as regards feeding and in opening hives4 ,,draining ,,honey ,,from ,,the ,,combs4 ,those of our readers who prefer eating run honey to honey in the comb may be glad of some instruction as to the best way of separating the two4 ,for this purpose1 it is better to let the honey run without squeezing1 in order to preserve both its transparency and flavour4 ,take a sharp knife1 and slice the combs on both sides1 keeping the knife parallel with the partition wall1 so that every cell may be laid open4 ,place these broken combs in a sieve1 or on a piece of muslin stretched across and tied round the opening of a pan or large-mouthed jar4 ,allow the honey to flow out of the combs spontaneously1 and reserve the squeezing process for a separate jar1 so that the honey of the first drained jar may be perfectly pure1 both in appearance and flavour4 ,that which has pressure put on it will be waxy in flavour and thick4 ,some persons recommend that the opened combs be placed in the sun1 as the heat will cause the honey to run more freely4 ,the great disadvantage of this is1 the temptation the honey offers to bees1 who will be eager to gain a share4 ,honey1 whilst in the combs1 keeps remarkably well when left in the supers2 if cut out1 the combs should be folded in writing-paper1 and sealed up1 so as to effectually prevent the free entrance of air3 they should then be placed in a warm1 dry closet4 ,honey1 like most vegetable products1 should be fresh every year4 ,it may easily be kept from one season to another2 but when kept beyond that time1 unless very carefully stored in a warm temperature1 it will crystallize in the comb1 and it is liable to ferment when in jars separated from the comb4 ,,diseases ,,of ,,bees4 ,dysentery is a disease produced either by long confinement1 by dampness1 or by feeding in the winter4 ,the first thing bees do when disturbed is to fill themselves with food1 so that in winter weather1 when they cannot get out to void their fces1 hives should not be meddled with1 otherwise the complaint may be brought on4 ,it is also engendered in many instances by the state of the weather in winter months1 and is indicated by the yellow colour of the excrement1 and by its being voided upon the floors and at the entrance of the hives1 which bees in a healthy state generally keep clean4 ,all1 that can be done for them when affected is to well clean or to change the floor-board1 and so produce cleanliness4 ,having made some remarks on this disease at page #bad1 in connection with bees sent to ,australia1 we will pass on to the more formidable1 but happily less common1 malady of foul brood4 ,this disease does not attack the bees themselves1 but affects the larv1 by causing them to putrefy in the cells1 thus destroying all hope of the rising generation4 ,bees are exceedingly fond of their young1 and are greatly dispirited when their hives are in this plight4 ,in common with most pestilential disorders1 no satisfactory cause is assigned for its first appearance4 ,some apiarians contend1 that foul brood is another name for chilled1 brood2 others1 that the queen1 by a freak of nature1 deposits some of her eggs the wrong way upwards1 and that these putrefy in the cells and contaminate the others4 ,whatever may be the origin1 one thing is very certain1 it is catching2 there is1 however1 in the circumstance of the adult bees and of those about emerging from the cells not being injuriously affected thereby1 a great help to its eradication1 as will presently be shown4 ,there are two kinds of foul brood--one is moist and ftid1 the other is dry and not contagious1 the brood merely drying up in the cells1 and1 from its partial character1 is probably within the power of the bees themselves to overcome4 ,in the former1 instead of drying up1 the brood remains dark and slimy in the cells1 and emits a most unpleasant odour1 perceptible at some distance from the hive4 ,in the year #ahdh1 ,pastor ,dzierzon lost a large number of stocks from this disease2 he1 however1 was enabled to banish it from his apiary1 and communicated to a ,german bee-journal very wholesome advice1 which ,mr4 ,langstroth quotes1 and from which we make an extract3--,when the malady makes its appearance in only two or three of the colonies1 and is discovered early 7which may readily be done in hives having movable combs71 it can be arrested and cured without damage or diminution of profit4 ,to prevent the disease from spreading in a colony1 there is no more reliable and efficient process ,,than ,,to ,,stop ,,the ,,production ,,of ,,brood2 for where no brood exists1 none can perish or putrefy4 ,the disease is thus deprived both of its aliment and its subjects4 ,the healthy brood will mature and emerge in due time1 and the putrid matter remaining in a few cells will dry up and be removed by the workers4 ,all this will certainly result from a well-timed removal of the queen from such colonies4 ,if such removal becomes necessary in the spring or early part of the summer1 a supernumerary queen is thereby obtained1 by means of which an artificial colony may be started1 which will certainly be healthy if the bees and brood used be taken from healthy colonies4 ,should the removal be made in the latter part of summer1 the useless production of brood will at once be stopped and an unnecessary consumption of honey prevented4 ,thus1 in either case1 we are gainers by the operation4 ,in cases where the disease assumes a more malignant character--in other words1 has got ahead1 through not being nipped in the bud1--it will be well to take notice of another quotation from ,mr4 ,langstroth's book3--,in the spring or summer1 when the weather is fine and pasturage abounds1 the following cure is recommended by a ,german apiarian3--',drive out the bees into any clean1 hive1 and shut them up in a dark place without food for twenty-four hours2 prepare for them a clean hive1 properly fitted up with comb from healthy colonies2 transfer the bees into it1 and confine them two days longer1 feeding them with pure honey4' ,mr4 ,woodbury's apiary was severely attacked by this disease in the spring and summer of #ahfc4 ,the writer happened to be on a visit to him at this juncture1 and witnessed him withdrawing infected combs from hives that were literally masses of corruption1 the brood-cells of which1 on being opened with a pointed instrument1 revealed the dark brown slimy matter before alluded to1 and from which arose a most unpleasant smell4 ,mr4 ,woodbury communicated to the ,journal of ,horticulture1 of ,july #ba1 #ahfc1 an exact and graphic account of his misfortunes1 headed ,a ,dwindling ,apiary4 ,finding that the removal of the putrid matter must be simultaneously effected and the bees driven out and placed in hives that had undergone a complete purification1 ,mr4 ,woodbury set about endeavouring to accomplish his object1 and was so far successful1 that he was able to furnish an article to the before-named journal of ,august #dth1 under the more cheerful title of ,convalescent1 in which he says3 ,first1 let me indorse the opinions both of ,dzierzon and ,rothe1 that1 except under very especial circumstances1 it is unadvisable to attempt the cure of a foul-breeding stock3 better1 far better1 to consign its inhabitants to the brimstone pit2 the hive itself1 if a straw one1 to the flames2 the comb to the melting pot2 and appropriate the honey to any purpose1 except that of feeding bees4 ,mr4 ,woodbury further says3 ,before starting1 it was requisite to insure the transfer of the bees to unpolluted hives2 and here ,i found that ,dzierzon declares that every hive that has contained a foul-breeding colony should be exposed to the sun and air for two years before being re-stocked4 ,in my own case1 this was simply impossible1 and ,i therefore adopted the practice of another ,german writer on the subject1 viz41 to scrape out the hive very carefully1 wash it all over with a saturated solution of chloride of lime1 keeping it closely shut up for twenty-four hours1 and then1 after thoroughly washing it with clean water1 exposing it to the sun and air until the smell of the disinfectant had passed off4 ,this method has the advantage of enabling one to use a wooden hive again after a lapse of a couple of days1 and is1 ,i believe1 thoroughly effectual4 ,mr4 ,woodbury then captured the queen1 secured her in a cage1 and placed her in a clean empty hive2 all her bees were brushed from their combs into it as rapidly as possible1 in order to prevent their carrying much of the infected honey with them1 whilst the combs themselves were set draining out of the bees' reach1 and consigned as quickly as possible to the melting pot4 ,after the lapse of three or four days1 the queen 7still imprisoned7 and bees were again transferred to another clean hive1 furnished with a few pure combs1 and in this they were suffered to remain1 their queen being released in a day or two1 as soon as they appeared contentedly settled4 ,mr4 ,woodbury gives another important hint that operations of this kind with tainted combs should be performed out of reach of robber-bees from adjacent hives1 lest they should carry the infection to their respective houses4 ,by the before-mentioned process1 ,mr4 ,woodbury succeeded in completely extirpating foul brood from his apiary in #ahfc1 and has had no return of it since4 ,english apiarian writers have made so little allusion to this disorder1 that some of our older bee-keepers contend that modern hives and foreign bees have something to do with bringing it about4 ,to show that the disease made its appearance in former days1 there is a chapter on this subject in ,bonner's ,bee-,keeper's ,companion1 published at ,berwick1 in #agih1 entitled1 ,an uncommon ,disaster which sometimes1 though rarely1 happens to ,bees1 which ,mr4 ,woodbury quotes at length in the ,journal of ,horticulture4 ,bonner1 after recounting therein his observations of the dwindling state of his apiary for which he could not account1 says3 ,he saw plainly that the young were all going backward in the cells1 and that he looked down between the combs1 but was unable to proceed for the stench that the rotten maggots produced4 ,mr4 ,langstroth writes that ,aristotle speaks of a disease which was accompanied with a disgusting smell1 so that there is reason to believe that foul brood was known two thousand years ago4 ,when we take into consideration how sorely our farmers are perplexed by the cattle plague1 known as the rinderpest1 concerning which so many conflicting opinions exist 7and the same may be said of the recommendations for its cure71 can we wonder that our little favourites should occasionally be liable to disorders of this sort1 which puzzle even experienced bee-keepers8 ,in the hope of allaying unnecessary alarm1 we would just add that foul brood is not a very general complaint1 and1 so far as our observation extends1 has been most fatal in large experimental apiaries1 where extensive propagation has necessarily had to be pushed forward4 ,with the experience and advice already gained1 this disorder may now be said to be deprived of its terrors4 ,,general ,,remarks4 ,every bee-keeper should be a book-keeper2 that is1 so far as to have a permanent record of the events of the apiary and the fortunes of his bees4 ,a book similar to a tradesman's journal would be very suitable for the purpose4 ,in it he should note down the date of the first swarm of the season especially1 and those of the other swarms also2 and in autumn1 the quantity of honey taken from each hive should be entered1 with remarks on the probable size of the various stocks4 ,these particulars will not only be interesting for the bee-keeper to turn to in winter1 but will be of practical service in enabling him to know the exact age and probable strength of each stock4 ,the bee-book may also be contrived to show the total amount of honey that the bees have produced for their owner1 and the net money profit of the apiary4 ,a simple and clear account like this--provided1 by the bye1 that it does show a satisfactory balance--will be very useful for inducing cottagers and farm-labourers to start bee-keeping4 ,nothing like ocular demonstration for this class4 ,the humane apiarian will reason with them in vain1 until he shows them a monster skep of honey1 and mentions the price that it will fetch in the market ,when convinced that the depriving system will pay1 the cottager will gladly adopt it4 ,a writer in the ,quarterly ,review gives the following good advice3--,don't bore the cottager with long lectures2 don't heap upon him many little books2 but give him a hive of the best construction1 show him the management1 and then buy his honey2 buy all he brings1 even though you should have to give the surplus to some gardenless widow4 ,but only buy such as comes from an improved hive--and you cannot easily be deceived in this1--one which preserves the bees and betters the honey4 ,then1 when you pay him1 you may read to him1 if you will1 the wise rules of old ,butler1 exempli grati3-- ',if thou wilt have the favour of thy bees that they sting thee not1 thou must not be unchaste or uncleanly2 thou must not come among them with a stinking breath1 caused either though eating of leeks1 onions1 or garlic1 or by any other means1 the noisomeness whereof is corrected by a cup of beer2 thou must not be given to surfeiting or drunkenness2 thou must not come puffing or blowing unto them1 neither hastily stir among them1 nor violently defend thyself when they seem to threaten thee2 but1 softly moving by1 thy hand before thy face1 gently put them by2 and1 lastly1 thou must be no stranger to them4 ,in a word 7or rather in five words71 be chaste1 sweet1 sober1 quiet1 familiar2 so they will love thee and know thee from all others4' ,allusion having been made to the profit that may be gained by the judicious management of bees1 we will illustrate that point by relating an anecdote of a certain ,french cur4#bh ,it is one which may be suggestive to some of the rural clergy in this country1 who might almost as easily keep an apiary as they do a garden or an orchard4 ,footnote #bh3 ,this story1 in a disguised form1 or1 as the writer would say1 an improved form1 was quoted in the ,cornhill ,magazine some time ago4 ,in transforming the bee-keeping cur into an ,english clergyman1 the effect was cleverly enhanced1 especially as to the dismay of the decorous ,english prelate in hearing that his poor brother in the ,church had turned manufacturer2 but then the vraisemblance of the story1 as we have it1 was destroyed4 ,a good ,french bishop1 in paying his annual visit to his clergy1 was very much afflicted by the representations they made to him of their extreme poverty1 which1 indeed1 the appearance of their houses and families corroborated4 ,deploring the sad state of things which had reduced them to such a condition1 he arrived at the house of a curate1 who1 living amongst a poorer set of parishioners than any he had yet visited1 would1 he feared1 be in a still more woful plight than the rest4 ,contrary1 however1 to his expectations1 he found the appearance of this remote parsonage to be superior to those he had already visited4 ,everything about the house wore the aspect of comfort and plenty4 ,the good bishop was amazed4 ,how is this1 my friend8 said he2 you are the first pastor ,i have met with having a cheerful face and a plentiful board6 ,have you any income independent of your cure8 ,yes1 sire1 said the pastor1 ,i have3 my family would starve on the pittance ,i receive from the poor people that ,i instruct4 ,if you will walk into the garden1 ,i will show you the stock that yields me such excellent interest4 ,on going into the garden1 he showed the bishop a long range of bee-hives4 ,there1 said he1 is the bank from which ,i draw an annual dividend1 and it is one that never stops payment4 ,his harvest of honey enabled him almost to dispense with the use of sugar1 leaving him a considerable quantify for disposal in the market2 of the coarser portions he made a tolerable substitute for wine1 and the sale of the wax nearly paid his shoemaker's bill4 ,ever afterwards1 when any of the clergy complained to the bishop of poverty1 he would say to them1 ,keep bees6 keep bees6 ,in this succinct advice--extending it to laity as well as clergy in rural districts--we heartily join1 believing that in this country a ten-fold greater number of hives might be successfully kept than are now established4 ,in a very practical sense1 the oft-repeated lines of ,gray are strictly true3-- ,full many a flower is born to blush unseen4 ,and waste its sweetness on the desert air4 ,an apiary in the garden of every village clergyman would afford the means of economising this unclaimed bounty of ,providence4 ,an amusing1 instance of the fondness of bears for honey is related by a ,muscovite ambassador to ,rome1 in the ,feminine ,monarchie2 written out of ,experience by ,charles ,butler4 ,printed in the ,year #afji1--;a quaint1 but sensible work3-- ,a neighbour of mine 7saith he71 in searching in the woods for honey1 slipped down into a great hollow tree1 and there sunk into a lake of honey up to the breast2 where--when he had stuck fast two days1 calling and crying out in vain for help1 because nobody in the meanwhile1 came nigh that solitary place--at length1 when he was out of all hope of life1 he was strangely delivered by the means of a great bear1 which1 coming thither about the same business that he did1 and smelling the honey1 stirred with his striving1 clambered up to the top of the tree1 and then began to lower himself down backwards into it4 ,the man bethinking himself1 and knowing that the worst was but death--which in that place he was sure of--beclipt the bear fast with both his hands about the loins1 and withal made an outcry as loud as he could4 ,the bear being thus suddenly affrighted1 what with the handling and what with the noise1 made-up again with all speed possible4 ,the man held1 and the bear pulled1 until1 with main force1 he had drawn him out of the mire2 and then being let go1 away he trots1 more afeared than hurt1 leaving the smeared swain in joyful fear4 ,bees may be very inexpensively and profitably kept in the cottager's hive 7see page #hj71 which will be found a very productive one4 ,it is true that it has not the appliances of windows and bell-glasses2 for the cottager is not supposed so much to care for his hives as a source of amusement2 his object in bee-keeping is simply the profit it may bring4 ,for those of our readers who wish to have united the facility1 of observing the bees with that of the plentiful production of honey1 we would especially recommend the improved cottage hive1 described at page #fi4 ,if inclined to go to a little further expense1 the hives described at pages #ea1 #fb1 #gg1 and #hd1 all afford constant opportunity for inspection of the bees1 and allow of their working freely in the most natural manner4 ,the ,stewarton hive 7page #aji7 is also a favourite with those who give the preference to honey1 stored in boxes1 although the opportunities for observation are not so great as with some others4 ,there are few hobbies which cost so little outlay as the keeping of bees6 ,once the plant of hives is purchased1 there is little1 if any1 additional expense1 and always a probability of a fair return4 ,if honey be obtainable1 the bees will find it2 they work for nothing1 and provide themselves1 with sustenance1 requiring only a very little labour from their keepers1 and that labour of a pleasing and instructive1 kind4 ,to the advanced and skilful apiarian we would especially commend the use of the bar and frame hives4 ,with these1 as we have attempted to show1 the bee-keeper has a full command over his hives and bees4 ,many mistakes1 it is true1 have been made by uninitiated bee-keepers in using the more elaborate hives4 ,being struck with the remarkable facilities afforded by these superior hives for the extraction of any one comb1 and1 perhaps1 fascinated with their easy sway over so highly-organized a community1 these new-fangled bee-keepers have acquired a habit of perpetually and incautiously meddling with the bees4 ,the inevitable results in such cases are1 distress to the bees1 impoverishment of the stocks1 and loss and vexation to the over-zealous apiarian4 ,all these things may be avoided1 if it is remembered that there are first steps in bee-keeping1 as well as in chemistry1 croquet1 or cricket4 ,in bee-keeping1 as in floriculture1 it is a great point to know when to let well alone4 ,there is no florist1 however anxious for a prize1 who would be continually pulling up his plants to see how their roots were growing4 ,doubtless1 the full control which the bars and frames afford over the inmost recesses of the hives is a great temptation to the bee-keeper2 but if he yields too readily to it1 he will imperil his chance of profit and deprive himself of that continuous source of interest which a judicious apiarian always enjoys4 ,many persons who are well-informed on most subjects are extraordinarily ignorant of the natural history of bees and the economy of the bee-hive4 ,perhaps we might venture to suggest that more pains should be taken at schools1 or by parents1 to inform young persons on this1 in connexion with kindred subjects4 ,as an amusing illustration of the ignorance referred to1 we transcribe an order we received a short time since from a seminary in the north of ,england4 ,the young gentleman thus writes3--,master ---- presents his compliments to ,messrs4 ,neighbour1 and begs they will send him a swarm of bees2 he encloses six postage stamps1 and hopes they will send him a good swarm4 ,this embryo naturalist was evidently of a mercantile turn1 and had a mind to buy in the cheapest market1 for in a postscript he adds3--,please let it be fourpence1 if you can6 ,we need scarcely say that1 in reply1 we endeavoured to enlighten our juvenile correspondent as to what constituted a swarm of bees1 and returned the stamps1 with our thanks4 ,much superstition has existed1 and1 in some quarters1 still exists1 among the poor respecting bees4 ,if a death occurs in the family of the bee-owner1 these superstitious folk consider it needful to make the bees aware of the bereavement by waking them2 that is1 by giving a few raps at the entrance1 and audibly announcing the circumstance4 ,if this be not done1 no luck1 say they1 will come of the bees the following season4 ,last summer1 even near the metropolis1 we heard a cottager bemoaning to his neighbour his bad luck with his bees1 when the other replied1 ,ah6 no wonder2 you never 'waked' your bees when your wife died2 what can you expect if you omit such needful duty8 ,in many parts of ,france1 as well as here1 it is a custom on such occasions to put the bees into mourning1 by placing black crape or some such material round the hives4 ,bees also receive intelligence when a marriage or a christening takes place3 in these cases1 the hives are draped with red cloth4 ,in fact1 it is considered an essential element of good luck to inform the bees of any remarkable circumstance that occurs in the family of the bee-keeper4 ,how would these good people manage with the newly-imported foreign bees1 for they can hardly be expected to have learned our lingo8 ,this difficulty is1 however1 not likely to be experienced1 for it is to be hoped that intelligent bee-keepers do not believe in such nonsense4 ,fancy a man in this nineteenth century haranguing his bees after the above-mentioned fashion6 ,mr4 ,langstroth says that some superstitious folk in ,america assert that the bees sometimes take the loss of their master so much to heart as to alight upon the coffin whenever it is exposed4 ,a clergyman told him that he attended a funeral where1 as soon as the coffin was brought from the house1 the bees gathered on it so much as to excite alarm4 ,some years after this occurrence1 being engaged in varnishing a table1 the bees alighted upon it in such numbers as to convince the clergyman that love of the varnish on the outside1 rather than any respect for the deceased within1 was the occasion of their conduct at the funeral4 ,mr4 ,langstroth adds3 ,how many superstitions1 believed even by intelligent persons1 might be as easily explained1 if it were possible to ascertain as fully all the facts connected with them8 ,another infatuation is1 that you should on no account part with your bees for silver money--only for gold4 ,this is so far sensible1 that it ensures a respectable price4 ,certain credulous bee-keepers cannot1 on any account2 be induced to part with their bees for money2 they will barter1 but not sell1--to sell bees is1 in their view1 to lay themselves open to evil fortune4 ,if these apprehensions are correct1 our punishment will be a severe one1 for we have been great offenders in that way1 and seem likely to go on sinning4 ,it is scarcely necessary to add that1 with the increase of education1 such superstitions and fancies are becoming less and less1 and will soon1 it is hoped1 be ranked amongst the follies of bygone days4 ,the culture of bees would be greatly promoted if a knowledge of it were considered necessary as one of the regular qualifications of a gardener4 ,so little time is needed to gain the skill requisite for the tendance of an apiary1 that it seems only reasonable to expect it of a well-taught gardener1 and he should feel a pleasure in the circumstance of its forming a part of his duties4 ,in ,germany1 where a country gentleman's table is kept constantly supplied with fresh honey1 the gardeners are expected to understand the management of hives2 and in ,bavaria1 modern bee-culture is taught in the colleges to all the horticultural students4 ,travellers in ,switzerland will call to mind the almost invariable practice of placing new honey on the breakfast tables at hotels in that country4 ,some writers on bee-culture attach much importance to the particular position in which an apiary stands1 and the aspect towards which it faces4 ,a southern1 or rather a south-eastern aspect1 is the one which we have already recommended4 ,our reason for this preference is1 that we deem it very important for the bees to have the first of the morning sun4 ,bees are early risers1 and should have every inducement given them for the maintenance of so excellent a practice4 ,a few years since1 many strong opinions were expressed in favour of a northern aspect for hives4 ,the chief reason given for those opinions1 though very plausible1 appears to us to be a very partial and inadequate one4 ,it was said that1 when the hives face the south1 the bees may1 like the incautious swallow in the fable1 be tempted to fly abroad in the transient winter sunshine1 and then perish in the freezing atmosphere when a passing cloud intervenes4 ,but it is a very easy matter1 if considered needful1 to screen the entrance by fixing up matting so as to intercept the rays of the sun4 ,at our own apiary we make no alteration in winter1 under the belief that the bees will take care of themselves and that they seldom venture out when the weather is unsuitable4 ,with hives exposed in the open garden1 it is a good practice to wind hay-bands round them in frosty weather1 as such a protection enables the bees to resist the cold4 ,when a thaw occurs1 everything1 both in and out of doors1 has a great deal of dampness about it4 ,the combs of a hive are not exempt from this1 so that it is advisable to have slight upward ventilation in winter4 ,holes the size of a pin's head allow of the escape of a good deal of bad air1 which is generated by the exhalations of the bees1 as well as by the dampness before referred to4 ,these holes1 being small1 do not create sufficient draught through the hives to be pernicious2 if closed up by propolis1 they are readily reopened with a pin4 ,with wooden hives in winter1 a bell-glass is often found to be useful2 it should be placed over the hole in the crown-board1 with a zinc trough to receive the condensed moisture4 ,in summer1 bees do much towards ventilating their own stock-hives4 ,the observant apiarian will not fail to remark how1 on a warm day1 several of the little creatures will stand at the entrance1 with their abdomens sightly raised and their twinkling wings in rapid motion1 producing a current of air inwards2 while another set are engaged in like manner1 driving the bad air out1 so that a supply of pure oxygen is conveyed to the crowded inmates4 ,in this fanning operation their wings vibrate with such rapidity1 that their shape is as indistinct as are the spokes of a wheel when revolving in rapid centrifugal motion4 ,this important office entails great physical exertion on the part of the bees1 and they relieve each other in detachments4 ,fine colonies are sometimes destroyed by the entrance-way becoming stopped by some impediment or other1 and care is requisite to keep a watch1 that so fatal a catastrophe does not happen1 because the bees 7unless where very ample ventilation is given71 excited by their imprisonment1 make matters worse1 by raising the temperature of their hive to such a pitch1 that the combs melt from their foundations1 and the bees themselves are suffocated1 presenting1 alas6 a most woful spectacle to witness4 ,we give this hint because1 having ourselves suffered from a similar cause when workmen have been employed in the vicinity of hives1 these gentlemen1 thoughtless of the welfare of the bees1 but most careful of their own convenience1 placed a piece of wood across1 or otherwise stopped1 the entrances1 to prevent the bees coming out4 ,in summer weather a very short time of confinement in a close hive suffices to complete the work of desolation2 but should the bee-keeper's attention be drawn to such a state of things1 he must immediately raise the hive from its floor-board1 and let the poor bees have all the air possible1 leaving them thus exposed for the purpose of affording them a chance of revival4 ,when bees are likely to incommode those whose duties temporarily oblige them to be near the entrances1 it is better to move the hives a few paces 7for less loss will be experienced71 or else let the workmen cover their faces with net4 ,the foregoing remarks more particularly apply to the summer season4 ,in winter or in the spring1 when the weather is cool and the bees are not so numerous1 hives may be shut up even for a day or so without much ventilation1 and but little harm will arise therefrom4 ,when we send away stocks or swarms1 we are always careful to pack them so as to allow of a full current of air1 in order that they may travel even in the hottest weather4 ,some bee-keepers find an adapting-board convenient for placing underneath straw supers1 as it facilitates their removal4 ,these boards are made of mahogany half an inch thick1 with a hole in the centre corresponding with that in the stock-hive4 ,we do not consider it necessary to fix cross sticks in the straw stock-hives1 as is frequently done2 but if the apiarian prefers to have his hives so furnished1 there is no serious objection to it4 ,these observations refer to our cottager's hive 7page #hj74 ,there is another little matter of detail that should be named here2 that is1 the necessity of the bee-keeper always having a common hive in readiness near the bees1 so as to be able to secure any swarm which may unexpectedly start4 99 99 99 99 99 ,here our pleasant task must close4 ,we trust that all information has been given that is needful to enable the practical bee-keeper to begin business and the scientific apiarian to extend his observations4 ,by way of illustrating the two characters combined1 we will quote another simple idyll1 by the ,german bee-keeper1 ,herr ,braun1 whose winter musings we have already presented to the reader3-- ,,on ,,the ,,first ,,flight ,,of ,,bees ,,in ,,spring4 ,from the ,german of ,adalbert ,braun4 ,by ,a ,devonshire ,bee-keeper4 ,hark6 what is so gaily humming ,in the little garden there8 ,hark6 what is so briskly whizzing ,through the still and silent air8 ,friend1 it is our bees--the darlings-- ,now enliven'd by the spring2 ,yes1 the winter is departed1 ,and once more they're on the wing4 ,happy he1 who winter's perils ,all his stocks brings safely through2 ,thank ,him1 of all good the ,giver-- ,faithful ,watchman ,he1 and true4 ,of my own are none departed1 ,all as yet unhurt remain2 ,though no longer rich in honey1 ,yet is spring returned again6 ,come1 and let us view them nearer-- ,enter by the garden gate2-- ,so--stand still and watch their doings-- ,light your pipe1 and patient wait4 ,see how busily they traverse ,to their pasturage and back1 ,that they may by toil unwearied ,save the commonwealth from wrack4 ,look1 ,o look1 what loads of pollen ,bring they in with heedful care4 ,nurslings1 fear not2 for your cravings ,here's sufficient and to spare4 ,how they dart and how they hurtle ,through the genial balmy air6 ,to the mountains--to the meadows-- ',tis the scent attracts them there4 ,there they dexterously rifle ,nectar from each flow'r in bloom4 ,toil they for our honey-harvest1 ,for us fill the honey-room4 ,yes1 our bees1 our darling darlings1 ,we salute you all to-day2 ,for your life is our enjoyment-- ,winter's sleep has pass'd away4 ,grant prosperity1 ,o ,heaven6 ,to the new-born honey-year-- ,give thy favour--give thy blessing-- ,to these objects of our care4 ,now let each attentive guardian ,in devoted service strive ,for the proud1 the matron-monarch-- ,sov'reign of the honey-hive4 ,so that we may learn by watching ,who that in the noon-tide glance1 ,or in midnight's darkest moments1 ,summons her to ,hymen's dance4#bi ,ev'ry bee-hive calls for patience1 ,whilst great ,haller's lessons teach ,without patience ,nature's secrets ,none successfully can reach4 ,t4 ,w4 ,woodbury1 ,mount ,radford1 ,exeter4 ,footnote #bi3 ,this point cannot now be considered doubtful1 but it must be remembered that ,herr ,braun's verses were written twenty years ago4 ,in conclusion1 we would remind all bee-keepers who earnestly desire success1 and who hope to draw pecuniary profit from their pursuit1 of the golden rule in bee-keeping3--,keep your stocks strong4 ,in exercising the assiduous attention and persevering effort which that maxim enjoins1 they will not only be regarded as1 bee-keepers1 but1 as ,mr4 ,langstroth says1 will acquire a right to the title of bee-masters4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,appendix4 ,,testimonials ,,of ,,the ,,press4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,great ,,exhibition1 #ahea4 ,the ,working ,apiary in the ,great ,exhibition of #ahea will long live in the remembrance of the many thousand visitors who witnessed with much interest the matchless industry of its busy occupants4 ,we extract the following from many notices that appeared in the public journals relative thereto4 ,in noticing the hives exhibited in the ,crystal ,palace1 ,i would say1 first and foremost1 in my opinion1 stands ,mr4 ,taylor's ,eight-bar ,hive and ,messrs4 ,neighbour1 and ,son's ,improved ,cottage ,hive1 both exhibited by ,messrs4 ,neighbour4--,j4 ,h4 ,payne1 see ,cottage ,gardener1 ,nos4 #afi1 #agj4 ,from the ,illustrated ,london ,news4 ,messrs4 ,neighbour's ,apiary consists of a large glass case1 with parts of the sides covered with perforated zinc for the sake of ventilation4 ,this apiary contains three hives3 first1 ,neighbour's ,ventilating ,box-,hive1 containing from #ae1fjj to #bj1jjj bees1 which were hived on the #cjth of ,april of the present year1 the day before that of the opening of the ,great ,exhibition2 ,neighbour's ,observatory ,glass-,hive1 containing about the same number as the box-hive2 and a two-storied square box-hive1 with sloping roof4 ,from this latter1 however1 the bees decamped within a week after they had been hived1 owing to some disturbance1 or perhaps to the dislike taken by the bees to their new habitation4 ,the ,ventilating ,box-,hive is in shape square1 having windows and shutters4 ,the entrance is at the back1 enabling the bees to go to ,kensington ,gardens1 or other resorts1 when they please4 ,above the wooden box is placed a bell-glass1 into which the bees ascend to work through a circular opening in the top of the square box4 ,in the top of the bell-glass is an aperture1 through which is inserted a tubular trunk of perforated zinc to take off the moisture from within4 ,the ,observatory ,hive is of glass1 with a superior crystal compartment1 an opening being formed between the two2 the bees are at present forming a comb in this upper glass1 which affords a very interesting sight1 as1 generally speaking1 the bees are in such a cluster when at work1 that one can scarcely view their mathematically-formed cells4 ,a straw cover is suspended over the upper compartment by a rope over a pulley1 which cover is raised up by the attendant at pleasure4 ,the larger or bottom compartment rests on a wooden floor1 which has a circular groove sinking therein to receive the bell-glass4 ,a landing place projecting1 as usual1 with sunken way1 to enable the bees to pass in and out of their habitation1 completes this contrivance4 ,in addition to ,mr4 ,neighbour's ,crystal ,apiary1 he also exhibits a ,cottager's ,straw ,hive1 ,taylor's ,amateur ,bee-,hive1 a ,glass ,hive1 ,nutt's ,patent ,collateral ,hive1 the ,ladies' ,observatory ,hive1 ,neighbour's ,improved ,cottage ,hive1 and ,payne's ,cottage ,hive4 ,the ,cottager's ,hive is simply that of the form we find in use in most parts of the country1 where the industrious cottagers or their wives1 by a little attention to their interesting little labourers1 are enabled to add something to their usually scanty earnings4 ,this kind of hive is usually made of straw1 resting on a circular wooden board1 with part of the board or floor projecting in front as a landing-place for the bees1 which enter under the edge of the straw by means of a sinking in the floor4 ,taylor's ,amateur's ,bee-,hive consists of three small square boxes1 one above another1 with a roof over the top story1 the ventilation being effected by perforations under the eaves2 each side of every story has a window and shutter4 ,the landing-place is in front of the bottom story1 and the entrance to the hive is a long slit about three-quarters of an inch high4 ,the ,glass ,hive1 or ,ladies' ,observatory ,hive1 is similar to that in which the bees are at work in ,mr4 ,neighbour's ,apiary already mentioned1 but on account of the number of bees at work therein1 and the extent of comb already effected1 the interior perches cannot be seen4 ,these wooden perches are arranged in parallel lines1 leaving a space next the glass all round1 the whole being framed together with a bar at right angles1 and resting on an upright support in the middle4 ,the ,improved ,cottage ,hive of the same exhibitor consists of a straw circular lower compartment1 having windows and outside shutters4 ,a thermometer is placed just inside one of the windows4 ,the floor is of wood1 with a landing-place and sunken way1 as already mentioned in some of the other hives4 ,in the top1 which is also of wood1 are three circular perforations1 each of about two inches in diameter1 above which are placed as many bell-glasses4 ,there is a small hole in the top of each of the glasses1 through which a perforated tubular trunk is inserted for the sake of taking off the moisture from the interior of the hive4 ,within the glass is a feeding-trough of zinc1 circular in shape1 with a floating perforated floor1 on which the bees alight1 and in the winter season regale themselves with the honey which is found in the various perforations1 as it floats up to the level of the honey contained in the small filling-trough1 through which the honey1 or beer and sugar1 is poured4 ,the glasses are covered with a straw cap1 removable at pleasure4 ,messrs4 ,neighbour's contributions are completed with tin perforated fumigators1 by the use of which the bees are stupefied for a while1 when required to be moved from one hive to another1 and specimens of honey and honeycomb of the season #ahej4 ,from the ,express4 ,bees and ,bee-,hives4--,in the ,north-,east ,gallery1 directly under the ,transept1 are arranged1 by ,messrs4 ,neighbour1 of ,holborn1 several descriptions of bee-hives1 which it will be interesting to many of our readers to examine1 as this branch of rural economy is claiming much general and deserved attention throughout the country4 ,the novelty of these hives consists in the facilities that are afforded in taking therefrom1 at any time of the gathering season1 the purest honey1 without destroying or even injuring the bees1 thus humanely superseding the barbarous and hateful system of murdering these interesting insects to obtain the produce of their industry4 ,immediately adjoining the group of untenanted bee-hives may be observed living hives with the bees most industriously at work4 ,these useful little creatures have been highly honoured by the ,executive ,committee1 for of all the animal workers that contribute to the interest of the ,exhibition1 they alone are allowed therein to display their matchless ingenuity and skill4 ,by a simple contrivance1 the bees are allowed egress and ingress without in the least degree molesting the visitors1 thus enabling the admirers of the works of nature to view the whole process of forming the cells and depositing the honey therein4 ,within these few days1 ,messrs4 ,neighbour have added to the ,apiary a bee-hive constructed entirely of glass1 protected by a cover neatly made of straw1 but so contrived that on application to the attendant it can be removed instantly1 thus illustrating more particularly the curious workmanship of these amusing insects4 ,her ,majesty the ,queen and the ,prince ,consort1 with the ,royal ,children1 were some time engaged in watching with deep interest the busy scene before them1 and putting many questions relating to the habits and economy of the honey-bee4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,international ,,exhibition1 #ahfb4 ,from the ,illustrated ,london ,news1 ,august #af1 #ahfb4 ,one of the most interesting and instructive objects in the ,exhibition is a transparent hive1 in which the bees may be seen at full work4 ,among the collection of bee-hives exhibited by ,messrs4 ,neighbour and ,son1 is one of glass1 stocked with a colony of ,italian ,alp bees4 ,here the queen-bee may be seen surrounded by her subjects1 which pay the most deferential attention to their sovereign4 ,through an aperture cut in the wall1 the busy throng of bees are continually passing and repassing4 ,they go out at their pleasure into the open court1 fly over the annexe into the grounds of the ,horticultural ,society and other adjacent gardens1 and return laden with sweets4 ,from the ,journal of ,horticulture1 ,october #ba1 #ahfb4 ,g4 ,neighbour1 and ,sons1 #adi1 ,regent ,street1 and #aag1 ,holborn1 ,no4 #baeg1 have a very handsome and complete stall1 on ascending the steps of which we found a flourishing stock of ,ligurians1 apparently not at all ashamed of the public position which they occupied1 and working vigorously in the full light of day4 ,the queen1 one of the largest and finest-coloured we have met with1 was perambulating the combs and receiving the homage of her subjects1 stopping frequently to deposit an egg in every empty cell4 ,the hive itself was a ,woodbury ,unicomb1 handsomely got up in mahogany1 invented1 as its name implies1 by our valued correspondent1 ,a ,devonshire ,bee-keeper1 the construction of which will be readily understood by an inspection of the engraving at page #ajb4 ,its distinctive features are the adaptation of the movable-bar system to unicomb-hives1 by which any colony in an apiary of ,woodbury hives can be placed in the unicomb-hive in a few minutes1 and the use of outside venetians1 or sun-blinds1 as they are called1 instead of the usual impervious shutters4 ,by this contrivance light is never excluded1 so that when the hive is open for inspection1 all its inmates continue their avocations with their accustomed regularity1 and a quiet and orderly scene is presented to the spectator instead of the hubbub and confusion which ensues in ordinary unicomb-hives4 ,on the left-hand side of the unicomb hangs a beautifully-executed drawing of a ,ligurian queen-bee magnified1 together with the queen-worker and drone of ,apis ,ligustica1 of the natural size4 ,immediately under the drawing is placed a square glass super1 containing nearly forty pounds of the finest honeycomb4 ,on the right of the unicomb-hive is another super of the same description1 containing nearly thirty pounds of the purest honey4 ,these supers are1 undoubtedly1 by far the finest in the ,exhibition1 and are the first worked in ,england by ,ligurian bees1 being from the apiary of ,a ,devonshire ,bee-keeper4 ,in addition to these1 the most striking objects1 are shown ,neighbour's ,improved ,single ,box and ,cottage ,hives1 ,taylor's ,bar-,hives1 ,woodbury ,frame and ,bar-hives1 the new ,bottle-feeder1 and bee apparatus of every description4 ,it will be apparent from the foregoing1 that ,messrs4 ,neighbour's stall is well worth inspection1 although the various novelties it contains appear to have met with but scant appreciation by the ,jury1 who merely awarded to them that honourable mention so lavishly accorded to far less deserving objects4 ,from the ,illustrated ,news of the ,world ,september #f1 #ahfb4 ,one of the most interesting and instructive objects is the honey-bee at full work in transparent hives4 ,in the ,international ,exhibition1 ,class #i1 ,eastern ,annexe1 ,messrs4 ,neighbour and ,son of ,holborn and ,regent ,street1 exhibit1 amongst a collection of the most approved bee hives and apparatus1 a glass hive1 stocked with a colony of ,italian ,alp bees4 ,the hive is so constructed as to admit of easily seeing the queen surrounded by the working bees4 ,contrary to the long-established notion that the bees work only in the dark1 this hive is completely open to broad daylight4 ,the bees do not manifest the least dislike to the exposure1 and they are not discomfited when light is occasionally admitted for inspecting them4 ,it is obvious that a knowledge of this new feature must tend to a more general acquaintance with the habits and hidden mysteries of the bee than has hitherto been the case4 ,the queen may be seen depositing the eggs in the cells2 in this manner she goes on multiplying the species1 the working-bees surrounding her1 and paying the most deferential attention1 with their heads always towards her4 ,not the least interesting part is to watch the entrance2 facility is afforded for doing so1 the sunken way communicating with the hive being covered with a flat piece of glass4 ,the busy throng pass and repass through the aperture cut in the wall1 so that the bees go out at their pleasure into the open court1 fly over the ,annexe into the ,horticultural and other adjacent gardens1 and return laden with crystal sweets gathered from the flowers4 ,the novelty of being able to inspect living bees1 and those of a new variety1 as easily as goods in a shop window1 will well repay the trouble of finding ,messrs4 ,neighbour's stand4 ,these gentlemen will no doubt cheerfully give any information that may be required4 ,from the ,gardener's ,weekly ,magazine1 ,september #a1 #ahfb1 ,conducted by ,shirley ,hibberd1 ,esq41 ,f4,r4,h4,s4 ,neighbour and ,son1 #adi1 ,regent ,street1 ,london 7#baeg74--,this is the most important of the exhibitions in this department4 ,the bees at work are in hives open to the inspection of visitors1 the bees passing out through tubes to the open air1 and not being visible within the building1 except through the glass of the hives2 ,the collection of hives of all kinds is complete and interesting1 and we subjoin a figure of the stand 7see page #ajb7 to show how bees as well as hives may be exhibited conveniently4 ,amongst the various contrivances exhibited by ,messrs4 ,neighbour1 ,nutt's ,collateral ,hive has an important place1 and though very fancifully got up1 and therefore very attractive to amateur bee-keepers1 we must make the same objection to it as we have above to other forms of the same from different makers4 ,the ,single-box ,hive1 the ,taylor's ,shallow ,eight-bar ,hive1 are the best bee-boxes in this collection1 and every way admirable4 ,here are no fancy ventilators which the bees will close up1 nor provoking side boxes which they will hesitate to enter1 and from which it will be hard to dislodge them in order to get them to winter in the pavilion4 ,whoever begins bee-keeping with either of these will have a fair chance of success4 ,the most popular of the hives is that called the ,improved ,cottage4 ,its popularity1 no doubt1 is due to the compromise between wood and straw which it accomplishes4 ,people cannot get rid of the idea that a bee-hive must be made of straw1 though it is a material so ill-adapted for union of swarms1 supering1 and other operations of advanced bee-culture4 ,the ,cottager's ,hive is well adapted for those apiarians who are desirous of setting up their poorer neighbours in the way of keeping bees on the improved system4 ,it consists of stock-hive1 small super-hive1 and straw cover1 and is on the principle of ,payne's1 which1 has been most successful among country-people who have got so far as to prefer keeping to killing their bees4 ,the ,woodbury ,bar and ,frame ,hive is a novel construction1 combining all the best features of the best bar boxes1 and adding some new ones of great value and importance4 ,we recommend every bee-keeper to become possessed of this admirable contrivance1 with which ,mr4 ,woodbury has accomplished wonderful things in the multiplication of the new race of ,ligurian bees4 ,in general form and proportions it resembles ,taylor's and ,tegetmeier's boxes1 but in the arrangement of the bars it is unique4 ,the stock-box is furnished with ten movable bars and frames1 after the ,german plan4 ,each bar has a projection running along the under side2 this ridge is chosen by the bees for the foundation of combs1 rendering guide-combs unnecessary4 ,the supers have glass sides and eight bars1 so that the operator need never be in doubt when to add another box above1 or take away the harvest4 ,the ,unicomb1 or one-comb observatory hive1 is intended solely for purposes of observation1 and though furnished with doors to keep up a uniform degree of heat1 ,messrs4 ,neighbour have found in their experience at the ,regent's ,park ,gardens and elsewhere1 that the bees manifest no dislike to a continual exposure to light4 ,as this elegant contrivance can be placed in the window of a drawing-room1 it is adapted to the amusement and instruction of the family circle1 as well as to the more serious objects of the entomologist and scientific apiarian4 ,all that is necessary is to connect the outlet with the open air by means of a length of tubing or wooden tunnel1 and the bees pass in and out without obtaining access to the room1 and all the mysteries of the hive are open to daily observation4 ,there are numerous other hives1 bee-feeders1 bee-armour1 c41 c41 which we have not space to notice1 but which we advise our apiarian friends to inspect1 as the collection of ,messrs4 ,neighbour illustrates fully every department of this interesting subject4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,bath ,,and ,,west ,,of ,,england ,,agricultural ,,show ,,at ,,exeter1 ,,in ,,june1 #ahfc4 ,from the ,journal of ,horticulture ,june #bc1 #ahfc4 ,a novel feature in the ,exhibition of the ,bath and ,west of ,england ,agricultural ,society1 which took place at ,exeter list week1 was the stall of ,messrs4 ,neighbour and ,sons1 in which were exhibited bees at work in glass hives1 and apiarian appliances of every description4 ,there were two ,ligurian stocks of bees at full work1 one in a full-sized ,woodbury ,unicomb ,hive1 having been brought from ,london ,for the occasion1 and the other a smaller hive of the same description1 being from the neighbouring apiary of our valued correspondent1 ,a ,devonshire ,bee-keeper4 ,amongst the hives exhibited1 the ,woodbury ,frame ,hive in straw appeared both novel and good1 whilst amongst the apparatus1 artificial combs1 and the stereotyped plates for making them1 seemed to us the most worthy of attention4 ,there was a remarkably curious specimen of artificial combs1 or partition wall1 partially fabricated into complete comb by the bees1 which struck us as being well worth examination1 showing1 as it did1 the various stages by which this transformation is effected1 and being calculated to throw light on the problem as to the mode in which bees construct their combs4 ,it is almost unnecessary to state that this unique and instructive stall was crowded throughout the week1 and we hope its financial results were such as will lead ,messrs4 ,neighbour to continue their attendance at the ,society's meetings4 ,from the ,western ,times ,exeter1 ,june #ab1 #ahfc4 ,for the ,little ,busy ,bee4--,next to the poultry tents1 and set back against the yard fencing1 is the exhibition of ,messrs4 ,george ,neighbour and ,sons1 #abg1 ,high ,holborn1 and #adi1 ,regent ,street1 ,london1 inventors and manufacturers of improved bee-hives for taking honey without the destruction of the bees4 ,the savage knows where to find the nest of the wild bee1 and how to get at his honey2 but all the improvement upon the covetousness of the savage made by the long after ages of the world to modern times1 was to find the means of luring the pattern of industry to a convenient atelier1 where he might be more easily first murdered and then robbed4 ,their habits early attracted the attention of some of the best observers of ancient as well as modern times4 ,cicero and ,pliny tell of the philosopher ,hyliscus quitting human society1 and retiring to the desert to contemplate their peaceful industry4 ,the ancient poet1 in his ,sic vos vobis1 plaintively sings over bee and beast living1 or rather dying1 not for themselves1 but the lord of creation1 yet was it left to modern times--very modern times--to join the sentiment of humanity to the rapacity of the barbarian4 ,mr4 ,neighbour has a very complete collection of specimens of the ingenious and successful contrivances in the construction of hives for the double object of preserving the honey and the life of the bee1 and also subsidiarily of promoting its comfort during its busy and useful life4 ,we are not allowed to forget here that we have residing in our city one of the first apiarians in the kingdom--,mr4 ,thomas ,woodbury1 of ,mount ,radford4 ,if the bee-philosophy be his hobby1 we must recollect that all great discoveries and improvements owe their existence to men who had the power and the will to concentrate their faculties upon a single object4 ,one proof of his genius in this his favourite department of action1 is seen among this collection of ,mr4 ,neighbour's1 in the ,woodbury ,unicomb ,hive4 ,it might be1 when closed up1 for aught that appears1 a neat case of books2 but on opening two doors of the ,venetian blind pattern1 back and front1 we see between the glass walls the insect city exposed to view1 with all the population in action4 ,there it may be seen ,how skilfully she builds her cell2 ,how neat she spreads her wax2 ,and labours hard to store it well ,with the sweet food she makes4 ,some of the hives are constructed chiefly for the purpose of promoting a philosophic observation of the bee's habits and methods of procedure in his wonderful work4 ,neighbour's ,unicomb ,observatory ,hive is a great novelty1 being constructed with glass slides1 the hidden mysteries of the hive being exposed to the full light of day4 ,huber's ,book or ,leaf ,hive is constructed to facilitate the object of the scientific apiarian4 ,but the class of hives which will most interest those desirous of promoting bee-keeping among the many will be those for the cottage4 ,there can be no doubt that many a poor cottager in the country1 if he could be made to see the advantage it would be to him1 and were taught the most economical and successful way of managing this species of live stock1 would add thereby something considerable to his small earnings in the course of a summer4 ,members of ,cottage ,garden ,societies have turned their attention to it very generally2 but to get the thing well afloat1 requires in every district the devotion of some earnest enthusiast who will take up the apostolic rule of action ,this one thing ,i do4 ,there is the ,no4 #e ,improved ,cottage ,hive1 in which three bell glasses are employed1 enabling you to take a glass of the purest honey from the hive in the most vigorous period of the season4 ,then there are other hives of simpler construction and less expensive1 but all illustrative of the sentiment of humanity which seeks to preserve from wanton destruction those useful and interesting auxiliaries to our luxury and comfort4 ,this comparatively unimportant stand1 in point of size1 cannot but attract the attention of a large number of visitors1 especially of the ladies and the clergy1 who are desirous of promoting the cultivation of the bee among the poor4 ,to heighten the interest for the curious1 in one of ,mr4 ,woodbury's hives the bees are all alive and at it1 and for those who are disposed to go further into the subject1 information is available touching this fashionable1 profitable1 and domesticated member of the apiarian family1 the ,ligurian or ,italian ,alp bee4 ,our old dark-coated delver is threatened with supercession1 just as the black rat was driven off by the ,norwegian invader1 now in possession1--as the old races of cattle are being metamorphosed in the sleek1 shapely1 beef-bearing1 small-boned animals of the present time4 ,from the ,devon ,weekly ,times ,june #ab1 #ahfc1 ,bees4--,messrs4 ,neighbour ,sons1 of ,london1 are exhibitors of two ,woodbury ,unicomb ,hives1 showing the royal and common bees in full work4 ,these hives are very ingeniously constructed1 and were invented by ,mr4 ,t4 ,woodbury1 of ,mount ,radford4 ,among other apiarian attractions1 we may mention the improved ,cottage and ,cottager's ,hives1 which are well worthy the notice of those for whom they are designed1 and the ,ladies' ,observatory ,hive4 ,the ,messrs4 ,neighbour also exhibit ,ligurian bees4 ,from ,woolmer's ,exeter ,gazette ,june #ab1 #ahfc4 ,improved ,bee-,hives4--,at a stand near the poultry tents are exhibited ,neighbour's ,improved ,bee-hives for the taking of honey without the destruction of bees4 ,the hives are stocked with the famous ,ligurian bee4 ,the ,unicomb ,observatory ,hive is constructed with glass sides1 so that the whole of the movements of the ,apiarian colony are visible1 including the proceedings of the queen and her court4 ,this and some of the other descriptions of hives manufactured by ,messrs4 ,neighbour are invented by ,t4 ,w4 ,woodbury1 ,esq4 ,they are furnished with movable bars1 after the ,german fashion4 ,each bar has a projection along the underside2 this ridge being waxed1 induces the bees to build parallel combs1 thus obviating the necessity for a guide-comb4 ,this description of hive is best suited for the ,ligurian or ,italian ,alp bee4 ,stocks of this species1 now so much in repute1 may be obtained of ,messrs4 ,neighbour1 #adi1 ,regent ,street1 ,london4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,royal ,,agricultural ,,show1 ,,newcastle1 #ahfd4 ,from the ,northern ,daily ,express ,july #bb 7published at ,newcastle74 ,a ,model ,factory4--,stand #aid4--;,g4 ,neighbour and ,sons1 ,regent ,street1 and ,high ,holborn1 ,london4 ,we have heard of model farms and model lodging-houses for the working classes1 but it was reserved for the ,royal ,agricultural ,society's ,meeting in #ahfd to introduce to our notice a model factory1 where we may see representatives of the working classes busily engaged in their daily avocations4 ,the stand which we have quoted above may afford fruitful study to such philanthropists as the ,earl of ,shaftesbury1 who make it their benevolent aim to elevate the masses1 and the lesson here given from actual life will not be lost upon working men themselves4 ,there are several striking features worthy of notice in the model factory4 ,we can clearly perceive that it has been established on a principle which is essential to the success of any great concern--namely1 the principle of a good understanding amongst the operatives themselves1 and between them and the head of the establishment4 ,what strikes us in this model factory is the unity of action which reigns throughout4 ,there is no jostling of rival interests1 and no misunderstandings or cross purposes4 ,the operatives in this establishment are so numerous that we question if any one has as yet been able to count their number1 and yet all seem to be working in perfect harmony1 their joint labour continually leading to one beautiful and sublime result4 ,another feature specially noticeable in the establishment in question is the principle of subordination4 ,singular to say1 that while the operatives are males#cj1 the foreman of this model factory is a female2 but that circumstance need not shock the sensibilities of our fair friends any more than it ought to offend the prejudices of the sterner sex1 inasmuch as the mighty empire of ,great ,britain is ruled by the gentle hand of a female2 and moreover1 in the one case as in the other1 the presiding genius1 amid all her official cares and duties1 takes care to preserve the modesty of her sex4 ,she never in the slightest degree obtrudes herself needlessly on public observation1 and probably on that very account the respect shown to her by her subjects is the more profound and devoted4 ,there is1 however1 one particular in which we would take leave to demur to the idea of this factory being in every respect regarded as a model4 ,we have not been able to discover that there is any particular period of the day in which the operatives are allowed to take refreshments4 ,we1 in ,england1 have been accustomed to regard the dinner-hour somewhat in the light of a sacred institution4 ,and if the ,council of the ,royal ,agricultural ,society mean to set this up as a model institution1 we are of opinion that some explanation on this point is desirable4 ,indeed1 we have not been able to discover that the operatives in this establishment take any refreshment whatever4 ,if they do1 it must be on the sly1 vulgarly speaking4 ,there is one peculiarity1 however1 which must tend to popularize this institution1 and which has sensed to make it one of the most attractive objects on the show ground4 ,it is the fashion in all the great factories which abound on the banks of the ,tyne and throughout the country generally to act on the principle of exclusiveness to a very great extent1 and perhaps wisely so4 ,as you approach the door you see an intimation ,in legible characters1 ,no admission except on business4 ,this may be very proper1 but it is rather tantalising4 ,in the model factory which we are now describing all the operations are open to inspection4 ,every action is patent to the eye of the spectator4 ,this has been effected by a skilful contrivance1 and it is this contrivance1 in fact1 which has entitled the inventor to obtain a place in the show ground for his model factory1 which he describes by the somewhat ambiguous term a new implement4 ,but our readers may wish to learn what is the staple manufacture of this wonderful workshop4 ,we reply--honey4 ,the factory we speak of is nothing more nor less than a bee-hive2 or1 to quote from the catalogue1 ,an ,unicomb ,observatory ,bee-hive1 with living ,italian ,alpine bees at full work2 it was invented by ,t4 ,w4 ,woodbury1 of ,exeter1 and is improved and manufactured by the exhibitors4 ,as implied by its name1 this hive has one comb1 so that both sides are fully exposed to the light of day1 thus allowing of an easy inspection of the queen-bee1 surrounded by her retinue4 ,footnote #cj3 ,the reporter was in error as to the sex of the workers4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,bees ,,and ,,bee-,,hives ,,at ,,the ,,royal ,,agricultural ,,society',s ,,meeting ,,at ,,plymouth4 ,from the ,journal of ,horticulture ,august #bb1 #ahfe4 ,living bees at work are always attractive1 not only to bee-keepers1 but to the general public4 ,messrs4 ,neighbour and ,sons' exhibition formed no exception to this general rule1 for their stand was at all times densely crowded4 ,the chief object of interest was the ,woodbury ,unicomb ,observatory ,hive1 in which was a stock of ,ligurian bees1 with a very fine queen surrounded by her yellow ,italian subjects4 ,messrs4 ,neighbour also exhibited a square ,woodbury glass hive stocked with ,english bees1 in which the position of the bars and frames1 with bees and combs1 could be very distinctly seen4 ,both these colonies were brought from ,mr4 ,a4 ,neighbour's apiary1 near ,london4 ,the bees obtained egress and ingress by means of a covered way nearly three feet long1 which appeared but little to inconvenience them1 whilst1 being covered with glass1 it added not a little to the interest with which they were observed4 ,in the wall of the shed were small apertures1 with alighting-boards fixed on the outside1 and although the public passed in crowds before these unprotected entrances1 no one was stung1 nor were the bees themselves interfered with or molested--a warning notice appended to the outside being universally attended to1 and a respectful distance maintained4 ,amongst ,messrs4 ,neighbour's collection were the ,woodbury ,straw ,bar-and-,frame1 ,neighbour's ,improved ,cottage1 the ,ladies' ,observatory1 ,cottager's1 and many low-priced straw hives on the improved system4 ,the impressed wax sheets1 with specimens of combs partially worked therefrom1 were interesting and curious4 ,the bottle-feeder1 bee-dresses1 india-rubber gloves1 and other apiarian appliances also received1 and were worthy of1 much attention4 ,by way of illustrating the fruits of the honey-harvest of the present year1 ,messrs4 ,neighbour had a square super of fine white honeycomb from the apiary of our esteemed correspondent1 ,mr4 ,woodbury1 and an octagon glass super from our valued contributor1 ,mr4 ,s4 ,bevan ,fox1 both of which admirable specimens were most highly commended4 ,illustration ,,index4 ,a4 ,acclimatising bees #bac1 #bdi ,adapting-board #if1 #afb1 #ahc ,age of bees #aj1 #aa ,anatomy of bees 7,plates ,i and a71 description of #ca ,anecdotes of1 #bdj1 #bdb1 #bde1 #bdf ,anger of bees #adi1 #afc1 #aij ,antenn 7,plate ,i7 #ch ---- act as a barometer #ci ,apiary1 best time to set up an #ba ---- exterior and interior of an #ach1 #aci ,artificial swarming #afi1 #ahb ---- time for #aga ,artificial comb #aeg ,aspect #fd1 #bdh ,australia1 sending bees to #bac ,b4 ,baby-bee1 cradle of #af ---- emerging from the cell #ag ,bar1 improved #ij ,bar and frame-hives #hd ---- manipulation of #ae ---- advantages of #afh1 #agd1 #agh ---- changing after winter #agh ---- recommended #bdc ,bee-dress or protector #bg1 #aae1 #adh1 #agj ---- necessity for #adi1 #afe ,bee-decoy1 to attract swarms #be ,bees live in society #c ---- lesson to man #aa ---- young #ag ---- cluster outside hives #bc ---- peaceful whilst swarming #bg ---- should not be fed in winter #ada ---- tempted to rob #adj ---- reduced size of #afh ---- at the ,international ,exhibition of #ahfb #bac ---- breath1 human1 obnoxious to #adi1 #aij ---- artificial scent ditto #aij ,bee-keeping in ,london #bae ---- ,zoological and ,horticultural ,gardens #bba ,bee-keeping1 profit arising from #bci ,bee-hives 7modern73-- ,huber's book or leaf hive #aah ,neighbour's cottager's3-- ,description of #hj ,neighbour's improved cottage3-- ,description of #fh ,care necessary to keep a good store of food #ge ,neighbour's improved cottage without window3-- ,description of #gf ,neighbour's unicomb observatory3-- ,description and application of #ih ,exhibited in ,paris1 #ahee #aja ,prize medal #aja ,neighbour's single-box3-- ,description of and directions for #fc ,keep glass warm #fe ,nutt's collateral3-- ,description of #ea ,taking surplus honey #eh ,stewarton hive3-- ,description of #aji ,directions for management #aab ,nadir box1 value of #aag ,extra boxes required #aah ,taylor's improved cottage3-- ,description of #if ,taylor's amateur's eight-bar wood3-- ,description of #fe ,stand for ditto #fg ,taylor's eight-bar straw #if ,woodbury bar and frame3-- ,description of #hd ,straw ditto #he ,glass ditto #hh ,special advantages of straw #hf ,origin of #hf ,manipulation with #aeg ,super #ic ,putting on #afb ,woodbury ,unicomb3-- ,construction of #ajb ,modes of tenanting #ajf1 #ajg ,how transferred to box-hive #ajh ,bee-houses1 advantage of #abc ---- engravings of houses to contain twelve hives #abf1 #abg ---- object of colouring alighting-boards #abf ---- loss of queens #abg ,bee-house to contain nine hives1 engraving #abh ,bell-glasses #acc ,bottle-feeder #adj ---- directions for using #adb ,breathing of bees #dc ,brood1 royal #i1 #age1 #agi ---- wire cover for 7engraving of7 #age ,c4 ,cells1 contracted size of #afh ,cells1 royal1 see ,brood4 ,changing old stocks to new hives not to be attempted by inexperienced #ahb ---- old hives into humane ones #ahc ---- old stocks to frame-hives #ahd ,classes for whom bee-keeping has interest #a ,combs1 value of #aeb ---- must not be jarred #adi ---- how fixed in frames #afj ---- ensuring regularity of #fg1 #ij1 #aeb1 #afa1 7note7 #ahd ---- artificial1 description of #aea ---- how fixed in frames #afj ,compound bar-frame #ia ,cottagers1 way to convince1 of the humane system #aci ,cover for square hives #fg1 #ee ---- for round hives #ha1 #aca1 #acb ,crown-board #cd1 #hg ,d4 ,dampness in hives in winter injurious #ge1 #hf1 #adh ,depriving system1 special advantages of #ai1 #hb ,diseases of bees #bca ,dividing hives1 reason why they do not answer #agc ,driving bees1 directions for #agi ,drone1 description of #aa ,drones1 massacre of #ad ,dysentery #bae1 #bcb ,e4 ,eggs of bees 7,plate #b1 fig4 #g7 #af ---- how made into queens #ae ---- position in the hive #af ---- time hatching #ag ,engraved pressing roller #aej ,entrance to hives #eb1 #gd1 #hf ---- stopped1 danger therefrom #bej ,epitaph on brimstoned bees #bj ,evans1 poet of the bees 7note on7 #d ---- 'poetry of1' #g1 #aa1 #ab1 #bc1 #bd1 #adb ,evening thoughts in ,january #abi ,f4 ,feeding #ed1 #fd1 #ge1 #gi1 #adj1 #adc ,feet of bees #db ,food necessary 7note7 #adj ,foul brood #bcb ,frames #hi ---- should hang true #ia ---- how kept perpendicular #ia ---- manipulation with #aeg ,french bishop1 anecdote of #bdj ,fructifying flowers1 bees useful for #aid ,fumigator box #ade ---- tube #adg ,g4 ,gardeners ought to be bee-keepers #bdg ,general remarks #bch ,glasses1 bell #acc1 #aed ---- must be kept warm #fe ,guide-comb for glasses #ace ---- for bars #fh1 #ig ---- note #afa ,h4 ,hive should be ready for swarm #bg1 #ga1 #bej ,hives1 see ,bee-hives4 ,hearing of bees1 sense of #ch ,honey-bag 7,plate ,,ii1 figs4 #a and #b7 #dd ---- way to drain from comb #bcj ---- cutters #ade ---- dew #aii ,human breath obnoxious #adg ,huber 7,francis71 life of #aba ,i4 ,improved cottage-hive #fh ---- comb-bar #ij ,impressed wax sheets #aea ,impregnation of queen #f1 #ac ,increase of bees #ah ,india-rubber gloves #bg1 #adi1 #aei ,insects1 cleansing hives from #abe ,interchange of combs for strengthening weak hives #ib1 #afh ,italian ,alp ,bee 7,plate ,i1 figs4 #a1 #b1 #c71 not all of them yellow #cc ---- description of #bjj ---- ,german bee-keeper's opinion #bjc ---- great honey-collecting powers #bjc ---- ,hermann's book on #bje ---- introduction into ,england #bjc ---- importation of queens unsuccessful in many instances #bjf ---- plan of uniting foreign queens to ,english stocks 7note7 #bjg ,j4 ,journal of ,horticulture1 #bjh1 #bag ,k4 ,keeping bell-glasses warm #fe ---- boxes #aaf ,l4 ,legs of bees #dj ,ligurian honey-bee1 see ,italian ,bee4 ,loyalty of bees #e1 #ii1 #ajd ,m4 ,mortar not necessary for closing crevices #hb ,moths1 how to prevent #bbh ,n4 ,neglect of bee-keeping #a ,neighbour's hives1 see ,bee-hives4 ,new bottle-feeder #adj ,number of eggs in the season #e ,nutt's hive1 see ,bee-hives ,nutt1 ,thos4 7the late7 #fj ,o4 ,ornamental zinc cover #aca ,p4 ,pasturage for bees #aig ---- honey yielding flowers #aih ---- wild flowers best #aii ,poison of sting #dh ,pollen1 food for infant-bees #aic ---- how collected #aic1 #aid ---- brush 7,plate ,i1 fig4 #a1 #b;b47 ---- basket1 #b;b991 description of #da ,putting in super-hives and bell-glasses1 #ef1 #fd1 #fe1 #gb1 #gi1 #ha1 #hc1 #aaj1 #aac ,propolis1 or bees' cement #aie ,q4 ,queen 7,plate ,i1 fig4 #a71 description of #d ---- movements of1 laying eggs #e ,queen1 marriage day #g1 #ac1 #agg ---- attachment of bees to #g ---- disrespect until fertile #h ---- jealousy of her rivals #h1 #age ---- dismay of bees at loss of #i ---- raised from worker #aj ---- longevity of #aj ---- old one goes with first swarm #bb ---- leaves the hive only in fine weather #bc ---- in super-hives #ei1 #hc ---- loss of #i1 #abg1 #agd ,r4 ,roller1 engraved pressing #aej ,robber-bees #adj ,royal brood #i1 #age ,s4 ,spiracles #da ,spring1 good time to commence bee-keeping #ba ,sprinkling bees #adf1 #afe ,stands for hives-- ---- engravings #fb1 #fi ---- for ,nutt's #hd ---- ,woodbury #ed1 #id ---- ,stewarton hive1 see ,bee-hives4 ,sting of worker-bee1 7,plate ,,ii1 fig4 #d7 #df1 #ahi ---- queen #e1 #h ,stocks1 ventilated for travelling #bea ---- why called so #afb ---- best kept strong #ai1 #eg1 #aag ,stomach 7,plate ,,ii1 figs1 #a and #b hh7 #dd1 #de ,supers1 glass #acc1 #acd1 #ace ---- straw #ha ---- for ,woodbury hives1 engraving #ic1 #afb ,superstitions #bde ,swarming1 usual time of year for #ba ---- cause of #bb ---- agitation before #bc ---- usual time of day for #bd ---- desirable to prevent #cj1 #ef ---- consequence of a second flight of #bf ---- how to hive #bh1 #ga ---- means of preventing second flight #bf ---- two sometimes depart from their respective hives at same time1 and mingle #bg ---- care to prevent loss of #bf ---- time for removing #bh ---- care to be exercised with #ec1 #fd1 #ga ---- first most valuable #bi ---- second1 cause of #bi ---- how to restore #cj ---- premonitory symptoms of #bi ,t4 ,taking honey #eh1 #gc1 #aae1 #afc ,taylor's hives1 see ,bee-hives #ba ,thomson's ,seasons1 extract from #ba ,thorax 7,plate ,,ii1 fig4 #a7 #dj ,u4 ,unicomb hives #f1 #ag1 #ig1 #ajb ,v4 ,ventilation #ea1 #ga1 #gc1 #abd1 #bdi ,w4 ,wasps1 how to prevent the increase of #bbc ---- attack of #bbe ,water essential #bjj ,weighing hives1 importance of #ahe ---- engraving of ,salter's spring balance #ahf ,wildman #bae ---- marvellous feats of #bag ,woodbury hives1 see ,bee-hives4 ---- super1 see ,supers4 ,worker-bee1 description of #ae ---- number in a hive #ae1 #bh ,z4 ,zinc covers #aca1 #acb ,,neighbour',s ,,improved ,,bee-,,hives1 ,,for ,,taking ,,honey ,,without ,,the ,,destruction ,,of ,,the ,,bees4 ,illustration ,,drawings ,,and ,,detailed ,,lists ,,forwarded ,,on ,,receipt ,,of ,,two ,,postage ,,stamps4 s4 d4 #a4 ,nutt's ,collateral ,bee-,hive #e #e #j ,stand for ditto1 #afs4 #b4 ,neighbour's ,improved ,single-box ,hive #c #c #j ,stand for ditto1 #ajs4 #f;d4 #c4 ,taylor's ,shallow-box or ,eight-bar ,hive1 complete with cover #c #aj #j ,stand for ditto1 #ajs4 #f;d4 #e4 ,neighbour's ,improved ,cottage ,hive #a #ae #j ,stand for ditto1 #ajs4 #f;d4 #f4 ,an ,improved ,cottage ,hive1 without windows #a #h #j #g4 ,the ,ladies' ,observatory or ,crystal ,hive1 complete #b #e #j #h4 ,the ,cottager's ,hive #j #aj #f #i #aj4 ,bee-,feeders each #es4 and #j #d #j #aa #ab4 ,fumigators each #bs4 and #j #b #f #ac4 ,honey ,cutters per pair #j #e #j #ad4 ,taylor's ,improved ,cottage ,hive #a #a #j ,with ,stand1 #a4 #ajs4 #ae4 ,fountain ,bee-,feeder #j #f #j #ah4 ,taylor's ,eight-bar ,straw ,hive1 complete #b #ab #j ,stock ,hive1 only #aes4 #ai4 ,huber's ,book or ,leaf ,hive #b #e #j #bj4 ,neighbour's ,unicomb ,observatory ,hive #c #c #j #de4 ,woodbury ,straw ,bar and ,frame ,hive 7,stock ,hive7 #a #e #j #df4 ,woodbury ,unicomb ,hive #f #aj #j ,stand1 #bds4 #dg4 ,common ,cottagers' ,hive #j #e #f #dh4 ,woodbury ,bar and ,frame ,hive1 complete1 with outside cover and super #c #aj #j ,stand for ditto1 #ajs4 #f;d4 #ej4 ,stewarton ,hive #a #a #j ,floor-boards for ditto1 #cs4 #bd4 ,taylor's ,glasses #gs4 and #j #d #f ,payne's ,ditto #j #c #j #be4 ,bell ,glass #j #d #j #bf4 #j #b #j #bg4 #j #a #j #bh4 without knob and flat top to put on the table inverted1 with lid #j #d #f #bi4 ,zinc ,cover each #ajs4 and #j #ae #j #cj4 ,shallow ,glasses 7new shape7 each #es4 #f;d4 and #j #c #f #ca4 ,bee ,dress and ,protector #fs41 by post #j #g #d #cg4 ,zinc ,cover #a #a #j #ch4 ,ornamental ditto #b #e #j #ci4 ,bee-,house to contain ,two ,hives #d #d #j #dj4 ,twelve ,hives #ae4 and #ai #aj #j #dd4 ,bottle-,feeder #j #b #f #dh4 ,engraved ,pressing ,roller #j #g #f #di4 ,impressed ,wax ,sheets or ,artificial ,combs1 per dozen #j #f #j #ej4 ,india-rubber ,gloves per pair #j #e #f 99 99 99 99 99 ,transcriber ,note ,the ,appendix ends on page #bga4 ,however1 the ,index which begins two pages afterward start at page #bfi4 ,therefore1 the ,index was renumbered starting at #bgc4 ,the item numbers for the ,price ,list at the end of the book are not in numerical order and there are some repeated numbers4 ,no attempt was made to correct this4 ,on page #add1 the word bee-keeper in the first line of ,,zinc ,,fountain ,,bee-,,feeder was changed to bee-feeder4