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Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4984449 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #68500 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68500) diff --git a/old/68500-0.txt b/old/68500-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 27f38e2..0000000 --- a/old/68500-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7951 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The apiary; or, bees, bee-hives, and -bee culture (1866), by Alfred Neighbor - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The apiary; or, bees, bee-hives, and bee culture (1866) - being a familiar account of the habits of bees, and the most - improved methods of management, with full directions, adapted for - the cottager, farmer, or scientific apiarian - -Author: Alfred Neighbor - -Release Date: July 11, 2022 [eBook #68500] - -Language: English - -Produced by: Tom Cosmas developed from files made available on The - Internet Archive and placed in the Public Domain - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE APIARY; OR, BEES, -BEE-HIVES, AND BEE CULTURE (1866) *** - - - - -Transcriber Note - -Text emphasis denoted as _Italics_ and =Bold=. - - -[Illustration: Plate I. - -E. W. Robinson Delt. et Sc P 1865.] - - - - - THE APIARY; - - OR, - - BEES, BEE-HIVES, AND BEE-CULTURE. - - - BEING A FAMILIAR ACCOUNT OF THE HABITS OF BEES AND THE - MOST IMPROVED METHODS OF MANAGEMENT, WITH FULL - DIRECTIONS, ADAPTED FOR THE COTTAGER, FARMER, - OR SCIENTIFIC APIARIAN. - - - By ALFRED NEIGHBOUR. - - - -"Beaucoup de gens aiment les abeilles; je n'ai vu personne qui lea aima - médiocrement: on se passionne pour elles."--Gelieu. - - - LONDON: - KENT AND CO., PATERNOSTER ROW; - - GEO. NEIGHBOUR AND SONS, - 149, REGENT STREET, AND 127, HIGH HOLBORN; - AND ALL BOOKSELLERS. - 1866. - - - FOLKARD AND SON, - - PRINTERS, - - DEVONSHIRE STREET, QUEEN SQUARE. - -[Illustration] - - - - -PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. - - -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 publication. - -No greater proof could have been afforded of the rapid advance which -the pursuit of bee-keeping is now making in this country. - -In the hope of rendering the present volume more useful and instructive -than its predecessor, and also in acknowledgment of the kind -approbation with which our earlier efforts have been received, we have -made several additions, and trust that the same may prove acceptable to -our readers. - -[Illustration] - - - - -PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. - - -Our apology for preparing a bee-book is a very simple one. We are so -frequently applied to for advice on matters connected with bees and -bee-hives, that it seemed likely to prove a great advantage, alike to -our correspondents and ourselves, if we could point to a "handy book" -of our own, which should contain full and detailed replies sufficient -to meet all ordinary inquiries. Most of the apiarian manuals possess -some special excellence or other, and we have no wish to disparage any -of them; yet, in all, we have found a want of explanations relating to -several of the more recent improvements. - -It has more especially been our aim to give explicit and detailed -directions on most subjects connected with the hiving and removing -of bees, and also, to show how, by judicious application of the -"depriving" system, the productive powers of the bees may be enormously -increased. - -We need say little here as to the interest that attaches to the apiary -as a source of perennial pleasure for the amateur naturalist. Many -of the hives and methods of management are described with a direct -reference to this class of bee-keepers, so that, besides plain and -simple directions suitable for cottagers with their ordinary hives, -this work will be found to include instructions useful for the -scientific apiarian, or, at least, valuable, for those who desire to -gain a much wider acquaintance with the secrets of bee-keeping than is -now usually possessed. We would lay stress on the term "acquaintance," -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 them. Such explicit directions are herein -given as to how the right operations may be performed at the right -times, that a novice may at once commence to use the modern hives. -The word "new-fangled" has done good service for the indolent and -prejudiced, but we trust that our readers will be of a very different -class. Let them give a fair trial to the modern appliances for the -humane and depriving system of bee-keeping, and they will find offered -to them an entirely new field of interest and observation. At present, -our continental neighbours far surpass us as bee-masters; but we trust -that the following season, if the summer be fine, will prove a turning -point in the course of English bee-keeping. 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 before. - -Our task would have lost half its interest, did we not hope that it -would result in something beyond the encouragement of a refined and -interesting amusement for the leisurely classes. The social importance -of bee-keeping, as a source of pecuniary profit for small farmers and -agricultural labourers, has never been appreciated as it deserves. -Yet these persons will not, of themselves, lay aside the bungling -and wasteful plan of destroying the bees, or learn without being -taught the only proper method, that of deprivation. Their educated -neighbours, when once interested in bee-keeping, will be the persons to -introduce the more profitable system of humane bee-keeping. The clergy -especially, as permanent residents in the country, may have great -influence in this respect. There is not a rural or suburban parish -in the kingdom in which bee-keeping might not be largely extended, -and the well-being of all but the very poorest inhabitants would be -greatly promoted. Not only would the general practice of bee-keeping -add largely to the national resources, but that addition would chiefly -fall to the share of those classes to whom it would be of most value. -Moreover, in the course of thus adding to their income, the uneducated -classes would become interested in an elevating and instructive pursuit. - -It is curious to observe that honey, whether regarded as a manufactured -article or as an agricultural product, is obtained under economical -conditions of exceptional advantage. If regarded as a manufactured -article, we notice that there is no outlay required for "labour," nor -any expense for "raw material." The industrious labourers are eager to -utilize all their strength: they never "combine" except for the benefit -of their master, they never "strike" for wages, and they provide -their own subsistence. All that the master-manufacturer of honey has -to do financially is, to make a little outlay for "fixed capital" in -the needful "plant of hives" and utensils--no "floating capital" is -needed. Then, on the other hand, if we regard honey as an agricultural -product, it presents as such a still more striking contrast to the -economists' theory of what are the "requisites of production." Not only -is there no outlay needed for wages, and none for raw material, but -there is nothing to be paid for "use of a natural agent." Every square -yard of land in the United Kingdom may come to be cultivated, as in -China, 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 utilize. - -The recent domestication in England of the Ligurian or "Italian Alp" -bee adds a new and additional source of interest to bee-culture. We -have, therefore, gone pretty fully into this part of the subject; 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 apiarians.[1] - -[Footnote 1: 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 bees. We can dispel these fears by stating that we have not -unfrequently found that hybrid queens possess the surprising fecundity -of the genuine Italian ones, whilst the English stocks in course of -time become strengthened by the infusion of foreign blood.] - -We are under many obligations for the advice and assistance that we -have on many occasions received from Mr. T. W. Woodbury, of Exeter, -whose apiarian skill is unrivalled in this country. Our acknowledgments -are also due to Mr. Henry Taylor, author of an excellent "Bee-keeper's -Manual," for his help and counsel during the earlier years of our -apiarian experience. Both the before-mentioned gentlemen have -frequently communicated to us their contrivances and suggestions, -without thought of fee or reward for them. In common with most recent -writers on bee-culture, we are necessarily largely indebted to the -standard works of Huber and succeeding apiarians. From the more recent -volume of the Rev. L. L. Langstroth we have also obtained useful -information. But having ourselves, of later years, had considerable -experience in the manipulation and practical management of bees, we are -enabled to confirm or qualify the statement of others, as well as to -summarize information gleaned from many various sources. - -Let it be understood, that we have no _patented devices_ to push: we -are free to choose out of the many apiarian contrivances that have -been offered of late years, and we feel perfectly at liberty to praise -or blame as our experience warrants us in doing. It does not follow -that we necessarily disparage hives which are not described herein; -we have sought, as much as possible, to indicate the _principles_ on -which _good hives_ must be constructed, whatever their outward size or -shape. All through the work, 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 overcome. 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 bees. - -Some persons may consider we have used too many poetical quotations in -a book dealing wholly with matters of fact. We trust, however, that -the examination of the extracts will at once remove that feeling of -objection. - -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 insects. - -Although bees have neither reason nor religion for their guide, yet -from them man may learn many a lesson of virtue and industry, and may -even draw from them thoughts suggestive of trust and faith in God. - -We beg leave to conclude our preface, and introduce the subject, by the -following extract from Shakspeare, who, without doubt, kept bees in -that garden at Stratford wherein he used to meditate:-- - - "So work the honey-bees; - Creatures that, by a rule in Nature, teach - The art of order to a peopled kingdom. - They have a king and officers of sorts; - Where some, like magistrates, correct at home; - Others, like merchants, venture trade abroad; - Others, like soldiers, armed in their stings, - Make boot upon the Summer's velvet buds, - Which pillage they, with merry march, bring home - To the tent royal of their emperor: - Who, busied in his majesty, surveys - The singing masons building roofs of gold; - The civil citizens kneading up the honey; - The poor mechanic porters crowding in - Their heavy burdens at his narrow gate; - The sad-eyed justice, with his surly hum. - Delivering o'er to executors pale - The lazy, yawning drone." - - Shakspeare's _Henry V., Act I., Scene 2._ - -[Illustration] - - - - -TABLE OF CONTENTS. - - Preface--Introductory 1 - - - SECTION I. - - Natural History of the Inhabitants of the Hive 3 - The Queen 4 - The Drone 11 - The Worker-bee 15 - Eggs of Bees 16 - Increase of Bees 18 - Swarming 21 - - - SECTION II. - - Anatomy and Physiology of the Bee 31 - Head 34 - Thorax, or Chest 40 - Abdomen 44 - - - SECTION III. - - Modern Bee-Hives. - - Nutt's Collateral Hive 50 - Neighbour's Improved Single-Box Hive 62 - Taylor's Amateur Shallow Box or Eight-bar Hive 65 - Neighbour's Improved Cottage 68 - Improved Cottage, without Windows 76 - Ladies' Observatory or Crystal Bee-hive 77 - Cottagers' Hive for taking Honey in Straw Caps - without the Destruction of the Bees 80 - Woodbury Bar and Frame Hives:--Wood 84 - Straw 85 - Glass 88 - Frame 89 - Improved Comb Bar 90 - Compound Bar and Frame 91 - Super and Cover 93 - Taylor's Improved Cottage Hive 96 - " Eight-Bar Straw 95 - Neighbour's Unicomb Observatory Hive 97 - Woodbury 102 - Stewarton or Ayrshire Hive 109 - Huber's Hive 118 - - - SECTION IV. - - Exterior Arrangements and Apparatus. - - Bee House to contain Two Hives 123 - " " Twelve Hives 126 - " " Nine Hives 128 - Evening Thoughts in January 129 - Ornamental Zinc Cover 131 - Zinc Cover 132 - Taylor's Cover of Zinc 132 - Bell Glasses 133 - Taylor's Glasses 133 - Payne's Glass 134 - Taylor's Bell Glass with lid 135 - Guide-Comb for Glasses 135 - Exterior and Interior of an Apiary 138 and 139 - The New Bottle-Feeder 140 - Round Bee-Feeder 143 - Zinc Fountain Bee-Feeder 144 - Honey Cutters 145 - Fumigator 145 - Tube Fumigator 147 - Bee-Dress or Protector 148 - Engraved Pressing Roller, for the Guidance - of Bees in the Construction of Honey-comb - on the Bars 150 - Impressed Wax Sheets for Artificial Combs 151 - - - SECTION V. - - Manipulation and Uses of Bar and Frame Hives 157 - Putting on Super Hive 162 - Taking out Frames with Combs 163 - Advantages of Bar and Frame Hives 168 - Artificial Swarming 169 - Royal Brood 173 - Queen Cages 175 - Driving 179 - Changing Old Stocks to New Hives 182 - Weighing Hives, &c. 185 - - - SECTION VI. - - Miscellaneous Information. - - Stings: their Prevention and Cure 189 - Pollen, or Food for Infant-Bees 193 - Propolis, or Bees' Cement 195 - Pasturage for Bees 197 - The Ligurian or Italian Alp Bee 200 - Living Bees at the International Exhibition - of 1862, Sending Bees to Australia, &c. 213 - Bee-keeping in London 215 - Wasps and Moths 223 - Draining Honey from the Combs 230 - Diseases of Bees 232 - General Remarks 238 - On the First Flight of Bees in Spring 250 - - - APPENDIX. - - Testimonials of the Press. - - Great Exhibition of 1851:-- - From the "Cottage Gardener" 255 - " "Illustrated London News" 255 - " "Express" 255 - International Exhibition of 1862:-- - From the "Illustrated London News" 259 - " "Journal of Horticulture" 259 - - " "Illustrated News of the World" 261 - - " "Gardener's Weekly Magazine" 261 - - Bath and West of England Agricultural Show - at Exeter in June, 1863:-- - From the "Journal of Horticulture" 264 - " "Western Times" 264 - " "Devon Weekly Times" 267 - " "Exeter Gazette" 267 - Royal Agricultural Show, Newcastle, 1864:-- - From the "Northern Daily Express" 268 - Royal Agricultural Show, Plymouth, 1865:-- - From the "Journal of Horticulture" 270 - - * * * * * - -ERRATUM. - -At eleventh line from bottom of page 111, for "three," read "those." - - [Transcriber Note: Correction seems to have been made.] - - - - -DESCRIPTION OF PLATES. - - - PLATE I.--(Frontispiece.) - - 1. Queen-Bee. - 1_a_. Antenna of ditto. - 1_b_. Hind leg of ditto. - 1_c_. Front view of head of ditto. - 1_d_. Mandible of ditto. - 2. Worker, or imperfect female. - 2_a_. Antenna of ditto. - 2_b_. Hind leg of ditto, inner side showing the pollen-brushes. - 2_b_*. Ditto, outer side showing the pollen-basket. - 2_c_*. Side view of head. - 2_c_. Back view of ditto, showing the junction of the gullet with - the thorax, and position of the tongue and its appendages. - 2_d_. Mandible. - 3. Male, or drone. - 3_a_. Antenna of ditto. - 3_b_. Hind leg of ditto. - 3_c_. Front view of head of ditto. - 3_d_. Mandible of ditto. - A. Enlarged view of the wing. B. Hind edge of fore wing - showing the thickened margin, and fore edge of hind - wing, showing the hooks, which hold on to the thickened - margin of the fore wing and keep them together during - flight. - - PLATE II.--<sc>Page 31.</sc> - - 1. Body of a bee divested of antennæ, legs, and wings, showing - the anatomy of the thorax and natural position of the - stomach. - 5* The eyes. - _a._ The ocelli. - _bbb._ The muscles that move the wings. - _c._ The external covering of the thorax. - _ee._ The bases of the wings. - _d._ The honey-bag, or first stomach. - _f._ The ventricle, or true stomach, distended with food. - _g._ The rectum. - _h._ The biliary vessels. - _i._ Portion of the membranous tissue lining the inner surface of - the segments, and enclosing the stomach and intestines. - _q._ The stomach emptied of its contents, to show the muscular - contraction of the ventricle. - _d._ The honey-bag. - _f._ The ventricle. - _g._ The rectum. - _h._ The biliary vessels. - _i._ The ligula, or tongue, and its appendages. - _l._ The base of the ligula. - _m._ Maxillary palpi. - _n._ The maxilla. - _o._ The labial palpi. - _p._ The tongue. - 4. The sting and its muscles. - _g._ The attachment of the muscles to the outer covering of the - abdomen. - _r._ Muscles that move the sting. - _s._ Curved base of the sheaths that enclose the sting. - _t._ Poison-bag. - _u._ Glands connected with the poison-bag. - _v._ Honey-plates covering the muscles _r_, and to which the - sheaths of the stings are attached at _s_. - **. Base of sting connecting with the poison-bag _t_. - 4*. Magnified view of point of sting, showing the serrations on - each side. - 5. Three hexagonal prisms of a bee's eye (Swammerdam). - 6. Abdominal plates of the bee, detached to show the wax-cells. - 7. Eggs of bee, natural size, and magnified (from Reaumur) - 8. Helminthimorphous, or apodal larva of a bee (Reaumur). - -[Illustration] - - - - - THE APIARY - - OR, - - BEES, BEE-HIVES, & BEE-CULTURE. - - -There are two classes of persons for whom bee-culture should have -a strong interest, and two distinct purposes for which the pursuit -may be followed. First, there is the cottager or small farmer, who, -in thousands of instances, might add considerably to his income by -bee-keeping; and, secondly, there is the man of "retired leisure" and -refinement, who, in the personal tendance of an apiary, would find -an easy and interesting occupation, and one which could not fail to -quicken his faculties of general scientific observation. Moreover, -in contemplating the wonderful skill, industry, and prevision of his -insect-artisans, the bee-keeper would find in his apiary constant -illustrations of creative wisdom. - -Amongst the humbler classes in the rural districts, the neglect of -bee-keeping is to be attributed to an exaggerated idea of the trouble -needful for the care of a few hives, and also to ignorance of the -easier and more profitable methods of modern management. Many of the -wealthier country or suburban residents, also, are averse to the -personal trouble which they fancy needful in keeping an apiary; and, -perhaps, some gentlemen are more afraid than they would like to own -of that very efficient weapon of defence with which the honey bee is -provided. But the prejudices against bees are quite unnecessary; bees -are as tractable as they are intelligent, and it is the purpose of this -little book to show that bee-culture is an easy and safe, as well as a -deeply interesting, pursuit. Possibly, also, some who do us the favour -to read our detailed explanations will see how the rural clergyman, -or the benevolent landlord, who keeps an apiary of his own, may be -of signal service to his poorer neighbours in explaining to them the -mysteries of bee-keeping. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - -I.--NATURAL HISTORY OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE HIVE. - - -Every hive or bee colony comprises in summer three distinct classes -of bees, each class having functions peculiar to itself, and which -are essential to the well-being of the whole community. As each bee -knows its own proper duties, they all work harmoniously and zealously -together, for the common weal. Certain apparent exceptions to the -good-fellowship of the bees will be hereafter noticed, but those -arise out of essential conditions in the social economy of the bee -community. That _honey bees_ should live in society, as they do in -hives, is absolutely needful. A bee, in an isolated condition, is a -very helpless, delicate little creature, soon susceptible of cold, and -paralysed thereby, unless able to join her companions before night -comes on. By congregating in large numbers, bees maintain warmth, -whatever the external temperature may be. - -The three classes of bees are:--the queen-bee, with the pupæ or embryos -intended for queens; the working bees; and the drones, or male bees. - - -THE QUEEN. - -Appropriately styled, by German bee-keepers, the mother-bee, is the -only perfectly developed female among the whole population of each -separate colony. Thus her majesty indisputably sways her sceptre by -a divine right, because she lives and reigns in the hearts of loving -children and subjects. - -Dr. Evans[2] introduces the queen-bee to our notice thus:-- - - "First of the throng, and foremost of the whole. - One 'stands confest the sovereign and the soul.'" - -[Footnote 2: Dr. Evans--who may be styled the poet-laureate of the -bees--lived at Shrewsbury, where he practised as a physician. His poem -on bees is written with great taste and careful elaboration, and it -describes the habits of bees with a degree of accuracy only attainable -after continuous scientific observation.] - -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 -wings; her legs are longer, and are not furnished with either brushes -or baskets as those of the working bee, for, being constantly fed by -the latter, she does not need those implements; the upper surface of -her body is of a brighter black than the other bees, whilst her colour -underneath is a yellowish brown;[3] her wings, which do not extend -more than half the length of her body, are sinewy and strong; her long -abdomen tapers nearly to a point; her head is rounder, her tongue more -slender, and not nearly so long, as that of the working bee, and her -sting is curved. Her movements are measured and majestic; as she moves -in the hive the other bees form a circle round her, none venturing to -turn their backs upon her, but all anxious to show that respect and -attention due to her rank and station. Whenever, in the exercise of her -sovereign will, the queen wishes to travel amongst her subjects, she -experiences no inconvenience from overcrowding; although the part of -the hive to which she is journeying may be the most populous, way is -immediately made, the common bees tumbling over each other to get out -of her path, so great is their anxiety not to interfere with the royal -progress. - -[Footnote 3: Yellow Italian queens form an exception in point of -colour. See frontispiece, fig. I.] - -It is the chief function of the queen to lay the eggs from which all -future bees originate, the multiplication of the species being the -purpose of her existence; and she follows it up with an assiduity -similar to that with which the workers construct combs or collect -honey. A queen is estimated to lay in the breeding season from 1,500 to -2,000 eggs a-day, and in the course of one year is supposed to produce -more than 100,000 bees. This is indeed a vast number; but when there -is taken into consideration the great number required for swarms, the -constant lessening of their strength by death in various ways, and the -many casualties attending them in their distant travels in search of -the luscious store, it does not seem that the case is over-stated. - -In a Glass Unicomb Hive,--which we shall hereinafter describe,--all the -movements of the queen-bee may be traced; she may be seen thrusting -her head into a cell to discover whether it be occupied with an egg or -honey, and if empty, she turns round in a dignified manner and inserts -her long body--so long, that she is able to deposit the egg at the -bottom of the cell; she then passes on to another, and so continues -industriously multiplying her laborious subjects. It not unfrequently -happens when the queen is prolific, and if it be an early season, that -many eggs are wasted for want of unoccupied cells; for in that case -the queen leaves them exposed at the bottom of the hive, when they are -greedily devoured by the bees. - -The queen-bee, unlike the great majority of her subjects, is a stayer -at home; generally speaking, she only quits the hive twice in her life. -. The first occasion is on the all-important day of her marriage, which -always takes place at a great height in the air, and generally on the -second or third day of her princess-life; she never afterwards leaves -the hive, except to lead off an emigrating swarm. Evans, with proper -loyalty, has duly furnished a glowing epithalamium for the queen-bee -thus:-- - - "When noon-tide Sirius glares on high, - Young love ascends the glowing sky, - From vein to vein swift shoots prolific fire, - And thrills each insect fibre with desire; - Then Nature, to fulfil thy prime decree, - Wheels round, in wanton rings, the courtier Bee; - Now shyly distant, now with bolder air, - He woos and wins the all-complying fair; - Through fields of ether, veiled in vap'ry gloom - They seek, with amorous haste, the nuptial room; - As erst the immortal pair, on Ida's height, - Wreath'd round their noon of joy ambrosial night." - -The loyalty and attachment of bees to their queen is one of their most -remarkable characteristics; they constantly supply her with food, and -fawn upon and caress her, softly touching her with their antennæ--a -favour which she occasionally returns. When she moves about the hive, -all the bees through whom she successively passes pay her the same -homage; those whom she leaves behind in her track close together, and -resume their accustomed occupations. - -The majestic deportment of the queen-bee and the homage paid to her is, -with a little poetic licence, thus described by Evans:-- - - "But mark, of royal port and awful mien, - Where moves with measured pace the insect Queen! - Twelve chosen guards, with slow and solemn gait, - Bend at her nod, and round her person wait." - -This homage is, however, only paid to matron queens. Whilst they -continue princesses, they receive no distinctive marks of respect. -Dr. Dunbar, the noted Scotch apiarian, observed a very striking -instance of this whilst experimenting on the combative qualities of -the queen-bee "So long," says he, "as the queen which survived the -rencontre with her rival remained a virgin, not the slightest degree -of respect or attention was paid her; not a single bee gave her food; -she was obliged, as often as she required it, to help herself; and in -crossing the honey cells for that purpose, she had to scramble, often -with difficulty, over the crowd, not an individual of which got out of -her way, or seemed to care whether she fed or starved: but no sooner -did she become a mother, than the scene was changed, and all testified -towards her that most affectionate attention, which is uniformly -exhibited to fertile queens." - -The queen-bee, though provided with a sting, never uses it on any -account, except in combat with her sister-queens. But she admits of -no rival to her throne; almost her first act, on coming forth from -the cell, is an attempt to tear open and destroy the cells containing -the pupæ of princesses likely to become competitors. Should it so -happen that another queen of similar age does exist in the hive at the -same time, the two are speedily brought into contact with each other, -in order to fight it out and decide by a struggle, mortal to one of -them, which is to be the ruler;--the stronger of course is victorious, -and remains supreme. This, it must be admitted, is a wiser method of -settling the affair than it would be to range the whole hive under -two distinct banners, and so create a civil war, in which the members -of the rival bands would kill and destroy each other for matters they -individually have little or no concern about: for the bees care not -which queen it is, so long as they are certain of having one to rule -over them and perpetuate the community. - -After perusing the description given above of the attachment of bees -to their queen, it may be easy to imagine the consternation a hive -is thrown into when deprived of her presence. The bees first make a -diligent search for their monarch in the hive, and then afterwards rush -forth in immense numbers to seek her. When such a commotion is observed -in an apiary, the experienced bee-master will repair the loss by giving -a queen: the bees have generally their own remedy for such a calamity, -in their power of raising a new queen from amongst their larvæ; but -if neither of these means be available, the whole colony dwindles and -dies. The following is the method by which working bees provide a -successor to the throne when deprived of their queen by accident, or in -anticipation of the first swarm, which is always led by the old queen:-- - -They select, when not more than three days old, an egg or grub -previously intended for a worker-bee, and then enlarge the cell so -selected by destroying the surrounding partitions; they thus form a -royal cradle, in shape very much like an acorn cup inverted. The -chosen embryo is then fed liberally with a peculiar description of -nurture, called by naturalists "royal jelly"--a pungent food, prepared -by the working bees exclusively for those of the larvae that are -destined to become candidates for the honour of royalty. Should a queen -be forcibly separated from her subjects, she resents the interference, -refuses food, pines, and dies. - -The whole natural history of the queen-bee is in itself a subject -that will well repay for continuous study. Those who desire to follow -it, we would refer to the complete works of Huber--the greatest of -apiarians,--Swammerdam, Bevan, Langstroth, &c. The observations upon -the queen-bee needful to verify the above-mentioned facts can only -be made in hives constructed for the purpose, of which the "Unicomb -Observatory Hive" is the best. In ordinary hives the queen is scarcely -ever to be seen; where there are several rows of comb, she invariably -keeps between them, both for warmth and to be more secure from danger. -The writer has frequently observed in stocks which have unfortunately -died, that the queen was one of the last to expire; and she is always -more difficult to gain possession of than other bees, being by instinct -taught that she is indispensable to the welfare of her subjects. - -The queen enjoys a far longer life than any of her subjects, her age -generally extending to four, or even five years. The drones, which are -mostly hatched in the early spring, seldom live more than three or -four months, even if they should escape the sting of the executioner, -to which they generally fall victims. The worker-bee, it is now a -well-ascertained fact, lives from six to eight months, in no case -exceeding the latter; so that we may reckon that the bees hatched in -April and May expire about the end of the year; and it is those of the -autumn who carry on the duties of the hive until the spring and summer, -that being the time when the greatest number of eggs are laid. The -population of a hive is very small during the winter, in comparison -with the vast numbers gathering produce in the summer,--produce which -they themselves live to enjoy but for a short period. So that not only, -as of old, may lessons of industry be learned from bees, but they also -teach self-denial to mankind, since they labour for the community -rather than for themselves. Evans, in describing the age of bees, -thus paraphrases the well known couplet of Homer, in allusion to the -fleeting generations of men:-- - - "Like leaves on trees the race of bees is found. - Now green in youth, now withering on the ground; - Another race the spring or fall supplies, - They droop successive, and successive rise." - - -THE DRONE. - -The drones are male bees; they possess no sting, are more hairy and -larger than the common bee, and may be easily distinguished by their -heavy motion, thick-set form, and louder humming. Evans thus describes -the drones:-- - - "Their short proboscis sips - No luscious nectar from the wild thyme's lips; - From the lime leaf no amber drops they steal, - Nor bear their grooveless thighs the foodful meal: - On others' toils, in pampered leisure, thrive - The lazy fathers of the industrious hive; - Yet oft, we're told, these seeming idlers share - The pleasing duties of parental care; - With fond attention guard each genial cell, - And watch the embryo bursting from the shell." - -But Dr. Evans had been "told" what was not correct when he sought to -dignify drones with the office of "nursing fathers,"--that task is -undertaken by the younger of the working bees. No occupation falls -to the lot of the drones in gathering honey, nor have they the means -provided them by Nature for assisting in the labours of the hive. The -drones are the progenitors of working bees, and nothing more; so far as -is known, that is the only purpose of their short existence. - -In a well-populated hive the number of drones is computed at from -one to two thousand. "Naturalists," says Huber, "have been extremely -embarrassed to account for the number of males in most hives, and -which seem only a burden to the community, since they appear to -fulfil no function. But we now begin to discern the object of Nature -in multiplying them to such an extent. As fecundation cannot be -accomplished within the hive, and as the queen is obliged to traverse -the expanse of the atmosphere, it is requisite that the males should be -numerous, that she may have the chance of meeting some one of them in -her flight. Were only two or three in each hive, there would be little -probability of their departure at the same instant with the queen, or -that they would meet her in their excursions; and most of the females -might thus remain sterile." It is important for the safety of the -queen-bee that her stay in the air should be as brief as possible: her -large size and slowness of flight render her an easy prey to birds. -It is not now thought that the queen always pairs with a drone of the -_same_ hive, as Huber seems to have supposed. The drone that happens to -be the selected husband is by no means so fortunate as at first sight -may appear, for it is a law of nature that the bridegroom does not -survive the wedding-day. Her majesty, although thus left, a widowed, -is by no means a sorrowful, bride, for she soon becomes the happy -mother of a large family. It cannot be said that she pays no respect -to the memory of her departed lord, for she never marries again. -Once impregnated,--as is the case with most insects,--the queen-bee -continues productive during the remainder of her existence. It has, -however, been found that though old queens cease to lay worker eggs, -they may continue to lay those of drones. The swarming season being -over,--that is about the end of July,--a general massacre of the "lazy -fathers" takes place. Dr. Bevan, in the "Honey Bee," observes on this -point: "The work of the drones being now completed, they are regarded -as useless consumers of the fruits of others' labour; love is at once -converted into hate, and a general proscription takes place. The -unfortunate victims evidently perceive their danger, for they are never -at this time seen resting in one place, but darting in and out of the -hive with the utmost precipitation, as if in fear of being seized." - -Their destruction is thought, by some, to be caused by their being -harassed until they quit the hive; but Huber says he ascertained that -the death of the drones was caused by the stings of the workers. -Supposing the drones come forth in May, which is the average period -of their being hatched, their destruction takes place somewhere about -the commencement of August, so that three months is the usual extent -of their existence; but should it so happen that the usual development -of the queen has been retarded, or that the hive has by chance been -deprived of her, the massacre of the drones is deferred. In any case, -the natural term of the life of drone-bees does not exceed four months, -so that they are all dead before the winter, and are not allowed to be -useless consumers of the general store. - - -THE WORKER-BEE. - -The working bees form, by far, the most numerous class of the three -kinds contained in the hive, and least of all require description. -They are the smallest of the bees, are dark brown in colour, or nearly -black,[4] and much more active on the wing than are either drones -or queens. The usual number in a healthy hive varies from twelve to -thirty thousand; and, previous to swarming, exceeds the larger number. -The worker-bee is of the same sex as the queen, but is only partially -developed. Any egg of a worker-bee--by the cell being enlarged, -as already described, and the "royal jelly" being supplied to the -larva--may be hatched into a mature and perfect queen. This, one of -the most curious facts connected with the natural history of bees, may -be verified in any apiary by most interesting experiments, which may -be turned to important use. With regard to the supposed distinctions -between "nursing" and working bees, it is now agreed that it only -consists in a division of labour, the young workers staying at home -to feed the larvæ until they are themselves vigorous enough to range -the fields in quest of supplies. But, for many details of unfailing -interest, we must again refer our readers to the standard works on -bees that have already been named. - -[Footnote 4: Italian workers form an exception in point of colour. See -Plate I., fig. 2.] - - -THE EGGS OF BEES. - -It is necessary that some explanation should be given as to the -existence of the bee before it emerges from the cell. - -The eggs (Plate II., fig. 7) of all the three kinds of bees, when -first deposited, are of an oval shape, and of a pearly-white colour. -In four or five days the egg changes to a worm, and in this stage is -known by the names of larva or grub (Plate II., fig. 8), in which state -it remains four to six days more. During this period it is fed by the -nurse-bees with a mixture of farina and honey, a constant supply of -which is given to it. The next transformation is to the nymph or pupa -form. The nurse-bees now seal up the cells with a preparation similar -to wax, and then the pupa spins round itself a film or cocoon, just as -a silkworm does in its chrysalis state. The microscope shows that this -cradle-curtain is perforated with very minute holes, through which the -baby-bee is duly supplied with air. No further attention on the part of -the bees is now requisite, except a proper degree of heat, which they -take care to keep up--a position for the breeding cells being selected -in the centre of the hive, where the temperature is likely to be most -congenial. - -Twenty-one days after the egg is first laid (unless cold weather -should have retarded it) the bee quits the pupa state, and, nibbling -its way through the waxen covering that has enclosed it, comes forth -a winged insect. The eggs of drones require twenty-four days, and -those of queens sixteen days, to arrive at maturity, and are hatched -in warm summer weather, a higher temperature being necessary. In the -Unicomb Observatory Hives, the young bees may distinctly be seen as -they literally fight their way into the world, for the other bees do -not take the slightest notice, nor afford them any assistance. We have -frequently been amused in watching the eager little new-comer, now -obtruding its head, and anon compelled to withdraw into the cell to -escape being trampled on by the apparently unfeeling throng, until at -last it has succeeded in making its exit. The little grey creature, -after brushing and shaking itself, enters upon its duties in the hive, -such as the nursing before alluded to, or secreting wax, and in (say) 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 Aristotle, and -which has in our day been rendered familiar even to infant minds -through the nursery rhymes of Dr. Watts. - - -INCREASE OF BEES. - -Every one is familiar with the natural process of "swarming," by which -bees provide themselves with fresh space, and seek to plant colonies to -absorb their increase of population. But the object of the bee-master -is to train and educate his bees, and in so doing he avoids much of -the risk and trouble which is incurred by allowing the busy folk to -follow their own devices. The various methods for this end adopted by -apiarians all come under the term of the "depriving" system, and they -form part of the great object of humane and economical bee-keeping, -which is to save the bees alive instead of slaughtering them, as under -the old clumsy system. A very natural question is often asked:--How -is it that, upon the depriving system, where our object is to prevent -swarming, the increase of numbers is not so great as upon the old plan? -It will be seen that the laying of eggs is performed by the queen only, -and that there is but one queen to each hive; so that where swarming -is prevented, there remains only one hive or stock, as the superfluous -princesses are not allowed to come to maturity. If all those princesses -were to become monarchs, or mother-bees, and to emigrate with a -proportionate number of workers, increase would be going on more -rapidly; but the old stock would be so impoverished thereby as possibly -to yield no surplus honey, whilst the swarms might come off too late -for them to collect sufficient store whereon to grow populous enough to -withstand the winter. - -With bees, as with men, "union is strength;" and it is often better -to induce them to remain as one family, rather than to part numbers -at a late period of the honey-gathering season, without a prospect -of supporting themselves, and so perish from cold and hunger during -the ordeal of the winter season. Would it not in such cases have -been better for the little folk, to have kept under one roof through -the winter, and to have been able to take full advantage of the -following early spring? This is one of the great secrets of successful -bee-keeping. - -Our plan of giving additional store-room will, generally speaking, -prevent swarming. This stay-at-home policy, we contend, is an -advantage; for instead of the loss of time consequent upon a swarm -hanging out preparatory to flight, all the bees are engaged in -collecting honey, and that at a time when the weather is most -favourable and the food most abundant. Upon the old system, the swarm -leaves the hive simply because the dwelling has not been enlarged at -the time when the bees are increasing. The emigrants are always led off -by the old queen, leaving either young or embryo queens to lead off -after-swarms, and to furnish a mistress for the old stock, and carry -on the multiplication of the species. Upon the antiquated and inhuman -plan, where so great a destruction takes place by the brimstone match, -breeding must, of course, be allowed to go on to its full extent to -make up for such sacrifices. Our chief object under the new system' is -to obtain honey free from all extraneous matter. Pure honey cannot be -gathered from combs where storing and breeding are performed in the -same compartment. For fuller explanations on this point, we refer to -the various descriptions of our improved hives in a subsequent section -of this work. - -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 hour." The ancients in Greece -and Italy took the surplus honey and spared the bees, and now for every -intelligent bee-keeper there are ample appliances wherewith to attain -the same results. Mr. Langstroth quotes from the German the following -epitaph, which, he says, "might be properly placed over every pit of -brimstoned bees":-- - - =Here rests,= - - CUT OFF FROM USEFUL LABOUR, - - A COLONY OF - - INDUSTRIOUS BEES, - - BASELY MURDERED - - BY ITS - UNGRATEFUL AND IGNORANT - OWNER. - -And Thomson, the poet of "The Seasons," has recorded an eloquent poetic -protest against the barbarous practice, for which, however, in his day -there was no, alternative:-- - - "Ah! see where, robbed and murdered in that pit. - Lies the still-heaving hive! at evening snatched, - Beneath the cloud of guilt-concealing night, - And fix'd o'er sulphur! while, not dreaming ill, - The happy people, in their waxen cells, - Sat tending public cares. - Sudden, the dark, oppressive steam ascends, - And, used to milder scents, the tender race - By thousands tumble from their honied dome, - Into a gulf of blue sulphureous flame!" - -It will be our pleasing task, in subsequent chapters, to show "a more -excellent way." - - -SWARMING. - -The spring is the best period at which to commence an apiary, and -swarming-time is a good starting-point for the new bee-keeper. The -period known as the swarming season is during the months of May and -June. With a very forward stock, and in exceedingly fine weather, bees -do occasionally swarm in April. The earlier the swarm, the greater is -its value. If bees swarm in July, they seldom gather sufficient to -sustain themselves through the winter, though by careful feeding they -may easily be kept alive, if hived early in the month. - -The cause of a swarm leaving the stock-hive is, that the population -has grown too large for it. Swarming is a provision of Nature for -remedying the inconvenience of overcrowding, and is the method whereby -the bees seek for space in which to increase their stores. By putting -on "super-hives," the required relief may, in many cases, be given -to them; but should the multiplication of stocks be desired, the -bee-keeper will defer increasing the space until the swarm has issued -forth. In May, when the spring has been fine, the queen-bee is very -active in laying eggs, and the increase in a strong, healthy hive is -so prodigious that emigration is necessary, or the bees would cease to -work. - -It is now a well-established fact that the old queen goes forth with -the first swarm, preparation having been made to supply her place as -soon as the bees determine upon the necessity of a division of their -commonwealth. Thus the sovereignty of the old hive, after the first -swarm has issued, devolves upon a young queen. - -As soon as the swarm builds combs in its new abode, the emigrant-queen, -being impregnated and her ovaries full, begins laying eggs in the -cells, and thereby speedily multiplies the labourers of the new colony. -Although there is now amongst apiarians no doubt that the old queen -quits her home, there is no rule as to the composition of the swarm: -old and young alike depart. Some show unmistakable signs of age by -their ragged wings, others their extreme youth by their lighter colour; -how they determine which shall stay and which shall go has not yet been -ascertained. In preparation for flight, bees commence filling their -honey bags, taking sufficient, it is said, for three days' sustenance. -This store is needful, not only for food, but to enable the bees to -commence the secretion of wax and the building of combs in their new -domicile. - -On the day of emigration, the weather must be fine, warm, and clear, -with but little wind stirring; for the old queen, like a prudent -matron, will not venture out unless the day is in every way favourable. -Whilst her majesty hesitates, either for the reasons we have mentioned, -or because the internal arrangements are not sufficiently matured, the -bees will often fly about or hang in clusters at the entrance of the -hive for two or three days and nights together, all labour meanwhile -being suspended. The agitation of the little folk is well described by -Evans:-- - - "See where, with hurried step, the impassioned throng - Pace o'er the hive, and seem, with plaintive song, - T' invite the loitering queen; now range the floor, - And hang in cluster'd columns from the door; - Or now in restless rings around they fly, - Nor spoil thy sip, nor load the hollowed thigh; - E'en the dull drone his wonted ease gives o'er, - Flaps his unwieldy wings, and longs to soar." - -But when all is ready, a scene of the most violent agitation takes -place; the bees rush out in vast numbers, forming quite a dark cloud as -they traverse the air. - -The time selected for the departure of the emigrants is generally -between 10 A.M. and 3 P.M.; most swarms come off within an hour of -noon. It is a very general remark that bees choose a Sunday for -swarming, and probably this is because then greater stillness reigns -around. It will not be difficult to imagine that the careful bee-keeper -is anxious to keep a strict watch, lest he should lose such a treasure -when once it takes wing. The exciting scene at a bee-swarming has been -well described by the apiarian laureate:-- - - "Up mounts the chief, and, to the cheated eye, - Ten thousand shuttles dart along the sky; - As swift through æther rise the rushing swarms, - Gay dancing to the beam their sunbright forms; - And each thin form, still lingering on the sight, - Trails, as it shoots, a line of silver light. - High poised on buoyant wing, the thoughtful queen, - In gaze attentive, views the varied scene, - And soon her far-fetched ken discerns below, - The light laburnum lift her polished brow, - Wave her green leafy ringlets o'er the glade. - Swift as the falcon's sweep the monarch bends - Her flight abrupt: the following host descends; - Round the fine twig, like clustered grapes they close - In thickening wreaths, and court a short repose." - -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 key. This is done with -the absurd notion that the bees are charmed with the clangorous din, -and may by it be induced to settle as near as possible to the source -of such sweet sounds. This is, however, quite a mistake: there are -other and better means for the purpose. The practice of ringing was -originally adopted for a different and far more sensible object--viz., -for the purpose of giving notice that a swarm had issued forth, and -that the owner was anxious to claim the right of following, even -though it should alight on a neighbour's premises. It would be curious -to trace how this ancient ceremony has thus got corrupted from the -original design. - -In case the bees do not speedily after swarming manifest signs of -settling, a few handfuls of sand or loose mould may be thrown up in the -air so as to fall among the winged throng; they mistake this for rain, -and then very quickly determine upon settling. Some persons squirt a -little water from a garden engine in' order to produce the same effect. - -There are, indeed, many ingenious devices used by apiarians for -decoying the swarms. Mr. Langstroth mentions a plan of stringing dead -bees together, and tying a bunch of them on any shrub or low tree upon -which it is desirable that they should alight; another plan is, to -hang some black woven material near the hives, so that the swarming -bees may be led to suppose they see another colony, to which they will -hasten to attach themselves. Swarms have a great affinity for each -other when they are adrift in the air; but, of course, when the union -has been effected, the rival queens have to do battle for supremacy. A -more ingenious device than any of the above is by means of a mirror, to -flash a reflection of the sun's rays amongst a swarm, which bewilders -the bees, and checks their flight. It is manifestly often desirable -to use some of these endeavours to induce early settlement, and to -prevent, if possible, the bees from clustering in high trees or under -the eaves of houses, where it may be difficult to hive them. - -Should prompt measures not be taken to hive the bees as soon as the -cluster is well formed, there is danger of their starting on a second -flight; and this is what the apiarian has so much to dread. If the bees -set off a second time, it is generally for a long flight, often for -miles, so that in such a case it is usually impossible to follow them, -and consequently a valuable colony may be irretrievably lost. - -Too much care cannot be exercised to prevent the sun's rays falling -on a swarm when it has once settled. If exposed to heat in this way, -bees are very likely to decamp. We have frequently stretched matting or -sheeting on poles, so as to intercept the glare, and thus render their -temporary position cool and comfortable. - -Two swarms sometimes depart at the same time, and join together; in -such a case, we recommend that they be treated as one, by putting them -into a hive as before described, taking care to give abundant room and -not to delay affording access to the super hive or glasses. They will -settle their own notions of sovereignty by one queen destroying the -other. There are means of separating two swarms, if done at the time; -but the operation is a formidable one, and does not always repay even -those most accustomed to such manipulation. - -With regard to preparations for taking a swarm, our advice to the -bee-keeper must be the reverse of Mrs. Glass's notable injunction as to -the cooking of a hare. Some time before you expect to take a swarm, be -sure to have a suitable hive in which to take it, and also every other -requisite properly ready. Here we will explain what was said in the -introduction as to the safety of moving and handling bees. A bee-veil -or dress will preserve the most sensitive from the possibility of being -stung. This article, which may be bought with the hives, is made of -net close enough to exclude bees, but open enough for the operator's -vision. It is made to go over the hat of a lady or cap of a gentleman; -it closes round the waist, and has sleeves fastening at the wrist. A -pair of photographer's india-rubber gloves completes the full dress of -the apiarian, who is then invulnerable, even to enraged bees. But bees -when swarming are in an eminently peaceful frame of mind; having dined -sumptuously, they require to be positively provoked before they will -sting. Yet there may be one or two foolish bees who, having neglected -to fill their honey bags, are inclined to vent their ill-humour on -the kind apiarian. When all is ready, the new hive is held or placed -in an inverted position under the cluster of bees, which the operator -detaches from their perch with one or two quick shakes; the floor-board -is then placed on the hive, which is then slowly turned up on to its -base, and it is well to leave it a short time in the same place, in -order to allow of stragglers joining their companions. - -If the new swarm is intended for transportation to a distance, it is -as well for it to be left at the same spot until evening, provided the -sun is shaded from it: but if the hive is meant to stand in or near -the same garden, it is better to remove it within half an hour to its -permanent position, because so eager are newly-swarmed bees for pushing -forward the work of furnishing their empty house, that they sally forth -at once in search of materials. - -A swarm of bees, in their natural state, contains from 10,000 to 20,000 -insects, whilst in an established hive of Italian bees they number -40,000 and upwards. Five thousand bees are said to weigh one pound; a -good swarm will weigh from three to five pounds. We have known swarms -not heavier than 2½ pounds that were in very excellent condition in -August as regards store for the winter. - -Hitherto, all our remarks have had reference to first or "prime" -swarms; these are the best, and when a swarm is purchased, such should -be bargained for. - -Second swarms, known amongst cottage bee-keepers as "casts," usually -issue from the hive nine or ten days after the first has departed. -It is not always that a second swarm issues, so much depends on the -strength of the stock, the weather, and other causes; but should the -bees determine to throw out another, the first hatched queen in the -stock-hive is prevented by her subjects from destroying the other -royal princesses, as she would do if left to her own devices. The -consequence is that, like some people who cannot have their own way, -she is highly indignant; and, when thwarted in her purpose, utters, in -quick succession, shrill, angry sounds, much resembling "_Peep, peep_," -commonly called "piping," but which more courtly apiarians have styled -the _vox regalis_. - -This royal wailing continues during the evening, and is sometimes so -loud as to be distinctly audible many yards from the hive. When this is -the case, a swarm may be expected either on the next day, or at latest -within three days. The second swarm is not quite so chary of weather -as the first; it was the _old_ lady who exercised so much caution, -disliking to leave home except in the best of summer weather. - -In some instances, owing to favourable breeding seasons and prolific -queens, a third swarm issues from the hive; this is termed a "colt:" -and, in remarkable instances, even a fourth, which in rustic phrase is -designated a "filly." A swarm from a swarm is called a "maiden" swarm, -and, according to bee theory, will again have the old queen for its -leader. - -The bee-master should endeavour to prevent his labourers from swarming -more than once; his policy is rather to encourage the industrious -gathering of honey, by keeping a good supply of "supers" on the hives. -Sometimes, however, he may err in putting on the supers too early or -unduly late, and the bees will then swarm a second time, instead of -making use of the store-rooms thus provided. In such a case, the clever -apiarian, having spread the swarm on the ground, will select the queen, -and cause the bees to go back to the hive from whence they came. This -operation requires an amount of apiarian skill which, though it may -easily be attained, is greater than is usually possessed. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: Plate II. - -E. W. Robinson Delt. et Sc P 1865.] - -[Illustration] - - - - -II.--ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE BEE. - - -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 methods, it requires but -little apology for thus apparently deviating from our prescribed -course, 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 assist, and since it will at once be -admitted that a knowledge of their habits is not only interesting to -the bee-keeper, but enables him to conduct his apiary in accordance -therewith. - -Of the insect tribe, the bee is certainly the most distinguished; with -the exception of the silkworm, none can approach her in ministering to -the wants, or rather to the luxuries, of the human family. The instinct -bees possess for feeding on flowers, bringing home honey and pollen, -and secreting wax, entitles them to our close consideration of their -structure and of the tools provided them by Nature for carrying on -their handiwork. - -In a treatise of this kind, intended to be of a popular character, we -shall endeavour to place these details before our readers in a concise -and simple manner, avoiding as much as may be technical terms, and -referring those who wish to go more deeply into this branch of the -subject to the works of Bonnet, Huber, Kirby and Spence, Dr. Bevan, &c. -. - -In the course of our description, we shall frequently have to refer -to the steel engravings, Plates I. and II., drawn by Mr. E. W. -Robinson, artist to the Entomological Society of London, who has most -carefully dissected bees we sent him for the purpose, subjected these -dissections to the microscope, and skilfully produced the accompanying -illustrations, which will so much assist us in our agreeable task. -These delineations are so clear, that a little explanation will suffice -to bring home to the understanding of the curious the component parts -of the bee, and the uses to which the various members are applied. - -Because the bee is so small an insect, its organization ought not to be -neglected to be investigated. "The bee is little among such as fly, but -her fruit is the chief of sweet things." The enlightened Boyle, when -contemplating the wonders of Nature, declared that his astonishment -had been more excited by the mite than by the elephant; and that his -admiration dwelt "not so much on the _clocks_ as on the _watches_ of -creation."[5] - -[Footnote 5: Dr. Bevan.] - -The figures 1, 2, and 3, Plate I., in the frontispiece, respectively -represent the exterior forms of the queen, the worker, and the -drone. They are thus coloured to illustrate the Yellow Italian Alp, -or Ligurian bee, now deservedly held in such high estimation by -bee-keepers, and of whose good qualities we shall, in a subsequent -section of this work, have occasion more fully to treat. All the -bees constituting a stock may not be of quite so bright a colour as -those represented: the old bees differ in appearance from the younger -ones;--darkened bodies and ragged wings, not grey hairs and wrinkled -faces, are the signs of old age; so that with bees (especially -Ligurians), as with the gentler sex of the human race, there is -appointed a period both of youth and beauty. - -The anatomical structure of our English bee is much the same as that of -the Italian;[6] a description of the one will therefore serve for the -other. The most apparent difference consists in the colour. The English -bee is of a blackish brown; both varieties have their bodies wholly -covered with close-set hairs. These hairs deserve particular attention, -because, although so small, each hair is _feather-shaped_, consisting -of a stem and branches somewhat analogous to the feathers of birds. -This form is extremely serviceable to the insect, when revelling in the -corolla of flowers, to collect the farina, and, besides thus useful, is -peculiarly adapted for retaining animal heat.[7] - -[Footnote 6: Naturalists consider the Italian bee a very superior race, -and that the various organs are stronger and of greater capacity; it -is, however, not easy to define the precise anatomical superiority.] - -[Footnote 7: "Naturalist's Library."] - -The insect is divided into three parts--the _head_, the _thorax_ or -_chest_, and the _abdomen_. - -The head of the queen (Plate I., fig. 1 _c_), as also that of the -drone (Plate I., fig. 3 _c_), is rounder than that of the worker-bee. -The latter (Plate I, fig. 2 _c_) is of a triangular shape, and much -flattened, as in Plate I., fig. 2* _c_, which shows the side view. In -common with other creatures, the head contains the inlet for nutrition, -and is the seat of the principal organs of sensation. - -In the figures before alluded to may be seen the double visual -apparatus with which bees are provided. The oval divisions on each side -of the head are the two eyes, the secondary organs of vision being the -three small eyes on the top of the head, called the _ocelli_. We shall -first describe the two larger eyes, which, as seems to be the case -with all insects, are immovable, and have neither irides nor pupils, -nor eyelids to cover them, but are protected from the dust or pollen -of flowers by a number of small hairs, as well as by a horny tunicle, -which defends and secures them from injury. The multitude of hexagonal -lenses which compose the eye of a bee make it appear, when viewed -through a microscope, exactly like honey-comb.[8] A German writer -computes that in each eye there are 3,500 lenses. In Plate II., fig. 5 -represents three of these hexagonal prisms or lenses, magnified. - -[Footnote 8: Dr. Bevan.] - -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 food, and then, having determined the -point, no matter how far off, they fly homewards with the directness -of a cannon ball, and alight at the door of their own habitation, -though the country around may be crowded with hives: but on reaching -the entrance, their vision appears defective, for they then feel their -way with the antennæ as if totally blind; and should the hive have been -moved a little, they will rise again into the air to obtain a more -distant view, suited to the lengthened focus of their sight. - -When a stock or swarm is brought from a distance, bees do not take -their departure at once, but reconnoitre awhile, visiting surrounding -objects so as to well know the spot again, in order to return thereto. - -The precise purpose or use of the three small eyes does not appear -to be exactly known, except that they are intended to heighten the -general sense of seeing which the creature so peculiarly requires. Some -naturalists suggest that they are to give a defensive vision upwards -from the cups of flowers. - -The mouth of the bee is a most complex structure, marvellously -adapted for its duties, and consists of the mandibles, the ligula, or -tongue, also called the proboscis, and other less important parts. -The mandibles are the two sides of the upper jaw. Plate I., fig. 1 -_d_, shows the mandible of the queen, which, similar to that of the -drone (Plate I., fig. 3 _d_), is provided with two teeth, whilst the -mandible of the worker (Plate I., fig. 2 _d_) is without teeth. The -latter having to manipulate the wax with smoothness, the teeth would -doubtless be objectionable. These mandibles are strong, horny, and -sharp-pointed, to assist in breaking down food between them, and, in -other respects, constitute serviceable tools with which to seize their -enemies, destroy the drones, &c. The tongue (Plate II., fig. 3), or -proboscis, is a long, slender projection, flattish in form, and about -the thickness of a bristle. It has about forty cartilaginous rings, -each of which is fringed with minute hairs, having also a small tuft -of hair at its extremity, where it is somewhat serrated. The tongue -acts by rolling about, sweeping or lapping up, by means of the fringes -around it, everything to which it is applied; thus, when a bee alights -upon a flower, it pierces the petals and stamina, where the nectar is -secreted, deposits its collection on the tongue, which, when withdrawn -into the mouth, propels the gathered material into the gullet (Plate -I., fig. 2 _c_) at its base, and from thence passes into the various -internal organs, to which reference will be made hereafter. At times, -in building combs, the tongue is used as a trowel, with which the -minute scales of wax are deposited in their appropriate places, and the -desired finish is given to the cells. This organ was formerly described -by naturalists as a hollow tube, but we now know, by dissection, that -this is not the case, but that it acts as a brush, and, by a peculiar -muscular contraction externally, draws the liquid into the mouth. Thus, -when a bee is imbibing food, the rings of the abdomen have a vibratory -motion similar to pumping, showing to the casual observer that suction -is rapidly going on in some form or other. - -The labial palpi (Plate II., fig. 3 _o_) rise from the base of each -side of this lapping instrument, and are also ciliated exteriorly; -outside these are the lower jaws, or maxillæ (Plate II., fig. 2 _n_), -similarly provided with hairs. When the jaws (Plate II., fig. 3 _n_ and -_o_) close on the tongue, they form a sheath or defence thereto. - -With the mandibles of the upper jaw opening right and left, and the -maxillæ or lower jaws, which serve to hold the object laboured upon, -the insect prepares its work for the sweeping-up apparatus of the lower -parts. Thus, when combs become mouldy, or in any way unfit receptacles -for brood or honey, these tools provided by Nature serve the place of -hands, and the bees are able to chop up in small pieces, and remove -from their dwelling, whatever lumber of this kind may be offensive -to them. The whole of this apparatus, while perfect in action in an -expanded state, can be folded or coiled together when not in use, so -as to form one strong and well-protected instrument. - -The antennæ (Plate I., figs. 1_a_, 2_a_, 3_a_,) are most important -instruments, and are planted between or below the eyes and a little -below the ocelli, one on either side: they consist of a number of -tubular joints, each having a separate motion; being thus jointed -throughout their whole length, they are, therefore, capable of every -variety of flexure, and their extremities are exquisitely sensitive. -With the antennæ, these insects recognise their queen, and appear to -communicate to each other their joys and sorrows. For instance, if a -colony be deprived of its queen, bees may be seen rushing about the -hive, and, with a nervous twinge, crossing their antennæ and conveying -the intelligence of their forlorn state. The sense of touch is here -most acute. Huber points out a moonlight night as the best time for -observing the antennæ in this respect. The bees guarding against -the intrusion of moths, and not having light enough to see fully, -circumambulate their doors like vigilant sentinels, with the antennæ -stretched right before them; and woe to the moth that comes within -reach--the instant it is felt, its death follows. The sense of hearing -has been denied bees, whilst others contend that these organs are -situate in their antennæ. The sounds which bees emit, particularly -at swarming time, are conclusive that they possess this faculty; the -only reason for arriving at an opposite conclusion seems to be, that -no precise organ of hearing can be found. Naturalists are now more -united in the opinion that the seat of hearing is here located. The -antennæ are said to have also another office, viz., that they act -as a barometer, by which bees know the state of the weather and are -premonished of storms; so that this pair of horns play an important -part, since such useful faculties are thus combined. In the dark -recesses of the hive the antennas are exceedingly serviceable, and -may truly be denominated "eyes to the blind." Bees possess acutely -the senses of taste and smell. In consequence of their being detected -occasionally lapping the impure liquids from stable or other fœtid -drains, Huber considered the former the least perfect of their senses. -It is now ascertained that bees, like most animals, are fond of salt; -and in spring, more especially, their instinct teaches them that salt -is beneficial for their health after their winter confinement, and they -therefore resort to dunghills and Stagnant marshes, from which they -are, doubtless, able to extract saline draughts. - -It cannot be denied, however, that, according to our ideas, bees' -taste is otherwise at fault; it sometimes happens that, where onions -and leeks abound and are allowed to run to seed, bees are so anxious -to complete their winter stores, that, from feeding on these plants, -a disagreeable flavour is communicated to the honey. Again, the fact, -well known in history, related by Xenophon in the retreat of the Ten -Thousand, that bees in Asia Minor extracted honey from plants which -had not only a disagreeable but a poisonous tendency to man, shows that -it is quite possible, where such poisonous plants abound, for the bees -to extract the juices without any injury to themselves. - -The sense of smell, so largely possessed by bees, is extremely -serviceable to them. Attracted by the fragrance of flowers, bees may -be seen winging their way a considerable distance in an undeviating -course, even sometimes in the face of weather which one might have -thought they would not have braved. - -The thorax or chest approaches in figure to a sphere, and is united to -the head by a thread-like ligament. This is the centre of the organs -of motion. Here are attached both the muscles that move the legs and -wings, and the legs and wings themselves. - -In Plate II., fig. 1, _b, b, b_, show the muscles that move the wings; -_e, e_, the bases of the wings. - -The wings consist of two pairs of unequal size, which are hooked to -one another. In Plate I., fig. A, will be seen the margins of the -two wings. In fig. B are the eighteen or twenty hooks placed on the -anterior margin of the hinder wing, whilst the posterior margin of the -fore wing is beautifully folded over to receive them, so that, when -distended for flying, the two wings on each side act as one to steady -their movements in flight. - -The bee has six legs, three on either side. Each leg is composed of -several joints, having articulations like a man's arm, for the thigh, -the leg, and the foot. The foremost pair of these are the shortest; -with them the bee unloads the little pellets from the baskets on her -thighs: the middle pair are somewhat longer, and the hindmost the -longest of all. On the outside of the middle joint of these last there -is, in each leg, a small cavity, in the form of a marrow spoon, called -the "pollen basket." In Plate I., fig. 2 _b_ shows the inner side of -the hind leg and pollen brush; 2 _b*_, same figure, the outer side and -pollen basket. - -The legs are covered with hairs, more particularly the edges of the -cavity mentioned, in which the kneaded pollen requires to be maintained -securely. In this they convey those loads of pollen which are so -constantly seen carried into a hive. - -This basket, or pollen groove, in the thigh is peculiar to the worker; -neither queen nor drone have anything of the kind. - -Another provision of the bee's limbs consists in a pair of hooks -attached to each foot, with their points opposite to each other, by -means of which the bees suspend themselves from the roof or sides of -hives, and cling to each other as they do at swarming time or prior to -and during the formation of new comb, thus forming a living curtain. In -these circumstances, each bee, with its two fore claws, takes hold of -the two hinder legs of the one next above it. - -This mode of suspension is, no doubt, agreeable to them, although the -uppermost bees appear to be dragged by the weight of the whole. Wildman -supposed that bees had a power of distending themselves with air, to -acquire buoyancy, and thus lessen the burden of the topmost bees. They -find no difficulty in extricating themselves from the mass; the most -central of the group can make its way without endangering the stability -of the grape-like cluster. - -Bees are able to walk freely in an inverted position, either on -glass or other slippery substances. The peculiar mechanism of their -feet, which enables them to do so, consists in their having in the -middle of each hook a thin membranous little cup or sucker that -is alternately exhausted and filled with air. Flies have the same -beautiful apparatus--hence a fly commonly selects the ceiling for a -resting-place. These little air-cups, or exhausted receivers, may be -seen by applying a strong magnifying-glass to a window that has a -bee traversing the reverse side. The edges of these little suckers -are serrated, so as to close against any kind of surface to which -their legs may be applied. This apparatus may be also serviceable for -gathering the pollen before transmitting it to the baskets on the hind -legs. Besides these appendages and apparatus of the thorax, that region -is traversed by the œsophagus or gullet (the opening to which will be -found in Plate I, fig. 2 _c_), on its way to the digestive and other -organs, situate in the third part of the insect--viz., the abdomen. -The covering of the thorax, with the external covering of the gullet, -may be seen in the drawing of the magnified dissected body of the bee -(Plate II., fig. 1). - -The breathing apparatus of bees is a very remarkable feature: they -have no lungs, but, instead, air-vessels or tubes, ramifying through -every part of the frame. These openings, called "spiracles," are found -in the sides of their bodies, behind the wings. Two of the openings -are located in the thorax, and one on each side of the scales of the -abdomen. - -These air-vessels would be difficult to show in a drawing, the -multitude of hairs which protect them are in the way of getting at -a very distinct delineation. The writer has traced their oval form -by the aid of Messrs. Smith and Beck's "Binocular Microscope," and -exceedingly interesting objects they appeared. From the circumstance -of bees breathing through these orifices in their bodies, it will -not be difficult to understand how sadly the little creatures must -be inconvenienced when, by accident, they fall on loose mould, and -thus have their breathing pores choked with dust: it also shows how -needful it is to prevent bees being besmeared with honey (by using -bad appliances for feeding), which is still more injurious to them. -These air-vessels are the only real circulating system, as bees have -neither lungs, heart, liver, nor blood. It appears, however, that a -white fluid matter, called "chyle," which, in degree, answers the -purpose of blood, is produced in the intestines, nourishes the body, -receives the oxygen from the air-vessels, and generates that animal -warmth so necessary for the insect's well-being. Bees have the power -of counteracting superabundant heat by perspiration. Not unfrequently, -on a hot summer's morning, a good deal of moisture may be noticed at -the entrance of a crowded hive, which the inmates have been enabled to -throw off. This is a healthy sign, because a sign of great numerical -strength. - -The abdomen, attached to the posterior part of the thorax by a slender -ligament, has, for an outer covering, six folds or scales of unequal -breadth, overlapping each other, and contains the honey-bag, or first -stomach, the ventricle, or true stomach (Plate II., figs. 1 and 2_f_), -with other intestines, to be hereafter referred to. - -The honey-bag (Plate II., figs. 1 and 2, _d_) is an enlargement of the -gullet, and, although called the first stomach, no digestion takes -place here. In shape it is like a taper oil flask; when full, it is -about the size of a small pea, and so transparent that the colour of -the honey may be seen through it. This sac, as it is sometimes called, -is susceptible of contraction, and so organized as to enable the bee to -disgorge a part of its contents at pleasure, to fill the honey-cells of -the hive. 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 -stomach. - -A short passage (Plate II., figs. 1 and 2, _f_) leads to the ventricle -or true stomach, which is somewhat larger. This receives the food from -the honey-bag, for the nourishment of the bee and the secretion of wax. -The stomach, like the honey-bag, has a considerable number of muscles, -which are brought into play to help the digestive and other organs. The -biliary vessels (Plate II., figs. 1 and 2, _h, h_) receive the chyle -from the digested food in the stomach, which from thence is conveyed to -all parts of the body for its support. - -Formerly, naturalists thought that wax was elaborated from pollen; -but it is now fully known that it is the animal fat of the bees, and -to produce it requires a considerable consumption of honey to supply -the drain upon the system. Whilst this secretion is going on, bees -keep themselves very still. In order to pass through the pores of the -abdomen, the wax is, no doubt, a liquid oily matter, which, on making -its appearance outside the abdominal rings, thickens, and exudes from -under the four medial rings, in flakes like fish scales, one on either -side; so that there are eight of these secreting cavities, which are -peculiar to the worker: they are not found either in the queen or -drone. The shape of these cavities is that of an irregular pentagon, -and the plates of wax, being moulded in them, exhibit accordingly the -same form (see Plate II., fig. 5, _w_). - -No direct channel of communication between the stomach and these -receptacles, or wax-pockets, has yet been discovered; but Huber -conjectures that the secreting vessels are contained in the membrane -which lines these receptacles, and which is covered with a reticulation -of hexagonal meshes, analogous to the inner coat of the second stomach -of ruminant quadrupeds. - -The little plates of wax are withdrawn by the bee itself, with its -hind feet, carried to the mouth with its fore feet, where the wax is -made soft and ductile. When a cluster or swarm is placed in a new -hive, and the bees suspend themselves in the form of a garland, as -before described, it seems feasible that the lower bees pass their -secretions up the living ladder to the uppermost ones, to be moulded -by them into those beautiful white hexagonal shapes of which new comb -is composed. 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 them, just as our labourers convey building material -to the artisan on the scaffold above. This work of comb-building is -carried forward in warm weather; a cold temperature interferes with the -secretion of wax. - -The last important organ of the abdomen is the sting: this small but -effective weapon is situate close to the stomach, and is found in the -queen and worker, but is absent in the drone. Our engraving (Plate 11., -fig. 4) exhibits the sting of the worker-bee, with its muscles and -attachments: _r_ shows the muscles that move the sting, and _q_ the -curved base of the sheath that encloses the sting. - -Much beautiful mechanism is observed on a microscopic examination of -this weapon and its appendages, so powerful in comparison with their -bulk. The sting is composed of three separate portions, _i. e._, two -sheaths (as seen in Plate II., fig. 4) and the barb. The sheaths, which -are attached to the powerful muscles on either side at _s_, are first -protruded in the act of stinging, and, clasping the barb, enables the -insect to bury it in the flesh to the depth of one-twelfth of an inch; -at the same time, by a muscular contraction, the poison is forced along -the groove, and the barb enters the wound, causing the well-known -painful effects which arise from the sting of a bee. - -The darts composing this instrument are furnished with teeth or barbs, -set obliquely on their outer side, which give it the appearance of an -arrow, and by which it is retained in the wound until the poison has -been ejected. - -If the sufferer could only command himself so as to remain perfectly -passive, the bee might be able to draw in these barbs which protrude -beyond the sheath, and would then have a chance of withdrawing the -sting: the little insect would consequently inflict less pain, and -might perhaps escape paying the penalty of her life. It generally -happens, however, that the excitement of both parties is so great, -that the poor bee leaves behind the whole apparatus, and even part -of her intestines, so that her death is the result, and the wound is -more severe. The sting is about the sixth part of an inch long, and -is largest at the base. Here are situated the glands or ducts (Plate -II., fig. 4, _u_). By these the poison is secreted, and passed into -the poison-bag (Plate II., fig. 4, _f_), which acts as a reservoir for -retaining it till required. - -On the subject of the sting, Paley remarks:--"The action of the sting -affords a beautiful example of the union of chemistry and mechanism: -of chemistry, in respect to the venom, which in so small a quantity -can produce such powerful effects; of mechanism, as the sting is not -a simple, but a compound instrument. The machinery would have been -comparatively useless had it not been for the chemical process, by -which, in the insect's body, honey is converted into poison; and, on -the other hand, the poison would have been ineffectual without an -instrument to wound, and a syringe to inject the fluid." - -As before stated, the drone has no sting, but, in place thereof, the -organs of reproduction. And now, in concluding this section, we would -remark the wonderful mechanism and finish all the works of the Great -Master Builder unfold. In the works of man we see, perhaps, a piece of -mechanism of unquestioned beauty and excellence; but there is a bolt -here or screw there that might have been dispensed with, and does not -possess any definite use, whilst in the works of Nature everything -has a place; we may not at once comprehend the exact purpose of some -intricate parts, but that only implies that we have not made a thorough -investigation. The most minute hair serves its required end. "Canst -thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto -perfection?" - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - -III.--MODERN BEE-HIVES. - - -NUTT'S COLLATERAL HIVE. - -The late Mr. Nutt, author of "Humanity to Honey Bees," may be -regarded as a pioneer of modern apiarians; we therefore select his -hive wherewith to begin a description of those we have confidence in -recommending. Besides, an account of Mr. Nutt's hive will necessarily -include references to the various principles which subsequent inventors -have kept in view. - -Nutt's Collateral Hive consists of three boxes placed side by side (C, -A, C), with an octagonal box b on the top, which covers a bell-glass. -Each of the three boxes is nine inches high, nine inches wide, and -eleven inches from back to front. Thin wooden partitions, in which six -or seven openings corresponding with each other are made, divide these -compartments, so that free access from one box to the other is afforded -to the bees; this communication is stopped, when necessary, by a zinc -slide passing down between each box. The octagonal cover B is about ten -inches in diameter and twenty high, including the sloping octagonal -roof, surmounted with an acorn as a finish. There are two large windows -in each of the end boxes, and one in the centre box. Across the latter -is a thermometer, scaled and marked so as to be an easy guide to the -bee-master, showing him, by the rise in temperature, the increased -accommodation required; this thermometer is a fixture, the indicating -part being protected by two pieces of glass, to prevent the bees from -coming between it and the window, and thereby obstructing the view. - -[Illustration] - -D D are ventilators. In the centre of each of the end boxes is a -double zinc tube, reaching down a little below the middle: the outer -tube is a casing of plain zinc, with holes, about a quarter of an inch -wide, dispersed over it; the inside one is of perforated zinc, with' -openings so small as to prevent the escape of the bees; a flange or -rim keeps the tubes suspended through a hole made to receive it. The -object in having double tubing is to allow the inner one to be drawn -up, and the perforations to be opened by pricking out the wax, or -rather the propolis, with which bees close all openings in their hives. -These tubes admit a thermometer, enclosed in a cylindrical glass, to be -occasionally inserted during the gathering season; it requires to be -left in the tube for about a quarter of an hour, and on its withdrawal, -if found indicating ninety degrees or more, ventilation must be adopted -to lower the temperature. The ornamental zinc top D must be left -raised, and is easily kept in that position by putting the perforated -part a little on one side. - -The boxes before described are placed on a raised double floor-board, -extending the whole length--viz., about thirty-six inches. The -floor-board projects a few inches in front. In the centre is the -entrance (as our engraving only shows the back of the hive, we must -imagine it on the other side); it is made by cutting a sunken way, of -about half an inch deep and three inches wide, in the floor-board, -communicating only with the middle box; it is through this entrance -alone that the bees find their way into the hive, access to the end -boxes and the super being obtained from the inside. An alighting-board -is fitted close under the entrance, for the bees to settle upon when -returning laden with homey. This alighting-board is removable for the -convenience of packing. The centre, or stock-box A, called by Mr. Nutt -the _Pavilion of Nature_, is the receptacle for the swarm. For stocking -this, it will be necessary to tack the side tins so as to close the -side openings in the partition, and to tack some perforated zinc over -the holes at top; the swarm may then be hived into it just the same as -with a common hive. A temporary bottom board may be used if the box -has to be sent any distance, or a cloth may be tied round to close the -bottom (the latter plan is best, because allowing plenty of air); and -when brought home at night, the bees being clustered at the top, the -cloth or temporary bottom must be removed, the box gently placed on -its own floor-board, and the hive set in the place it is permanently -to occupy. E E are two block fronts, which open with a hinge. A -semicircular hole, three inches long and two inches wide in the middle, -is cut in the upper bottom-board, immediately under the window of each -box; these apertures are closed by separate perforated zinc slides. -These blocks, when opened, afford a ready means of reducing the -temperature of the side boxes, a current of air being quickly obtained, -and are also useful for allowing the bees to throw out any refuse. - -[Illustration] - -The centre F is a drawer, in which is a feeding-trough, so constructed -that the bees can descend through the opening before mentioned on to -a false bottom of perforated zinc. Liquid food is easily poured in by -pulling out the drawer a little way; the bees readily come down on to -the perforated zinc, and take the food by inserting their probosces -through the perforations, with no danger of being drowned. Care must be -exercised that the food is not given in such quantity as to come above -the holes; by this means; each hive has a supply of food accessible -only to the inmates, with no possibility, when closely shut in, of -attracting robber-bees from other hives. - -The exterior of these hives is well painted with two coats of lead -colour, covered with two coats of green, and varnished. Notwithstanding -this preservation, it is absolutely essential to place such a hive -under a shed or cover of some sort, as the action of the sun and rain -is likely to decay the wood, whilst the extreme heat of a summer sun -might cause the combs to fall from their foundations. - -Neat and tasteful sheds may be erected, either of zinc supported by -iron or wooden rods, or a thatched roof may be sustained in the same -manner, and will form a pretty addition to the flower-garden. - -When erecting a covering, it will be well to make it a foot or two -longer, so as to allow of a cottage hive on either side, as the -appearance of the whole is much improved by such an arrangement. - -The following directions, with some adaptation, are from "Nutt on -Honey-Bees":-- - -"In the middle box the bees are to be first placed: in it they should -first construct their beautiful combs, and under the government of one -sovereign, the mother of the hive, carry on their curious work, and -display their astonishing architectural ingenuity. In this box, the -regina of the colony, surrounded by her industrious, happy, humming -subjects, carries on the propagation of her species, deposits in -the cells prepared for the purpose by the other bees thousands of -eggs, though she seldom deposits more than one egg in a cell at a -time: these eggs are nursed up into a numerous progeny by the other -inhabitants of the hive. It is at this time, when hundreds of young -bees are daily coming into existence, that the collateral boxes are -of the utmost importance, both to the bees domiciled in them and to -their proprietors; for when the brood become perfect bees in a common -cottager's hive, a swarm is the necessary consequence. The queen, -accompanied by a vast number of her subjects, leaves the colony, -and seeks some other place in which to carry on the work Nature has -assigned her. But as swarming may, by proper precaution and attention -to this mode of management, generally be prevented, it is good practice -to do so, because the time necessarily required to establish a new -colony, even supposing the cottager succeeds in saving the swarm, -would otherwise be employed in collecting honey, and in enriching -the old hive. Here, then, is one of the features of this plan--viz., -_the prevention of swarming_. The period when symptoms of swarming -begin to present themselves may be known by an unusual noise, the -appearance of more than common activity among the bees in the middle -box, and, above all, by a sudden rise of temperature, which will be -indicated by the quicksilver in the thermometer rising to seventy-five -degrees, as scaled on the thermometer in the box; when these symptoms -are apparent, the bee-master may conclude that additional space is -required. The top sliding tin should now be withdrawn from under the -bell-glass, which will open to the bees a new store-room; this they -will soon occupy, and fill with combs and honey of pure whiteness, if -the weather be favourable for their uninterrupted labour. It may be -well here to mention, that if the glass have a small piece of clean -worker comb attached to the perforated ventilating tube, the bees will -more speedily commence their operations in it. When the glass is nearly -filled, which in a good season will be in a very short space of time, -the bees will again require increased accommodation; this will also be -indicated by the thermometer further rising to eighty-five degrees. -The end box, as thereon marked, must now be given them. Previously to -drawing up a slide to enlarge their crowded house, the manager should -carefully take off the empty end box he intends to open to them, and -thoroughly cleanse it, and then smear or dress the inside of it with -a little liquid honey. Thus prepared, he must return the box to its -proper situation, and then withdraw the sliding tin that hitherto has -cut it off from the middle box; by so doing, the store-room is again -enlarged. The bees will commence operations in this new apartment. This -simple operation, performed at the proper time, generally prevents -swarming; by it the queen gains a vast addition to her dominions, and, -consequently, increasing space for the multiplying population of her -domicile. Provided the weather continue fine, and the thermometer has -risen to ninety-five degrees, as marked on the scale, the remaining -tin may be also withdrawn, thereby giving the bees admittance to -another box. There is now no lack of store-rooms or of employment for -our indefatigable labourers. The cylinder thermometer is required to -be occasionally dropped into the ventilating tube of the side boxes -to ascertain their temperature; for, if exceeding or approaching -that of the middle box, it must be reduced by ventilating: this is -done by raising the zinc tops, to allow the air to pass through the -perforations. The grand object of this system is to keep the end boxes -and the bell-glass cooler than the pavilion or middle box, so as to -induce the queen to propagate her species there and there only, and -not in the depriving part of the hive; by this means the side and -upper combs are in no way discoloured by brood. The queen requires -a considerable degree of warmth; the middle box does not require -more ventilation than the additional openings afford. The bees enjoy -coolness in the side boxes, and thereby the whiteness and purity of the -luscious store are increased." - -After the foregoing directions for the working of the hive, it remains -to be told how to obtain possession of the store, and to get rid of -our industrious tenants from the super and end boxes, of which the -super glass will be almost sure to be filled first, having been first -given to them. The operation of taking honey is best performed in the -middle of a fine sunny day. The mode we prefer is as follows:--Pass -an ordinary table-knife all round underneath the rim of the glass, -to loosen the cement, properly called propolis; then take a piece of -fine wire, or a piece of string will do, and, having hold of the two -ends, draw it under the glass very slowly, so as to allow the bees -to get out of the way. Having brought the string through, the glass -is now separated from the hive; but it is as well to leave the glass -in its place for an hour or so; the commotion of the bees will then -have subsided: and another advantage we find is, that the bees suck -up the liquid and seal up the cells broken by the cutting off. You -can then pass underneath the glass two pieces of tin or zinc; the one -may be the proper slide to prevent the inmates of the hive coming -out at the apertures, the other tin keeps all the bees in the glass -close prisoners. After having confined the bees in the glass for a -short time, you must see whether they manifest symptoms of uneasiness, -because, if they do not, it may be concluded that the queen is among -them. In such a case, replace the glass, and recommence the operation -on a future day. It is not often that her majesty is in the depriving -hive or glass; but this circumstance does sometimes happen, and -the removal at such a time must be avoided. When the bees that are -prisoners run about in great confusion and restlessness, the operator -may conclude that the queen is absent, and that all is right. The glass -may be taken away a little distance off, and placed in a flower-pot -or other receptacle, where it will be safe when inverted and the tin -taken away: the bees will then be glad to make their escape back to -their hive. A little tapping at the sides of the glass will render -their tarriance uncomfortable, and the glass may then be taken into a -darkened room or out-house, with only a small aperture admitting light, -which must be open; the bees, like all insects, make towards the light, -and so escape. The bee-master should brush them off with a feather -from the comb as they can be reached; but on no account, if there are -many bees, should the glass be left, because the bees that are in the -glass will gorge themselves to their full, and speedily bring a host of -others from the adjacent hives, who, in a very little time, would leave -only the empty combs. It is truly marvellous how soon they will carry -all the store back again, if allowed to do so. An empty glass should -be put on to the hive in place of the full one, as it will attract the -bees up, thereby preventing the too close crowding of the hive; and, if -the summer be not too far advanced, they will work more honey-comb in -it. - -The removal of the end boxes is a somewhat similar process, but they -should on no account be taken away, at the same time as the glass, or, -indeed, at a time when any other hive is being--_robbed_ we were going -to say, for it is robbery to the bees: they intended the honey for -their winter food, and are much enraged at being deprived of it. First -shut down the dividing tin; the bees in the end box are now prisoners -separated from the hive; keep them so half an hour, and then take -away the box bodily to another part of the garden, or into the dark -out-house, as before recommended. - -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 Spalding, in Lincolnshire. Having been disabled during a -considerable period by rheumatic fever, he devoted all his attention to -bees, at a time when bee-culture was but little valued; and, although -it must be admitted that two boxes were used side by side long before -Mr. Nutt's day, still it is due to him to state that the adoption of -three boxes was entirely his own idea, and that, so far as he then -knew, the collateral system was his original invention. His statements -have been severely criticised, and it does appear almost incredible -that the weight of honey which he names could have been produced in one -season. 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 would, doubtless, be very large. If -Mr. Nutt has given his little favourites too much praise, it will be -only charitable now to account for his statements by an excess of zeal -and enthusiasm in this his study of bee-culture. 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-keeping, some of whom, whilst they -condemned his statements, have themselves written really useful and -practical works on the subject, which otherwise might possibly never -have appeared. As the monks of old kept the lamp of religion burning, -however dimly, until a more enlightened age, so Thomas Nutt may have -assisted in a somewhat similar manner by energetically propounding his -views, and thereby causing other apiarians to rise up, whose names are -now as familiar to us as household words, and whose works posterity -will value. The writer of these pages has often accompanied Mr. Nutt on -his visits to his patrons in the neighbourhood of London, and seen him -perform his operations regardless of the anger of the bees, and free -from all fear of their stings. He often expatiated on the cruelty of -the brimstone match and suffocation, denouncing the barbarous custom -in the following terms: "You may as well kill the cow for her milk, or -the hen for her eggs, as the bee for its honey; why continue to light -the fatal match, when every cottager in England has the means of saving -this most useful and valuable insect?" - - -NEIGHBOUR'S IMPROVED SINGLE BOX HIVE. - -We have introduced the "Single Box Hive" to suit the convenience of -those who, though desirous of keeping bees on the improved principle, -do not wish to incur the expense or devote the space which is necessary -for Nutt's hive. - -[Illustration] - -It consists of a lower or stock-box A, eleven inches square, nine -inches deep, with three large windows, a thermometer D, as in Nutt's, -being fixed across the front one, protected at the sides by strips of -glass, to prevent the bees obscuring the quicksilver from sight, B is -a cover the same size as the lower hive, large enough to allow space -for a bell-glass nine inches wide, six inches deep. E is the ventilator -between the glass and the stock-hive, intended to prevent the queen -travelling into the super hive, and also, by cooling the hive, to -endeavour to prevent swarming; a sloping pagoda roof, with an acorn -top, completes the upper story. A floor-board with a block front, as in -Nutt's collateral, forms the base, the entrance being sunk, as before -described, and furnished with zinc slides to reduce or close it as -may be required. To stock a hive of this description, it is necessary -to send the stock-box to the party with whom you have agreed for the -supply of a swarm. In the evening of the day the hive is thus tenanted, -remove it to the position it is designed permanently to occupy; if the -swarm has to be procured from a distance, and is transported by rail or -other conveyance, a perforated zinc slide should be substituted for the -plain slide that covers the top, and a large piece or perforated zinc -must also be tacked to the bottom after the swarm has settled in. Thus -securely confined, with a free circulation of air throughout, bees that -have been' swarmed the day before may be safely sent any distance that -will allow of their being released the day after; because bees, though -they provision themselves for a couple of days, cannot with safety be -confined in an empty hive much longer. - -Having now, we will suppose, procured your swarm, and placed it in a -south or south-east aspect, you may, with advantage if the weather be -wet, give a little liquid food: the feeding in this hive is performed -at the top of the stock-box, where the glass is worked. Our round -feeding pan, or the new feeding bottle, may here be used. Any fancy -as to the position may be indulged in, but must be settled on by the -time the bees are set at liberty, because any alteration afterwards -is detrimental to the working of the hive. The bees, on first issuing -forth, carefully mark their new abode and the surrounding objects, so -that, if a change be made, they are completely thrown out in their -observations, which confuses them not a little, and occasions loss. -Bees always return to the same spot; it is the locality that they know, -and if the hive is moved a less distance than a mile, thousands return -to the spot on which the hive has been accustomed to stand. - -Allow your bees to collect honey and build their combs for ten days or -a fortnight. Much now depends on the weather; if fine, by this time -they will require additional room, which will be indicated by the -thermometer D rapidly rising; 100 degrees is the swarming point. The -hive must be kept below this by ventilation. - -Access must now be given to the flat bell-glass at the top, which -is done by withdrawing the top slide. In a few hours, sometimes -immediately, the work of comb-building begins in the glass--all the -sooner, if a piece of clean empty comb be placed therein. - -It is of service to keep the glass warm by means of a worsted or baize -bag; it prevents the temperature from falling at night, when much -comb-building is carried on, providing the heat is not allowed to -escape. Probably, if all goes on well, in three weeks the glass will be -found filled with fine white honey-comb. When you find that the comb -is well sealed up, it is time to take it off; but if the cells are -unfilled and unsealed, let the labourers complete their work--a little -experience will soon enable the bee-keeper to determine this point. - -The plan to be adopted for taking glasses of honey, comb is the same as -described for Nutt's hive. - - -TAYLOR'S AMATEUR SHALLOW BOX OR EIGHT-BAR HIVE. - -[Illustration] - -Taylor's Amateur Hive, as seen by reference to the engraving, consists -of three boxes--the lower one, A, is the stock-box, in which the swarm -is first placed; B is the first super; and C, the centre box: all three -boxes are of the same diameter, viz., thirteen and a half inches square -inside, A, the stock-box, is seven and a half inches deep; B, six and a -half inches: both are fitted with eight moveable bars, each bar being -one inch and an eighth wide, with spaces of half an inch between, and -all easily removed by unscrewing the crown-board, in which are two -openings closed by zinc slides. The middle box, C, has no bars, and is -still shallower than either of the other boxes, being five inches deep. -In many localities and seasons, the third box may not be required. Each -box has two windows, one at the back and another at the side, a zinc -shutter, sliding in a groove, excluding light and retaining warmth. -The box C differs from the others in another respect; instead of bars, -it has a grating made by seven openings, each half an inch wide and -nine inches long: these three boxes stand on a stout floor-board, in -which is cut the entrance way, four inches wide and three-eighths of -an inch high. The floor-board projects so as to support an outer cover -of half-inch wood, surmounted by a sloping roof. This is an effectual -protection from the weather, and is necessary when hives are exposed; -of course, if placed in a bee-house, such protection may be dispensed -with. The outer case is well painted, of a green colour, and when it is -used the hive may be placed in any part of the garden. The dimensions -of this hive, with outside cover, are eighteen inches square, and two -feet six inches high. - -Suitable stands are provided, consisting of a stout pedestal with four -feet. Stakes should be driven into the ground to secure the whole -against wind. Height from the ground, four feet three inches. - -The bars before alluded to are for the purpose of inducing the bees to -build parallel combs, for without such an arrangement extraction would -be impossible. It is a great convenience, in many ways, to be able to -take out a bar of comb; it gives such a complete control over the hive. - -To ensure comb-building on the bars, pieces of clean worker-comb should -always be carefully preserved; and before a swarm is put in, either -every bar or, if guide comb is not plentiful, every other bar should -have a piece fixed to it in the following manner:--Cut a piece of clean -empty comb of the required size, say two inches square, not less; heat -a common flat iron, with which slightly warm the bar; then melt a -little bees'-wax upon it; draw the comb quickly over the heated iron, -hold it down on the centre of the bar, giving a very slight movement -backwards and forwards; then leave the wax to grow cold, and, if -cleverly managed, the guide will be found firmly attached. 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 comb. A new plan has lately -been introduced by Mr. Woodbury, of Exeter, to facilitate the correct -construction of parallel combs. - - -NEIGHBOUR'S IMPROVED COTTAGE HIVE. - -Our Improved Cottage Hive is neatly made of straw, bound with cane, -and therefore very durable.[9] The lower hive is covered with a wooden -top, having in it three holes, through which the bees convey their -honey into three middle-sized bell glasses with ventilators, which, -when filled, hold about 6 lbs. each. There is a hoop at the bottom, -another round the top of the lower hive; to this the wooden crown-board -is fastened. These hoops are a great improvement, and are less liable -to harbour insects than if straw alone were used. The floor-board, as -its name implies, is a wooden board one and a quarter inch thick, with -a projection of three or four inches under the entrance to form an -alighting place. This entrance is cut out of, or sunk in, the board. - -[Footnote 9: This is the hive referred to by the Bee-Master of the -_Times_, when he says:--"The second kind of hive I alluded to is made -of straw, and may be purchased at Neighbour's, in Holborn.... It is so -well made that it will last very long. I have had one in constant use -during ten years, and it is still as good as when it was bought."] - -[Illustration] - -There are three windows in the lower hive, each closed with a shutter; -these are very useful and interesting for inspecting the progress made. -Across the centre window is a thermometer, enclosed at the sides by -slips of glass. The window shutters being painted green, add very much -to its appearance. The upper hive, which is merely a cover for the -glasses, is a conical-topped hive, also made of straw bound with cane; -a hoop is worked into the straw, and made sufficiently large to allow -the cover to drop over the top hoop of the lower hive, keeping the -whole close, and preventing wet from drifting in. A zinc ventilator, -ornamentally painted, forms the apex: this is useful in letting the -confined hot air pass away in warm weather. The ventilator is opened -by raising it. The dimensions of the lower or stock-hive are fifteen -inches diameter, nine and a half inches deep outside; its weight, when -empty, seven and a half pounds. The cover, or top hive, is twelve -inches deep and fifteen inches in diameter; the ornamental zinc top -being four inches deep. The whole is about twenty-four inches high. The -weight of a hive packed, including glasses, &c., is about 18 lbs. - -These hives have a tasteful appearance in the garden, 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 described. In extreme cold -weather, a little additional protection, by having matting folded round -them, will be advisable. - -One of the advantages this hive has over the common cottage hive is, -that it affords opportunity for the humane management of bees. The -owner has also the power of taking a glass of honey-comb of pure -quality, free from the extraneous matter known as "bee-bread," instead -of combs that are darkened by having brood hatched in them. By this -system, we have combs newly made and used only for depositing the -honey first put into them; hence the name "virgin honey." These glasses -have a very pretty appearance, and, when nicely filled, are very -convenient for home use or for making presents. The lower hive is the -receptacle for the bees; when a swarm is placed in this hive, they -immediately proceed to fill it with combs, in which to store honey for -themselves, and for cells to breed in. This hive remains undisturbed. - -The best mode of tenanting a hive of this description is by placing -an early and strong swarm in it, which may be generally procured of -a neighbouring bee-keeper; if from a distance, considerable care is -necessary to admit plenty of air; the shaking attendant upon carriage -irritates the bees so much, that, if not well ventilated, there is -danger of the swarm being stifled, and the finer the swarm, the greater -the danger. For the purpose of ventilation, remove the slides and -substitute perforated zinc, wrapping the hive up in a coarse cloth of -open texture (dispensing with the floor-board during transit when the -distance is great). - -It is necessary only to send the lower or stock hive to the party -furnishing the swarm, taking the precaution to fix the slides at top -with tacks, as the hive has to be inverted to receive the bees. They -are shaken into it in the usual manner,[10] as they cluster around the -branch of the tree or shrub on which they may have chosen to alight. -After the hiving is accomplished, the hive should be left near to -catch any stragglers, for there will always be a few; towards evening, -close the entrance, and remove them to the exact position they are -intended permanently to occupy. Success depends on this, and also on -their careful removal on the day or evening of swarming. The following -morning the bees labour in the new location, marking well their -habitation before they take flight, and to which they will not fail to -return, loaded with luscious store. - -[Footnote 10: Sometimes swarms alight on trunks of trees or on walls, -where it may be difficult to shake or brush them off. In the _Journal -of Horticulture_, Mr. Woodbury mentions an instance of this kind, -which he experienced last summer:--"A swarm clustered among the large -branches of a pear-tree, just at their point of union with the trunk. -In this case he merely supported a straw hive just over the swarm with -the left hand, whilst he struck the trunk of the tree with the open -palm of the right. The vibration thus produced sent the bees up into -the hive with great rapidity, and the entire swarm was speedily hived -in the most satisfactory manner." A few whiffs of smoke will accelerate -upward movement of swarms in such circumstances.] - -A fortnight must be allowed for filling the stock-hive; then, if the -weather be fine and warm, they will prepare to swarm again, as will be -indicated by the thermometer rising rapidly to 100 degrees or upwards. -One of the zinc slides on the wooden top must now be withdrawn, and a -bell-glass put on, covered and protected by the upper hive; the other -glasses may then be given in the same manner, a day or two after which, -should the weather continue favourable, all signs of swarming will at -once disappear, the bees now having increased store room, which they -will readily fill with comb. It is often found useful to attach a piece -of clean empty honey-comb to the ventilating tube of the glass; it is -an attraction, and induces the bees to commence working in it sooner -than they otherwise would do. The ventilator should always remain open -during the day, to allow the hot air to pass away from the interior, -thereby contributing to the whiteness and beauty of the work; the bees -enjoy the refreshment of coolness thereby afforded, and they work the -faster for it. At evening, all ventilation should be stopped, and the -glasses wrapped round with flannel or some warm material, for the -reasons mentioned at page 65. - -The directions for taking honey are much the same as before mentioned. -Some apiarians, however, consider that deprivation is more easily -accomplished by disconnecting the super over night, in the manner -described at page 58. The bee-keeper, equipped with bee-dress and -gloves, must first raise the glass of comb, and, blowing a little smoke -to intimidate and drive back the bees, wedge it up all round, an inch -or so from the crown-board, by means of three or four blocks, thus to -remain all night. This operation is best performed a little before -dusk. Bees are then less likely to come out, and if they should do so, -will speedily return. The opening in the crown-board remains unclosed, -to afford the bees the opportunity of descending, and joining the -stock-hive below, which they will naturally do for warmth. The upper -straw-hive, or cover for the glasses, is better placed on for the -night. Early in the following morning, before the bees are much about, -the super will be ready for removal. The few bees that remain within -may be speedily induced to quit, and will fly to the entrance. The -slides covering the holes in the crown-board must be inserted, or an -empty glass can be put on, to take the full one's place. A slide seven -and a half inches square is furnished with the hive; this is useful to -remove the glass upon. - -The holes in the wooden top of this hive are of a peaked shape, to -act as a preventive against slaughtering any bees whilst pushing the -slide in for the purpose of removing the glass when full. The tacks -before alluded to should be removed from the slides when the hive is -fixed in its place; they are now in the way of cutting off the glass. -The entrance slide is very serviceable during the winter months, to -lessen the passage way, thereby' preventing the admission of too much -cold air: it is also occasionally useful on a summer evening, to lessen -the entrance when moths are troublesome; for if there be only a small -opening, the bees can guard it, and easily repulse intruders. During -the time of gathering, they require the whole width to remain open. - -When the weather is so unfavourable as to prevent the bees leaving home -for a few days after being hived, it will be necessary to feed them. -Bees should not be fed in the midst of winter; the proper time is in -the autumn or in the spring. - -The best mode of feeding is at the top of the stock hive. This is done -by using the round feeder. - -The bottle feeder may be used instead of the round feeder, and in the -same place, by those who give the preference to that method. - -Whilst on the subject of feeding, it may be well to suggest to the -bee-keeper, that, after the honey harvest, he should ascertain the -state of the stock-hive, because we have sometimes found that hives -which were very strong during summer, and which have yielded a good -supply of honey, have been left rather poorly off for the winter. No -doubt, under the impression that those nicely-filled supers which -the bees intended for themselves would be amply sufficient for their -sustenance, they have, for the most part, devoted the space below -to the queen for breeding, little imagining that the precious store -would be taken away, and consequently have left themselves too small -provision for autumn and winter. - -The apiarian having, therefore, so richly reaped the fruit of his bees' -labours, it is but right that he should guard against the labourers -themselves suffering any want therefrom. The state of the interior of -the hive may be ascertained by applying a weighing machine, and the -requisite supply administered by feeding. Both weighing machine and -feeder are described further on. - -The simplicity and easy management of this hive have deservedly -rendered it an especial favourite, combining, as it does, real utility -with many conveniences to satisfy the curious. Not a few bee-keepers -desire to unite the two qualifications, and no hives combine these -advantages in a greater degree than Neighbour's improved cottage hive. - - -IMPROVED COTTAGE HIVE WITHOUT WINDOWS. - -This hive is of precisely the same size, construction, and management -as the last mentioned, with the exception that it has no windows or -thermometer in the lower or stock hive. The apiarian, with this hive, -will have to trust more to his own judgment as regards the likelihood -of swarming, and must watch the appearance the bees present at the -entrance. When it is time to put on supers, in order to prevent -swarming, premonition will be given by the unusual numbers crowding -about the entrance, as well as by the heat of the weather, making it -evident that more room is required for the increasing population. - -Not being able to form an idea of the state of the hive in spring and -autumn by looking into the stock-hive, it will be advisable to adopt -the means of weighing. A stock at Michaelmas should weigh 20 lbs., -exclusive of the hive, or be made up to that weight by feeding. - - -THE LADIES' OBSERVATORY OR CRYSTAL BEE-HIVE. - -[Illustration] - -The following engraving illustrates the construction of the Ladies' -Observatory Hive. The stock-hive is cylindrical, with a flat top and -a hole in the centre; the dimensions twelve and a half inches inside, -eight and a half inches deep; the outer cover being raised, and made -of stout glass, so as not easily to break. A support, composed of even -wooden bars fixed on a pedestal from the floor-board, is very useful -for the bees to cling to and attach their combs, instead of resting -wholly against the glass. - -The floor-board is of mahogany, the border being French polished. A -middle-sized bell-glass, for deprivation, is placed over the hole; this -hole may be closed by a zinc slide. A cover of straw, eighteen inches -deep, fifteen inches wide, with a zinc ventilating top similar to that -affixed to the cottage hive, completes the arrangements. The weight of -the stock-hive and board is about 16 lbs. - -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 insects, as the whole of the interior -may be exposed to view; it is particularly suitable for a window or -an indoor apiary, and will also be found a valuable addition to the -green-house. Under these circumstances, the entrance-way should be -covered with a flat piece of glass, and an aperture cut in the sash -corresponding with the entrance to the hive; through the glazed passage -the bees may then find egress and ingress without being able to gain -access to the apartment. An alighting board, four inches wide, must be -fixed outside, on a level with the entrance. - -We had a hive of this kind in operation at the Great Exhibitions of -1851 and 1862, fixed after the manner above described. It answered -admirably, and excited much interest and curiosity, though placed there -under many disadvantages. - -When a hive of this kind is to be stocked, procure an early and strong -swarm, which must be temporarily hived in a common straw hive, from -which dislodge the bees into the glass hive, but for this purpose a -little preparation will have to be made. Spread a sheet on the ground, -place the mahogany floor-board on it with the support, put three -bricks, or some solid blocks of about the same substance, upon which -the glass will rest; then, with a sharp and sudden blow, precipitate -the swarm out of the straw hive on to the floor-board and support, -place the glass hive on the bricks, and the bees will collect under the -bars and on to the pedestal. In about one hour's time the whole will -have settled quietly and all the stragglers on the board will have -collected together, the swarm hanging pear-shaped from the bar support; -the bricks can now be removed, and the glass put in its right place -on the floor-board. The straw cover being put on the hive, it can be -removed to the place it is destined permanently to occupy. - -The light should not be admitted for some days after hiving; if -undisturbed, the bees will speedily build comb, working from the wooden -bars, which are placed there for their assistance and support. In ten -days or a fortnight, if the weather continue fine and warm, they will -prepare to swarm again; the opening at the top must now be unstopped, -and the bell-glass put on, guide-comb having been previously fixed. The -directions given for the improved cottage hive equally apply to the -ladies' observatory hive. - -It is advisable, in winter, to furnish the glass stock-hive with more -protection from cold than is afforded by the straw cover alone; some -thick baize, or wrapper of wadding, for which there is space between -the glass hive and the cover, will prevent so much moisture condensing -on the sides of the glass. Moisture is injurious, causing the combs -to grow mouldy; a little protection in the way of wrapping very much -prevents this. - -The hole at top is used for supplying food, should the apiarian fear -the stock of honey is in danger of running short; either the bottle -feeder or the round feeder maybe used for the purpose. - - -COTTAGER'S HIVE, FOR TAKING HONEY IN STRAW CAPS, WITHOUT THE -DESTRUCTION OF THE BEES. - -[Illustration] - -A very prevalent opinion exists, that bees do better in straw than in -hives made of any other material. Another opinion prevails, viz., that -the old-fashioned straw hive is the least expensive, the most simple, -and the most productive. Although we cannot go so far as this, 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--cottagers. By these the more fanciful -hives will be instantly condemned; besides, the expense puts them -quite beyond the reach of the poorer class. The object aimed at in -planning our Cottager's Hive has been to furnish a depriving hive that -should be at once easy of management, inexpensive, and convenient. The -stock-hive, into which the bees are first hived, is a round straw hive, -having a flat top, with a hole in the centre. The size of this lower -hive is seven or eight inches deep, fourteen inches across the bottom, -finished with a wooden hoop, which adds very much to the firmness and -durability of the hive. The floor-board is one and a quarter inch -thick, with a way sunk therein for the entrance. A small round mat of -straw closes the hole in the top; this mat may be fixed by wooden pegs. -We have now described what is termed the stock-hive, which is, in fact, -an old-fashioned straw hive, adapted, modernised, and improved to the -more humane, viz., the depriving, system. The weight of the stock-hive, -with its floor-board, is about 7 lbs. - -The super or cap hive is about seven inches deep, eight inches in -diameter, and, when filled, contains about 10 lbs. of honey and comb. A -glass window, which is placed at the side, is useful for inspecting the -progress made in filling it! - -A common straw hive, sufficiently deep to cover, drops over the super, -keeping the window dark, and fitting close on to the stock-hive. -This cover-hive may be made fast by driving in two skewers, one on -either side, to keep the whole firm. Unless placed in a bee-house or -under a shed, the outside should be painted; or a piece of oil-cloth, -or water-proof covering of any kind, shaped so as to shoot off the -rain, will save the trouble of paint, and answer the purpose. If no -protection of this sort is used, the rain is likely to rot the straw. -As a covering, cottagers often use straight stiff thatching straw, -sewed together; this contrivance is termed a "hackle," and has a pretty -appearance, particularly if a number of hives are in a row. Care has to -be exercised that mice do not make the covering hive a resting-place. -Mortar is often used for fastening round the hive at the bottom: this -is a bad plan, as it forms a harbour for insects; the wooden hoop fits -so close as to leave little necessity for anything of the kind. - -The principle of the depriving system is so much the same with all our -hives, that a good deal of repetition is necessary in describing in -detail the management of each separate variety. The object aimed at -with the cottager's hive, as, indeed, with all our hives, is to provide -a compartment for the bees to live in with their queen, she being the -mother of all. It is intended, by inducing the queen to remain in her -original apartment, that all breeding should be there performed, as -well as the storing of bee-bread and honey, for the winter sustenance -of the bees. The cap hive, or upper chamber, known as the "super," is -for the storing of honey, which the bee-keeper looks upon as a surplus, -and which, at the close of the honey gathering, or as soon as filled, -he intends to deprive the bees of, and appropriate to his own use, of -course taking care to leave sufficient in the lower or stock hive for -winter sustenance. - -The mode of stocking a hive of this kind is so familiarly known, 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 it. Lest these -pages should fall into the hands of persons who are not so acquainted, -we will refer them to the directions already given at pages 21 and 72. - -The hive may be smeared inside with a little honey, if at hand; -but this is unimportant, as a clean hive answers well. Some older -bee-keepers prefer to give a little dressing, to encourage the bees to -like their new home. - -After the swarm has been in the hive two weeks, the straw super hive -may be put on, first removing the straw mat, to give the bees access to -it. If the hive be a stock, that is, a swarm of the last or previous -years, the super may be put on as soon as the weather is fine and warm, -in May. But much depends on the weather and strength of the hive, -as regards the time occupied, by the bees in filling the super; in -favourable weather a fortnight suffices. - -If, on looking in at the little window, the bee-master sees that the -cells are sealed over, the cap of honey may be removed in the mode -already described. The cells near the window are the last to be filled, -so, when they are sealed, it is safe to conclude that the combs in the -unseen parts are also finished. - -Sometimes the queen ascends and deposits her eggs; if, on turning up -the super, brood be visible, replace the cap for a few days, until -the young bees quit their cells. When thus emptied, honey will be -deposited in lieu of the brood. - -Suitable pedestals for these hives to stand upon may be obtained. It is -important that these be firmly fixed, and the hive also made fast to -the stand, to prevent its being blown over by high winds. - - -WOODBURY BAR AND FRAME HIVES. - -[Illustration] - -Mr. Woodbury's Bar and Frame Hive, as originally made, consists of -a wooden box, fourteen and a half inches square inside, nine inches -deep. This is a hive of large size, but the actual habitable space -inside is lessened by the room occupied by the frames, of which there -are ten; these rest on a rabbet a little below the surface, leaving -a space of three-eighths of an inch between the upper side of the -bars and the crown-board. This allows a free passage on the top for -the bees, entirely obviating the necessity of making excavations in -the crown-board, as has hitherto been recommended. Each frame is -seven-eighths of an inch wide, and rests in notches, with a space of -half an inch between each. The frames extend to within three-eighths of -an inch of the floor-board, so as to hang without touching any part, -leaving about the same distance from the sides. It will be seen that -there is a free passage for the bees on every side, and they are thus -kept from coming in contact with the sides of the hive. Our engraving -shows the hive open, and exposes to view the top of the ten bars and -frames, as they range from back to front. A window is also shown; this -is placed in the engraving over the entrance, but the proper position -would be just opposite. The drawing is made so as to show back and -front at once. The floor-board is one and a quarter inch thick, having -two "keys" on the under side to prevent warping. - -WOODBURY STRAW BAR AND FRAME HIVE. - -[Illustration] - -Since the introduction of the wood hive by Mr. Woodbury, that gentleman -has recommended, in the _Journal of Horticulture_, that the stock-hive -be made of straw, of exactly the same dimensions; this material being -wanner in winter, slightly ventilating, and allowing of absorption. -Bees, during cold weather, cluster together to generate the requisite -degree of heat; the temperature of the interior of the hive being thus -so much higher than the external atmosphere, a good deal of moisture -condenses at the top and on the sides of the hive. The straw, as before -stated, prevents this dampness hanging about the hive, and tends to -keep the inmates more healthy. Dampness in a hive is a fruitful source -of mischief, causing empty combs to grow mouldy, and is injurious in -many ways. - -The square straw hives, and a machine for making them, exhibited in the -Austrian department of the International Exhibition of 1862, suggested -the idea of employing that material for English bar and frame hives. -We have had a machine made somewhat similar to the one exhibited, and -suited to the size of our hives, by which our hive-maker is able to -manufacture neat square straw hives. These have a wood frame at top, an -inch deep, with the requisite notches to allow the ten-comb frames to -hang. A similar frame forms the base, the straw being worked between. -The floor-board is one and a quarter inch thick, "keyed" with stout -keys, as before mentioned. An inch projection is left on all sides -beyond the exterior of the hive, from which it is slightly chamfered -down. An entrance, four inches wide, is cut out of the substance of -the board, beginning at the edge, and continuing on the same level -until inside the hive, where it slopes upwards. This entrance is about -three-eighths of an inch high where the hive crosses it. - -These straw hives have been generally made without windows, as Mr. -Woodbury and other scientific apiarians so prefer them. They consider -that glass windows are unsuited for winter, because then moisture -condenses on the glass. There is no doubt that the having a peep-hole -or two in a hive adds very agreeably to its value for amateur -bee-keepers, and, to meet the wishes of such, we have had straw hives -constructed with windows. 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 colony, nor, perhaps, is it advisable to be often thus meddling. -The windows have also a very neat appearance. We have hives with one, -and some with two and three windows; of course, a little extra expense -is incurred where these are made, but that is not objected to by those -who approve of the additional convenience. The crown-board (if correct -to call a straw top by that name) has, like the hive, a frame of wood -all round, and a square, piece of wood in the centre, with a two-inch -hole; this hole is for the purpose of administering food, in a mode -to be explained hereafter. A circular block of wood, four inches in -diameter, closes the opening. - - -WOODBURY'S GLASS BAR AND FRAME HIVES. - -[Illustration] - -Some bee-keepers like to be able to make a full and daily inspection -of the hive; we have, therefore, prepared a few hives, constructed of -wooden frames, enclosed on all sides and on the top with window-glass. -The dimensions are precisely the same as those before mentioned, -and allow the same number of bars and frames (ten). The crown has a -round hole cut in the glass to admit of feeding. The four sides are -constructed of double glass, to preserve the bees from variations of -temperature. We cannot, however, recommend this hive for a winter -residence for the bees; we should prefer lifting the combs out with -the bees, and placing them in a straw hive of similar construction, to -pass through the ordeal of the winter season. A stock of bees might be -kept through the year in a hive of this kind, but would require well -wrapping round to keep out the cold. There should be a small glass over -the hole at top, so as to allow the moisture to arise and condense, -instead of doing so in the hive. The operation of exchanging the hive -is so easy, that we should be content to place a stock in one, say, -from April to September, and shift it in the autumn. Such a hive is -a very pleasing object of interest, as in it the whole commonwealth -of bees is exposed, to view; and the hive need not be obscured from -daylight, provided it be protected from sun and rain. All the external -wood-work is of oak-colour, varnished, so that the appearance of the -Glass Bar and Frame Hive is extremely neat and much approved of. - - -FRAMES. - -[Illustration] - -As before mentioned, each stock-hive has ten of these frames--each -thirteen inches long, by seven and a quarter inches high, with a -five-eighths of an inch projection at each upper end, which rests in -the notch, either back or front. The width, both of the bar and frame, -is seven-eighths of an inch; this is less, by a quarter of an inch, -than the bar recommended by the older apiarians. Mr. Woodbury--whose -authority on the modern plans for keeping bees is of great -weight--finds the seven-eighths of an inch bar an improvement, because -with them the combs are closer together, and require fewer bees to -cover the brood. Then, too, in the same space that eight old-fashioned -bars occupied, the narrower frames admit of an additional bar, so that, -by using these, increased accommodation is afforded for breeding and -the storing of honey. - - -IMPROVED COMB BAR. - -[Illustration: Section of Bar.] - -Mr. Woodbury says that this little contrivance has proved very -effectual in securing straight combs when guide-combs are not -obtainable. The lower angles are rounded off, whilst a central rib -is added, of about one-eighth of an inch in breadth and depth. This -central rib extends to within half an inch of each end, where it is -removed, in order to admit of the bar fitting into the usual notch. All -that is necessary to ensure the regular formation of combs is, to coat -the underneath surface of the central rib with melted wax. Mr. Woodbury -further says: "My practice is to use plain bars whenever guide-combs -are attainable, as those can be attached with much greater facility to -a plain than to a ribbed bar; but whenever I put in a bar without comb, -I always use one of the improved ones. By this method, crooked and -irregular combs are altogether unknown in my apiary." - -Most of our bars are made with the ridge; but should any of our -customers prefer the flat ones, we keep a few to supply their -requirements. - -With the moveable bar and frame hive, every comb is available for -extraction, and may easily be taken out of the hive; each comb being -fixed within its frame, there is less disturbance to the bees than if -the combs were fixed to the sides, as is the case with ordinary hives. -A strip of wood, about half an inch wide, rests on the floor-board; -in this strip are ten notches, made to receive the lower part of -the frames, so as to retain them in their places at equal distances -from each other. A difficulty is found, with a well-stocked hive, in -dropping the frames into the exact notches, so that it is not necessary -to have these rack works always in use; but when any movement of the -hive is made, it is essential to have the frames firmly fixed by the -aid of this contrivance. It is also advisable to have the frames -perpendicularly supported until the combs are built, so, in order that -the frames should hang true, the hive ought to be on the level. A -little inclination may be given to it from back to front, causing the -hive to fall slightly towards the entrance, so as to allow the moisture -inside the hive, caused by the exhalations of the bees, to run off. - - -COMPOUND BAR FRAME. - -[Illustration] - -In the _Journal of Horticulture_, Mr. Woodbury thus describes the -compound bar frame. Being his own adaptation, we cannot do better than -use his own words:--"This is a contrivance of my own, which I have -found very advantageous in enabling me to use frames in stock-hives, -and bars in supers, without forfeiting the advantages arising from -the unlimited interchangeability of every comb in every hive and -super in the apiary. Its construction will be readily understood -by an inspection of the annexed sketch, in which the comb bar is -shown slightly raised from its frame. The bar itself is thirteen -and a quarter inches long, by seven-eighths of an inch wide, and -three-eighths of an inch thick. When the comb bar is in its place, -the whole forms a frame thirteen inches long, by seven and a quarter -inches high (inside measure), with five-eighths of an inch projection -at each end, which rests in its appropriate notch in either the back -or front of the hive. When filled with comb, the bar becomes so firmly -cemented to the frame as to admit of its being handled with facility." -This contrivance is, no doubt, very excellent in the hands of Mr. -Woodbury; but in the hands of the unpractised severe mishaps may arise. -In warm weather the propolis and wax, with which the bees cement the -bar to the frame, become soft; consequently, in handling the frames, -unless dexterity is used, the comb is likely to drop out. We therefore -recommend that the bar and frame be made both in one: greater firmness -and simplicity are thereby gained. Some of these compound bars and -frames are kept in stock at our establishment, though they cannot be -recommended for general use; but should anyone prefer them, they can -be supplied at the same price as the common frames. In describing the -stock-hives of wood, straw, and glass, allusion has frequently been -made to the depriving hives technically called "supers." These are also -made of glass, in wood frames, thirteen inches inside, six inches deep, -with eight bars (without frames). The above engraving represents the -super used with the bar and frame hive. - -[Illustration] - -Honey-combs in supers are better when made thicker than those for -breeding, consequently the bars are placed a little further apart -than in the lower or stock hive; they are either the Woodbury Ribbed, -contrived to induce the straight building of combs, or flat bars with -guide-combs affixed. - - -COVERS. - -A loose outer case, forming a complete cover for the hive, is found -very useful. The case is made in two parts, for convenience the roof is -also separate, having an acorn at top, which forms a neat finish. These -outside cases are made of wood, and drop lightly over all; when thus -protected, and fixed on a pedestal, the hive may be placed in the open -air in such position as fancy may dictate. The aspect should be south -or south-east, and, if against a wall, sufficient space must be allowed -for a free passage behind, as it is from thence all operations must be -conducted by the apiarian. The case and roof, with the stand, being -the only parts exposed to the weather, will be the only portions that -require painting; they are sometimes stained and varnished, and we are -inclined to prefer the latter for appearance. Should the apiarian have -a complete bee-hive house, the cover, and stands will not be needed. - -[Illustration] - -When removing or replacing the covers, care should be taken to do -so very gently, or the bees will be enraged, and rush out, and may -inflict stings upon those within their reach. We have obviated the -necessity for lifting off the cover for the purpose of looking in, -either at the window of the stock-hive or of the super, by making a -door, both in the upper and lower parts of the outside case. These -doors, or unglazed windows, are hinged at the bottom, so as to open -downwards, rendering inspection easy, without disturbance to the bees. - -A wooden range for supporting a number of hives makes a safe and -economical stand; it may be formed by driving firmly into the ground -two rows of posts, each row about twelve inches apart; to these two -rails, about two inches square, are nailed, and upon these the hives -firmly rest. Care should be taken not to have the hives nearer together -than eighteen inches; the intermediate space will be found very -convenient on which to rest the cover, or for supporting an empty hive -during the proper performance of any operation. - -Mr. Woodbury has his hives arranged on rails, somewhat after the plan -before described. - -In describing, as above, the various hives and frames, some hints have -been given as to the methods of handling them. This, however, will not -suffice for an induction to the mysteries of practical bee-keeping, and -we must refer the reader to a subsequent section, wherein the details -as to manipulation will be fully explained, and the results of the -experience of several distinguished apiarians will be embodied. - - -TAYLOR'S IMPROVED COTTAGE HIVE. - -[Illustration] - -This hive is similar in principle to the cottager's. It is also -similar in size, with the exception of being quite straight at the -sides. A zinc rim affords protection from the weather. Under the upper -straw hive a bell-glass is worked. A mahogany adapting board, with a -four-inch hole in the centre, corresponding with that of the hive, -supplies an even surface for the glass to rest on, and facilitates its -removal when full. For particulars as to stocking and management, see -directions for cottager's and improved cottage hives, pages 72 and 83. - - -EIGHT-BAR STRAW HIVE. - -[Illustration] - -This is an ingenious contrivance of Mr. Taylor's. Hoops are worked in -the straw, both at the top and bottom of the stock-hive, and in the -upper hoop are openings cut to receive eight comb bars; each bar is one -inch and an eighth wide, with a space of half an inch between. Since -the introduction of square straw bar and frame hives, these hives have -not been much in request. Considerable inconvenience is found to arise, -because the bars, being of unequal lengths, cannot be interchanged one -with the other. - -The description given of Taylor's Amateur Hive, and mode of stocking -and furnishing it with guide-comb, apply to this hive. The large straw -hive raised up in the engraving is an outside case; the roof is a large -zinc cover. If placed in a bee-house, the outside case and zinc roof -are not required. - - -NEIGHBOUR'S UNICOMB OBSERVATORY HIVE. - -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 inmates. It is particularly intended for a window -recess or an indoor apiary, and will also be found an interesting -addition to the green-house. Bees cease to appear disturbed when -exposure to the light is continuous. This discovery enables the -bee-keeper to gain a full inspection. The hive should be screened -from the direct rays of the sun, which would worry the inmates, and -be otherwise prejudicial. An aperture should be cut in the sash -corresponding with the entrance to the hive, through which the bees -may find egress and ingress, without being able to gain access to the -apartment, as described for the ladies' observatory hive (page 78). - -[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 built, and, at -the same time, leaves space between the comb and the glass on either -side for the bees to pass and repass. It is thus made so that every bee -may be exposed to view. The queen forming the most prominent feature of -attention, she is readily distinguished by the greater length of her -body, as well as by the attention paid her by the other bees. - -The mode of stocking this hive is as follows:--Procure a strong swarm, -if practicable, and let it be first hived into a common straw hive in -the usual way. Take care to make the necessary preparations previous -to the operation of stocking: for this purpose, at evening time, -place the hive on its side, oil the ground (having already spread a -sheet, or large white cloth, underneath); unfasten the side of the -hive which is hinged, turn this sash quite back, very gently lift the -straw hive containing the swarm; then, with a sudden shake, dash as -large a portion of the bees into the unicomb hive as can be done in a -few seconds. Have ready a feather or, better still (because firmer), -a goose-wing; with this, quickly brush the bees off the edges of the -frames, also from the rabbets against which the glass side closes, in -order to prevent killing any; then gently spread them, so that the -glass, when closed, shall not shut against the congregated mass in the -middle. When thus ready for closing up, which should be quickly done, -fasten the side, and turn the hive right end upwards, with the entrance -towards those bees that are outside. The bees will not, probably, have -all been ejected from the straw hive at the first brush, and will -require a few sharp raps on the cloth to clear the hive. The moving -mass now congregating without, upon discovering that so large a portion -of their companions have found a home, with (as is generally the case) -the queen safely housed, will hasten to join them. It is a pretty sight -to see the labourers crowding in like a little army, with their heads -pointing in the same direction, making for the desired home, which they -will slowly but surely enter, with fanning wings and a happy hum. - -Considerable help may be afforded by gently collecting the stragglers -in a table-spoon, and shaking them off close to the entrance. - -In about an hour, all the bees will have entered the hive, which may -now be bodily taken to the place previously made ready for it, and -which it is intended permanently to occupy,--a shelf, the size of the -bottom of the hive, with a sloping piece of wood four inches wide, -forms a firm bracket and a substantial stand,--these and all other -preparations, such as cutting the opening, fixing the alighting-board, -&c., having been previously accomplished when the hive was empty. - -It will be as well to screen the hive from view for a few days, until -the bees become settled in their new domicile. Although this hive -is constructed of double glass, to keep up a more uniform degree of -warmth, still, from the cold nature of glass, and the close contact -into which the bees are brought with it, it is advisable to place -flannel between the outer shutters and the glass of the hive, on both -sides. Such precaution is found essential if the bees remain in this -hive during whiter, and very much adds to their comfort on cold nights -at most periods of the year. In the day time, in summer months, the -hive being of double glass, the whole may be fully exposed to view. If -the temperature of the apartment in which the hive stands be kept at 60 -degrees, this extra attention will not be so needful. As soon as the -bees are settled, comb-building will immediately commence, and in about -two weeks' time there will be comb spreading over the whole hive. The -queen may be viewed depositing her eggs, and all the usual operations -of the rearing of brood, storing of honey, and the building of combs, -will be open to full inspection, with perfect ease to the spectator. As -an object of lively and permanent interest for the breakfast-parlour -or conservatory, the unicomb observatory hive may be regarded as -infinitely superior to an aquarium or fernery. - -At the Exposition Universelle of 1855, in Paris, we exhibited a hive -of this description in full working; order. The bees left London on -the 5th of July of that year, and were placed in the Exposition on -the following morning. An entrance was made for them through the -side of the building, as before explained. Our bees had no national -antipathies, and they immediately sallied forth to their "fresh fields -and pastures new" in the Champs Elysees, the gardens of the Tuileries, -the Luxembourg, &c., whence they soon returned laden with luscious -store from French flowers. - -The Jurors of the Exposition awarded us a prize medal for bee-hives. - - -WOODBURY UNICOMB HIVE. - -[Illustration] - -The Woodbury Unicomb Hive has many advantages over similar hives as -previously constructed. The engraving shows the interior compartment -divided into six; these are sis Woodbury frames. The inner sash opens, -to admit of hanging up the frames on the notches prepared for them. The -width of the hive between the glasses of the sashes is just sufficient -to admit of one thickness of comb, with space on each side for the -bees to pass and repass, the same as in Neighbour's unicomb. There is, -however, a great advantage in the use of this hive; with it, anyone -possessing a Woodbury box or straw bar and frame hive can readily -commence an unicomb, and as readily put the combs and bees back into -the square hive again. The outside shutters on each side are composed -of Venetian blinds, admitting daylight, but obscuring the rays of -the sun. We had the entrance made at one end, as represented in our -drawing; this alteration was made after the pattern of the hive from -which Mr. Woodbury allowed us to copy. His own was intended to stand -wholly out of doors, and had two central entrances, one on each side at -the bottom, the hive itself turning on a pivot. - -When the hive was being examined on one side, the entrance was closed -by a piece of wood inserted in it; and when the other side was brought -round to be inspected, the piece of wood was withdrawn, and placed in -the opposite entrance. This was a most ingenious contrivance; but it -did not answer our purpose for indoors. When Mr. Woodbury sent us his -hive, we were preparing for the International Exhibition of 1862, and, -in placing it against the sides of the building, we followed our old -plan for ingress by having the entrance at the end. Since that time, -we have made a considerable improvement by adapting Mr. Woodbury's -cleverly contrived turn-table to suit our own hive. Like Mr. Woodbury's -hive, ours has two iron wheels, the one fixed to the bottom of the -hive, the other fixed to a stout board running the full length of the -hive; on these two wheels the whole hive turns. In the centre there is -an opening into the hive, with a passage-way running underneath, so -that the bees' entrance is in no way affected by the position of the -hive, which revolves, to suit the convenience of visitors inspecting -it. Should the queen, with her attendants, not be visible on one side, -the other side of the comb can be brought into full view, and examined -with the same facility as a picture, or as articles are inspected in -a shop window. Thus, in the unicomb observatory hive, the sovereign -mother, her train of servitors, the drones, with their aimless -movements, and the crowd of ever-busy workers--either building their -combs or storing honey--may be always seen, as presenting a veritable -_tableau vivant_. - -Another improvement that we have made upon Mr. Woodbury's pattern -is, that of accommodating the frames; his was constructed before -frame-hives were in use, consequently it is only suitable for combs on -bars. Our adaptation has necessitated an increase in size. The outside -dimensions are nearly three feet square, and seven inches deep from -back to front. Provision is made at top for feeding, and for working -two small flat-top glasses for deprivation, which are protected by the -weather-board. - -An alighting-board is placed at the centre, close under the entrance, -when the hive is located out-of-doors. When the hive is placed indoors, -a passage-way, about eighteen inches long, covered with glass, is fixed -to the entrance, the other end communicating with an opening in the -wall or sash; through this the bees find access, an alighting-board -being fixed outside the building. It is requisite that the passage-way -be about this length, in order to allow the hive to turn round clear of -the side of the building. - -In the summer of 1863, 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 Exeter.[11] We selected six combs, and -packed them in one of the square box Woodbury bar and frame hives, and, -on arrival at Exeter, Mr. Woodbury assisted us in taking out the frames -and placing them in the unicomb. That being fixed against the boarded -side of a shed, we found the covered way a great convenience, and it -answered remarkably well; the bees did not seem to be inconvenienced by -having to travel through so long a passage. A glass covering admitted -a full view of the little labourers as they crowded in, and the sight -of them very much enhanced the interest of visitors examining the hive. - -[Footnote 11: It may require explanation how it was that we took bees -to Exeter, which sounds something like "carrying coals to Newcastle." -The reason was this--the garden of our friend, Mr. Woodbury, at Mount -Radford, from which we could have been supplied, was so near to the -show yard, that he was apprehensive a large number of the bees would -return to their old hives. Our bees from a distance would, according to -their nature, return to their own hive, for bees, although they may be -moved miles away, take care to mark their new position, and are careful -to return to it. Mr. Woodbury lent us a small stock of his Ligurian -bees, and between it and our own hive the crowd of visitors divided -their attention.] - -Since the time before mentioned, we have exhibited bees at the meetings -of the Bath and West of England Agricultural Society at Bristol, and -of the Royal Agricultural Society at Newcastle, in 1864. On both -occasions, further proof was given that this hive admirably answers -the purpose intended, and it afforded pleasure and interest to many -thousands of visitors. - -The unicomb hive may be stocked in two ways, which have been previously -referred to. The bee-keeper may either select the comb upon which the -queen is found, and put it into the hive, and so form an artificial -swarm, or he may take six brood-combs from a hive, and so stock the -unicomb at once, which we did for the show at Exeter. - -The former plan is, perhaps, the most advisable, because new comb has -to be built within the five frames; for, be it remembered, in this -case five empty frames must be put in. It is 9, better plan still, -if artificial combs are placed in each frame, so as to afford an -interesting opportunity of watching the formation of the cells therein. -The combs are sure to be dark in colour when taken from a stock-hive, -and new combs, being whiter, have a better appearance in the hive. 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 frames; -when the queen is on one of the new combs, opportunity may easily be -taken for opening the hive and removing the old dark comb. The bees can -easily be shaken or brushed off the comb, and will return to the hive. -The comb, with the unhatched brood, may be deposited in any square hive -that needs strengthening. We mention this, to show how to obtain a hive -with entirely fine white comb. - -If the possessor of a square Woodbury frame-hive wishes to start a -strong unicomb hive, and does not object to appropriate the stock, he -must take out of the Woodbury hive any six combs on the frames, and put -the unicomb in its place so as to receive all the returning bees that -happen to be abroad; the remaining four combs, supposing there are ten, -can be inserted in any other frame-hives in the garden in which there -may be vacancies. - -We have had this hive in operation, in the manner last described, -during the summer of 1863, and found it to answer remarkably well. On -a lawn, placed on a suitable ornamental stand, it formed a pleasing -object, besides affording great interest and instruction. - -In unicomb hives stocked with a natural swarm (as is generally the -plan), there is considerable difficulty in keeping the bees alive -through the winter. In a hive where the combs are removable, no loss -of bees need be occasioned. We do not recommend the hive we are now -describing as a winter residence for bees. For four months in the -year, when bees are most active, and when their operations are most -interesting, this hive may be brought into use, either of the two plans -before described being adopted. An artificial swarm should be put in -during May or June, and taken out, in the method before mentioned, and -then placed in the square box during the month of September; sometimes -it may do for a stock to be put in a month or so earlier, but it should -never be retained later in this hive. In October, we often have cold -nights; the bees and brood being in such close contact with the glass, -and not able to cluster as is their natural wont, suffer from exposure -to the variations of temperature. In some degree to moderate this, we -have used treble glass with a space between each square; greater warmth -is thus obtained, and the view is not intercepted. Opportunity should -be taken for cleaning the unicomb hive when empty, so as to be ready -for re-stocking as a new hive in the following summer. The unicomb -observatory hive is one which might have been suggested by the lines of -Evans:-- - - "By this blest art our ravished eyes behold - The singing masons build their roofs of gold, - And mingling multitudes perplex the view, - Yet all in order apt their tasks pursue; - Still happier they whose favoured ken hath seen - Pace slow and silent round, the state's fair queen." - - -THE STEWARTON, OR AYRSHIRE HIVE. - -[Illustration] - -The Stewarton Hive is so often spoken of, and in such favourable terms, -by bee-keepers, that we deem it necessary to give it a place here, -and to supply some explanation of its construction and management. We -consider this especially needful, as some of the principles of its -management are so imperfectly understood, that frequent mistakes are -made, and also because, for the convenience of bee-keepers, we keep a -supply of these hives on hand. - -The name is derived from their having been first manufactured at -Stewarton, in Scotland; and they are still made so well, and at so -moderate a price in that country, that London workmen are unable to -compete in their manufacture. Our supply is therefore from that source; -so that, with a little addition for carriage, the price approximates -that of the makers themselves, affording a convenience to many of our -apiarian friends in being able to obtain these hives in London. - -Our engraving shows the four boxes set up. These constitute the hive. -We will suppose that the young bee-keeper has just received the four -octagonal boxes, with the bundles of grooved slides (of which there -are nearly forty); about one half of these slides are short pieces, -similarly cut to the longer ones. These are to fill up the openings -where the slides are not put in, or are required to be withdrawn, as -hereafter explained. He will find himself in possession of four boxes -so neatly dove-tailed on the bevel, that, if he be of a mechanical -turn, he will not only be surprised at the way in which they are put -together, but also at the price for which they are offered. Three of -the boxes, A, B, C, technically called "body boxes," are precisely -similar, each being fourteen inches in diameter and five and a half -inches deep inside. Nine bars range along the top of each box. These -are not movable, but are so constructed to induce the correct and -regular building of the combs. The fourth box, D, is the depriving -box or super, is only four inches deep, and the same in diameter as -the others. This being the honey-box, it is furnished with seven wide -fixed bars, instead of nine, because, as stated at page 93, bees -construct deeper receptacles to contain the honey than for breeding -in: thus, should the queen go up into this compartment, she may find -the cells are too much elongated to enable her to reach the base, when -her body is inserted for the purpose of depositing an egg. We have -too much confidence in her majesty's sagacity to expect her to make -such an attempt in honey-cells thus elongated; doubtless she will only -look and pass on, seeking more suitable depositories, and confine -her nursery to those lower regions where she is welcome. The honey is -thus kept pure, and that which not unfrequently mars the qualify of a -super--viz., cells that either contain brood or have been bred in--is -prevented. Each box is furnished with two small windows, back and -front, closed by sliding shutters, by which opportunity is afforded for -inspecting the progress made, and also of knowing when the time has -arrived that the cells are filled and the box may be taken away. - -Each of the boxes, A, B, C, is furnished with an entrance-way, four -inches wide, half an inch high, a wooden slide either wholly or -partially closing same, as required. When at work, the bees only need -one entrance open, and that at the lowest box. The long slides before -mentioned are pushed in to their respective receptacles from the back -of the hive, to close the openings between the bars; those of them -that are shorter will be seen to belong to the sides of the octagon, -and the ends are cut angular to suit the form of the box. A little -examination will suffice to show the right allotment of the slides, the -appropriation of which may be said somewhat to resemble the putting -together of a child's puzzle. - -The box B must be left open at the interstices that correspond with the -box A, placed above, the little openings being closed by the insertion -of the ten sections of slides, thus leaving free communication inside -with the upper box A, and admitting of no outlet for the bees, except -at the entrance. - -When the four boxes are placed above each other, the structure measures -twenty-two inches high. - -The Scotch carpenters send no floor-board, and no covering or roof for -the top to shoot off the rain; they evidently expect that the purchaser -is provided with a shed or bee-house of some kind, and also with a -floor-board. Should the apiarian, however, not have these necessaries, -we can supply the deficiency. - -The sides of the boxes are furnished with wooden buttons, which, when -turned round, keep each box exactly in its place above the other: there -are also projecting irons or screw heads for tying the two boxes A and -B together, preparatory to hiving the swarm; or if the boxes stand out -exposed, all may be thus secured, to prevent their being blown over by -high winds. - - -_Directions for Management._ - -Take the two boxes A and B, made one by the junction before mentioned, -and similarly inside by the free communication afforded. Shake the -swarm in as described at page 28, just as with a common cottage hive. - -If the weather be favourable, these two boxes will be nearly filled in -ten days. To get the full advantage of the Stewarton hive the first -year, put two swarms into two body boxes, A and B; if the two are too -small, then add the other box C. Allow the bees to remain there till -they have nearly filled the body boxes with comb, which (with this -increased number of workers, and in favourable weather) should be from -five to ten days. Two swarms are seldom procurable the same day, so as -then to be joined together, and even if they were, there is a doubt -whether greater progress may not be attained by hiving a swarm a week -or so earlier than the other, so as to build comb and raise brood ready -for the reception of the new comers. - -The second swarm is added best in the evening, after the bees have -ceased working. For this purpose spread a sheet on the ground, place -two sticks so as to prevent the box being close to the ground, then, -with a sudden knock, eject the bees of the second swarm on to the -cloth, and place the two body boxes that contain the earlier swarm over -the dislodged bees; these will, in the course of an hour or so, ascend -and become one family, and one of the queens will be speedily destroyed. - -In the meantime, prepare the shallow honey-box D, by fixing small -pieces of worker guide-comb, of pure white colour, on the centre of -each side bar. If, however, a box of honey with neatly made, straight, -and quite regular comb be desired, a piece of this guide-comb must be -fixed to the centre of each bar. If guide-comb be unobtainable, strips -of the impressed wax sheets or artificial comb (hereafter described) -will be found excellent substitutes.[12] - -[Footnote 12: The body boxes may be prepared in a similar manner.] - -When selecting guide-comb, avoid combs with drone-cells; to fix these -is setting the bees a bad pattern. Honey stored in drone-combs has -more wax, and is coarser in appearance and taste. Having satisfied -yourself, by peeping in at the windows, and from symptoms at the -entrance, that the original boxes are well filled, place your prepared -honey-box on the top, draw a slide at each side of the middle box to -afford communication, and insert the little plugs. It is not so well to -withdraw the middle slides, because the queen is more likely to ascend -from the centre. When you notice that the bees have fairly commenced -work in the honey-box and are likely to keep to it, the remaining box -C may be added below the stock, which will afford additional room and -prevent swarming, exchanging the entrance to the newly-furnished box -and sliding in pieces wood to close the aperture of that above. - -Should the bees begin making comb in the bottom box, draw two more -slides for freer access into the super, as there will then be little -risk of the queen ascending, having so much range for egg-laying in the -three lower boxes. - -In very fine weather, a good swarm or stock will fill a honey-box in -the space of two weeks; but a much longer time is usually occupied. - -The more quickly the box is filled, the purer will be the colour of -the comb and honey, because bees very much discolour their work when -they have it long on hand. Before taking off the honey-box, observe -particularly that the combs are well sealed at the windows, because, as -mentioned at page 83, this portion of the work is always left till the -last. - -When you see that all is ready for the removal of a box, select -the middle of a fine day for the purpose (not omitting to don the -bee-armour). Draw out one or two of the slides, and give the bees a -few gentle puffs, either of fungus or of tobacco smoke, from the tube -fumigator, which will cause the majority of the bees to descend into -the body of the hive; then stop the communication, by pushing in the -slides. Next, with a spatula, make a slight opening for a piece of -strong thin twine at the front of the box, and immediately behind the -thread two thin wedges; with the two ends in hand, work the twine -gently forward, bringing the wedges, after, until the opposite side is -reached. This will remove any obstruction caused by the bees having -attached their combs to the top of the next box, and thus leave the -super entirely free for removal. It will be as well, for the reasons -stated at page 58, not to remove the box immediately. After waiting an -hour, the box may be taken off, and conveyed to a quiet place. Should -any bees remain, they will be glad, after their confinement, to escape -to the parent hive; or if you have an empty hive to put over, by -gently drumming the sides, the remaining bees will ascend and leave -the box at your disposal. The bees driven into the empty box may now -be shaken out in front of the mouth of the hive. Another plan is to -cut off the communication over night, and raise the hive on wedges, as -recommended to be adopted with the super (page 73). - -Before winter sets in, the box C may be removed and the comb it -contains (if well filled) be used for consumption: if the comb be -empty, let it remain carefully preserved from moth and insects; it will -be invaluable next season. Empty comb may be thus preserved by tying -or pasting a piece of stout newspaper closely round the bottom, and -keeping the box in a dry place. - -Feeding, when required, may be liberally pursued, by withdrawing two -slides and supplying a bottle-feeder. Enough food should be given in -the early autumn to last until spring. - -The chief value of the Stewarton hive consists in the boxes being -shallow, so that the combs are more likely to be well filled down to -the base. This is a great advantage with supers, particularly when -required to be sent to a distance, as there is less likelihood of the -combs breaking down. A fine super of honey, that would be valuable, is -materially depreciated when it reaches its destination in a damaged -state, with the honey running from the cells. For the same reason, -when the weather is hot and the rays of the sun fall on the hive, the -combs might part from their foundations if there were no intermediate -bars, which is now the case in the stock-hive, composed as it is of two -boxes. If these two boxes were in one, the depth of each comb would be -twelve inches; and when filled with brood and honey, would probably -weigh 10 lbs. This is a great weight to be supported in hot summer -weather, when the wax is softened by the heat. Another distinguishing -feature that the Stewarton hive possesses is the use of the box C, -which, by giving increased room, as the season advances, prevents -what is often an annoyance to the apiarian, viz., a late swarm--too -late to be of any value, and impoverishing the stock by a division of -its numbers, thereby perhaps impeding the completion of the super. -A further advantage of the box c, is that it induces the bees (who -frequently hang in dusters about the entrance) to carry on their -labours instead of remaining in enforced idleness. - -We often receive from Scotland magnificent boxes of honey; the fine -quality is no doubt to be attributed to good pasturage, and to the -fact of keeping the stocks strong (see page 19), by adopting the means -before hinted at; and thus having hives well stored and well populated -early in the season, so that they may betimes take full advantage of -supplies of nectar in the flowers. Early honey is generally the best in -colour. - -The old proverb runs:--"It is the early bird that finds the worm." -The hive that is strong is certain to produce the most honey. To make -this plain, we will suppose that a bee-keeper has a weakly hive; it -will take some weeks, if not months, to grow populous; and as soon as -the strength of the hive has recovered, the honey season will have -advanced, if not ended, whilst the strong stocks have been able to take -full advantage of the supplies, having an abundance of labourers to -collect the honey and store it in supers for their master. To induce -the bees to build quickly, cover up the super with as much warm woollen -covering as you can, as recommended for glasses, page 65. - -In fine seasons, and under good management, extra supers and body boxes -(the latter to be used as "nadirs") maybe required to place above and -below the supers and nadirs partly filled, in order to reap the full -benefit of the honey season; for with strong colonies one box after -another may be inserted, till the whole towers from six to ten boxes -high. This plan is, indeed, collecting honey while the sun shines, -but requires a greater amount of apiarian skill and good pasturage -to carry on in its entirety than is generally possessed. In other -words, we in the south may find it difficult to rival our accomplished -brother-apiarians north of the Tweed, for they do wonders with the -Stewarton hive. - - -HUBER'S HIVE. - -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 Aristotle. - -During the early period of Huber's investigations, he prosecuted them -by means of single-comb hives, which allow of each side of the comb -being examined. He found, however, that there was one important defect. -The bees could not in these hives cluster together, which is their -natural method of withstanding the effects of a reduced temperature. -Huber hit upon the ingenious expedient of combining a number of -single-comb frames, so as to form one complete hive, which could be -opened, in order to expose any particular comb, without disturbing the -rest. From the manner of the opening and closing of this hive, it has -generally been called the "Leaf or Book Hive." The division separating -each comb is joined both back and front with "butt hinges," fastened -with a movable pin, on withdrawing which, at either side, each comb -and the bees on it may be inspected as easily as if in a single-comb -hive. Huber's leaf hive is thus in appearance, as if several ordinary -"History of England" backgammon chess-boards were set up on end -together. The floor-board on which the hive stands is larger than the -hive when closed, so as to allow of its being opened freely at any -particular "volume." An entrance-way for the bees is hollowed-out of -the floor-board as in other hives. There is a glass window in each end -of the hive, which is provided with a shutter. - -There is, however, one serious objection to Huber's hive, which, though -not noticed by him or his careful assistant, has prevented its general -use--that is, the difficulty there is in closing it without crushing -some of the bees--a catastrophe which, by exasperating their comrades, -is certain to interfere with any experiments. There is no such risk -in the bar and frame hive, whilst in it every facility possessed by -Huber's is retained; so that we strongly recommend scientific apiarians -to use some kind of bar and frame hive in preference to Huber's. We -have here introduced a description of Huber's leaf hive (and should -be glad to exhibit one) for the sake of its historic interest, in -connection with apiarian science. The invention was invaluable for -Huber himself, and it suggested to other apiarians the adoption of the -present plan of vertical bars and frames. - -The character of Huber and the circumstances under which he pursued his -observations are so remarkable, that we need scarcely apologize for -stating a few particulars respecting him here. He was born at Geneva, -in July, 1750, his family being in honourable station and noted for -talent. Just as he attained to manhood he lost his sight, and remained -blind to the end of his days. This apparently insuperable obstacle -in the way of scientific observation was overcome by the remarkable -fidelity with which Burnens, his assistant, watched the bees and -reported their movements to Huber. Madame Huber also, who, betrothed -to him before his calamity, had remained constant in her affection, -assisted in the investigations with great assiduity during their long -and happy wedded life. We quote the following from "Memoirs of Huber," -by Professor de Candolle:-- - -"We have seen the blind shine as poets, and distinguish themselves as -philosophers, musicians, and calculators; but it was reserved for Huber -to give a lustre to his class in the sciences of observation, and on -objects so minute that the most clear-sighted observer can scarcely -perceive them. The reading of the works of Reaumur and Bonnet, and the -conversation of the latter, directed his curiosity to the history of -the bees. His habitual residence in the country inspired him with the -desire, first of verifying some facts, then of filling some blanks in -their history; but this kind of observation required not only the use -of such an instrument as the optician must furnish, but an intelligent -assistant, who alone could adjust it to its use. He had then a servant -named Francis Burnens, remarkable for his sagacity and for the devotion -he bore his master. Huber practised him in the art of observation, -directed him to his researches by questions adroitly combined, and, -aided by the recollections of his youth and by the testimonies of his -wife and friends, he rectified the assertions of his assistant, and -became enabled to form in his own mind a true and perfect image of -the manifest facts. 'I am much more certain,' said he, smiling, to -a scientific friend, 'of what I state than you are, for you publish -what your own eyes only have seen, while I take the mean among many -witnesses.' This is, doubtless, very plausible reasoning, but very few -persons will by it be rendered distrustful of their own eyesight." - -The results of Huber's observations were published in 1792, in the form -of letters to Ch. Bonnet, under the title of "Nouvelles Observations -sur les Abeilles." This work made a strong impression upon many -naturalists, not only because of the novelty of the facts stated and -the excellent inductive reasoning employed, but also on account of the -rigorous accuracy of the observations recorded, when it was considered -with what an extraordinary difficulty the author had to struggle. - -Huber retained the clear faculties of his observant mind until his -death, which took place on the 22nd of December, 1831. Most of the -facts relating to the impregnation of the queen, the formation of -cells, and the whole economy of the bee-community, as discovered -and described by Huber, have received full confirmation from the -investigations of succeeding naturalists. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - -IV.--EXTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS AND APPARATUS. - - -BEE-HOUSE TO CONTAIN TWO HIVES. - -There is no contrivance for protecting' hives from the weather so -complete as a bee-house: one which also admits of an easy inspection of -the hives ranged therein is especially convenient for lady bee-keepers. - -[Illustration: Front View of Bee House.] - -The folding; doors behind the bee-house have only to be opened, and -the hives are at once exposed to full view; then, by raising the -upper hive or cover, the glasses may be deliberately inspected without -molestation from the bees, and the progress made by the busy multitude -in building and filling their combs may be watched by the bee-keeper, -from day to day, with great and increasing interest. Under the roof -on each side are openings to act as ventilators, to allow the heated -air to escape. With the sun shining on the house and no escape of this -kind, the heat would be retained inside, and the temperature become -that of an oven. - -[Illustration] - -Here our engraving shows the back view of the bee-house, the interior -being furnished with two of our improved cottage hives. Two suspended -weights will be noticed; these are to balance the top hives which -cover the glasses; the cord for each runs on pulleys, so that the -covers can be easily raised and as easily shut down again when the -inspection is finished. We may here remark, that it is not well to keep -the glasses long exposed to full light and view. - -The front of the bee-house being closely boarded, a passage-way is -contrived for the bees, by which they have egress and ingress, without -being able to gain access to the house. The hives must be kept close to -the front boarding of the house, to prevent the opening of any crevices -which the bees might mistake for the entrance to their hives, and so -find their way into the house. The front view of this bee-house shows -the ordinary contrivance for entrance; the sliding zinc entrances may -also be advantageously fixed, as shown in the engraving of a bee-house -to contain twelve hives. In many parts of the country, hives and honey -are sometimes stolen from the garden; the bee-houses we furnish have a -lock and key to prevent depredations of this kind. - -Care must be taken to keep the bee-houses free from spiders and other -insects. In some districts, ants are numerous and troublesome. The plan -we recommend for excluding them is to put some pitch round the four -supports of the bee-house, or, better still, strips of loose flannel, -or other woollen material that is absorbent, which have previously -been soaked in lamp oil. We use sperm oil, as being the slowest-drying -oil we know of. A piece of string will keep the flannel close to the -wood and then neither ant nor other insect will pass up; so that Dy -this simple means the hives may, so to speak, be insulated, and placed -beyond their reach. As the oil dries up, it can easily be renewed. We -have found this an effectual remedy against these insidious enemies of -bees. - - -BEE-HOUSE TO CONTAIN TWELVE HIVES - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: Back view of Bee-house, showing the Interior.] - -Where economy of room is a consideration, we fit up bee-houses with a -double row of hives, one above the other. Our engravings show the back -and front of a house of this kind, having an ornamental zinc gutter to -prevent the wet from dripping on to the alighting-board. - -When a number of hives are thus together, we colour the -alighting-boards differently, so that the bees may have a distinctive -mark by which each may know its own home, and not wander into its -neighbour's house. Bees readily enough receive a honey-laden labourer -into a hive; but if the wanderer be poor and empty, he will be promptly -repulsed, and may have to forfeit his life for his mistake. 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 apparent. A queen entering a hive already supplied with -a fruitful sovereign would be certain to be killed. The loss to the -hive to which the queen belonged is a serious one. Hives are often -made queenless from this cause, and thereby reduced to utter ruin, the -bee-master perhaps attributing his failure to something altogether -different. - - -BEE-HOUSE TO CONTAIN NINE HIVES. - -[Illustration] - -This engraving represents a bee-house adapted for having a number of -hives in a limited space,--three rows of hives, one above the other. - -We do not recommend a bee-house of this construction; it is difficult -to erect one to afford space for super hives, without its being so -inconveniently high as to be liable to be blown over by strong winds. - -Hives thus located in a bee-house are not exposed to so much change of -temperature, and the stocks generally pass the winter well. - -Here we may introduce the meditations of a German apiarian, who -describes the advantages of a bee-house for the bees, and his own -pleasure in watching over his pets in the winter, as they dwell so -comfortably and safely. It is true that Herr Braun associates still -choicer delights with the simple pleasures of bee-keeping, but as Mr. -Woodbury has not excluded the higher theme from his translation, we -need not hesitate to quote the whole:-- - - EVENING THOUGHTS IN JANUARY. - - (_Translated from the German by_ Adalbert Braun.) - - BY A DEVONSHIRE BEE-KEEPER. - - Within my little garden - Stands also a bee-house, - And bees therein protected - From sly tomtit or mouse. - - How quietly they're sitting! - And little trouble give, - Beyond the needful watching - That undisturbed they live-- - - That all, indeed, are living - In strong, unbroken health, - And, in the brood-nest hanging, - Consume their hoarded wealth-- - - That in the dwindling store-room - Sufficient stores remain, - Until the rape-plant donneth - Its blossom-dress again! - - Thus daily do I visit - My garden and my bees, - Neglecting thereby often - My dinner and my ease. - - Thank God! they all were humming - Within their hives to-day; - Nor could I find a symptom - Of hunger or decay. - - And yet what ardent longing - I feel, O Spring, for thee! - My darlings' gleesome frolics - Are happiness to me! - - How would this anxious longing - Consume my very breast, - But for a little being - So full of love and jest. - - In heat or cold that prattles - Around me ev'ry day, - And still, the throes of longing - By commune blithe and gay. - - Ye bee-keepers can value - A joy that is complete; - It is my wife--the darling - Whose lips are honey-sweet. - - With e'en the richest bee-stand - Were joy and pleasure gone, - If my heart's queen were wanting - And I left here alone. - - Thus, her I love and honour, - No difference have we, - But ofttimes go together - Our little pets to see. - - Her kisses sweet removing - All sorrow from my breast, - And honied joys surrounding - Proclaim us highly blest. - - _Mount Radford, Exeter._ T. W. Woodbury. - - -ORNAMENTAL ZINC COVER. - -[Illustration] - -The annexed engraving of the Ornamental Zinc Cover renders but little -description necessary. The illustration shows one of our improved -cottage hives on a stand. Three clumps of wood must be driven into the -ground, and the three iron rods supporting the covering made fast to -them with screws; there are screw holes in the feet of the iron rods -for the purpose. When thus secured, but little fear need be entertained -of its being blown over by high winds. - -In the roof two pulleys are fixed, so that, by attaching a cord, the -upper hive covering the bell-glass supers may be raised with facility -for the purpose of observing the progress made by the bees. - -The ornamental zinc cover will form a pleasing object in the -flower-garden, when placed in a suitable position on the grass plot. -It is painted green; the iron rods are of such a length as to support -the roof at a convenient height from the ground. - - -ZINC COVER. - -[Illustration] - -This is a simple and inexpensive covering for any cottage straw hive -when exposed in the garden. It fits close on to the upper hive, coming -sufficiently low to protect it from sun and rain, without obscuring the -whole hive. - -These covers are painted green--a colour that is generally preferred. - - -TAYLOR'S ZINC COVER. - -[Illustration] - -This zinc cover, introduced by H. Taylor, Esq., for his cottage hive, -will also be found useful as a protection from wet, for many other -descriptions of round straw hives. - - -BELL GLASSES. - -[Illustration] - - To contain 10 lbs., 10 inches high, 7 inches wide. - To contain 6 lbs., 7 inches high, 5½ inches wide. - To contain 3 lbs., 5 inches high, 4 inches wide. - -These bell glasses are used in the hives before described. The largest -is for Nutt's hive; the middle-sized is for our improved cottage hive; -the smallest glass is so very small that it is not often used, and we -do not recommend it. Bees will generally fill a middle-sized glass -quite as soon as one so small as this. - - -TAYLOR'S BELL GLASSES. - -[Illustration] - -These glasses have been introduced by Mr. Taylor, and are recommended -as preferable to deep narrow glasses. The drawings will show that -they are straight at the sides, flat at the top inside, with a knob -outside to take hold by, through which is a half-inch opening to admit -a ventilating tube. The larger is six inches deep, twelve inches wide; -smaller, five inches deep, nine and a half inches wide. - -[Illustration] - -The late Mr. J. H. Payne, of Bury, author of the "Bee-keeper's Guide" -introduced another glass. It has a three-inch hole in the centre, the -purpose of which is to tempt bees to produce additional and larger -stores of honey. It is to be used as follows:--When a bell glass is -half or quite filled, raise it, and place Payne's glass over the hole -of the stock-hive, with the filled glass on it, over the three-inch -hole. The bees will bring their combs through, and thus Mr. Payne found -that they would store more honey than if the bell glass were removed -and another empty one put in its place. Of course, the first glass must -be smaller in diameter than Payne's glass, so as to rest upon it. - - -FLAT-TOPPED GLASS. - -This is a glass super, to be placed on the hive in a similar way to -the bell glasses already alluded to. It has the advantages of being -straight at the sides, flat at top, and without a knob; so that when -filled it may be brought on to the breakfast table, inverted, on a -plate. The glass lid shown in the engraving forms a cover, and fits -over outside, so as not to interfere with the combs within. These -flat-top glasses, like those with a knob, have a hole through which a -zinc ventilating tube is inserted. Dimensions, six and three-quarter -inches wide, five inches high. - -[Illustration] - - -GUIDE-COMB FOR GLASSES. - -In some of our previous allusions to the best mode of inducing bees to -commence working in glasses, we have recommended attaching guide-comb. -We will now more particularly explain how this attraction can be best -applied. We have already shown how bees may be induced to make use of -guide-combs fixed to bars, and the same principle is applicable to -glasses. These may be filled, with great regularity, by adopting the -following directions, which, we believe, have never before appeared in -print:-- - -Procure a piece of clean new empty worker honey-comb, which has not -had honey in it (because honey will prevent adhesion to the glass); -cut it into pieces of about three-quarters of an inch square. Gently -warm the exterior of the glass (this we find is best done by holding -the glass horizontally for a short time over the flame of a candle); -then apply one of the pieces of empty comb inside at the part warmed, -taking care, in fixing it, that the pitch or inclination of the cells -is upwards--in fact, place the guide-comb in the same relative position -that it occupied in the hive or glass from which it was taken. There is -some danger of making the glass too warm, which will cause the comb to -melt and the wax to run down the side, leaving an unsightly appearance -on the glass; this should be carefully avoided, 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 melted. It -is hardly necessary to state that only the very whitest combs ought to -be used. A short time should be allowed before changing the position -of the glass, so that it may cool sufficiently to hold the comb in -its place. Six or eight pieces may thus be fixed, so that, when the -glass is filled, it will present a star shape, all the combs radiating -from the centre. The annexed engraving shows the appearance of a glass -as worked by the bees, in which guide-combs were fixed in the manner -described above. The drawing was taken from a glass of our own filled -after being thus furnished. - -[Illustration] - -In the Old Museum at the Royal Gardens, Kew, may be seen a Taylor's -glass, presented by us, some of the combs in which are elongated on -the outside to the breadth of six inches. We believe, that not only -does a glass present a much handsomer appearance when thus worked--and -will, on that account, most fully reward the trouble of fixing -guide-comb--but that more honey is stored in the same space, 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 devices. - -This mode of fixing guide-comb does not solely apply to the -above-shaped glass, but is equally useful for all kinds of glasses. It -is introduced in connection with this glass because, from its having a -flat top and no knob, the regularity is more clearly apparent. - -The working of bees in the bell glasses illustrates how tractable their -disposition really is, if only scope be allowed for the due exercise -of their natural instinct. They have no secrets in their economy, and -they do not shrink from our constant observation as they daily pursue -their simple policy of continuous thrift and persevering accumulation. -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-commonwealth:-- - - "Long from the eye of man and face of day. - Involved in darkness all their customs lay, - Until a sage well versed in Nature's lore, - A genius formed all science to explore; - Hives well contrived, in crystal frames disposed. - And there the busy citizens disclosed." - - Murphy's _Vaniere_. - -[Illustration: Exterior of an Apiary. - -As originally erected in the Zoological Gardens, Regent's Park.] - -[Illustration: Interior of an Apiary. - -May be taken as suggestive for the construction or appropriation of -rooms for the larger Apiaries in summer-houses or other out-buildings.] - - -THE NEW BOTTLE-FEEDER. - -[Illustration] - -It has long been acknowledged that the best mode of feeding bees is -through an opening at the top of the stock-hive. The new bottle-feeder -is a simple and good means of administering food when a stock requires -help in that way, as bees can take the food from it without leaving -the hive. Any kind of hive that has an opening at the top may thus be -fed. Another important feature is the cleanliness with which liberal -feeding can be accomplished; and few operations require more care than -does feeding. If liquid sweet is left hanging about the hive, it tempts -robber-bees; and when once the bees of an apiary have had a taste, -there is no knowing where their depredations will stop: they resolutely -attack and endeavour to rob other hives, fighting and killing one -another to a considerable extent. Even if no hives be completely -destroyed, weakness from loss of numbers will be the portion of most, -if not of all, the hives in the garden. - -The morals of our favourites are here a good deal at fault, for the -stronger hives, when their inordinate passion is thus stirred up by -the carelessness or want of knowledge of the bee-keeper, attack and -prey upon the weaker ones. To be "forewarned is to be forearmed"--and -"prevention is better than cure." We strongly recommend closely -covering up the feeder; one of the middle-size bell glasses put over -it makes a close-fitting cover, should the regular cover to the hive -not be sufficiently tight. When bees are not kept in a bee-house, and -are, on that account, more accessible, this extra care is particularly -needed. The right time for feeding is in the autumn or spring. As -stated at page 76, it is requisite to ascertain the condition of the -hive at Michaelmas, and, if wanting, the deficiency can then be made -up.[13] It is not wise to defer feeding until later in the season, -because it is important that, when the food is placed b the cells, the -bees should seal it up; and a tolerably warm temperature is required to -enable them to secrete the wax for the delicately-formed lids of the -cells. If the food remained unsealed, there is danger of its turning -sour, and thereby causing disease among the bees. It is not well to -feed in mid-winter or when the weather is very cold: bees at such times -consume but little food, being in a state of torpor, from which it is -better not to arouse them. - -[Footnote 13: A much greater quantity of food will have to be -administered than the actual weight required to be furnished, because -there is a very considerable decrease after it is taken by the bees.] - -A little food in the spring stimulates the queen to lay more -abundantly, for bees are provident and do not rear the young so rapidly -when the supplies are short. In this particular, the intelligence of -bees is very striking; they have needed no Malthus to teach them that -the means of subsistence must regulate the increase of a prosperous -population:-- - - "The prescient female rears the tender brood - In strict proportion to the hoarded food." - - Evans. - -Judgment has, however, to be exercised by the apiarian in giving -food, for it is quite possible to do _mischief by over-feeding_. The -bees, when over-fed, will fill so many of the combs with honey, that -the queen, in the early spring, cannot find empty cells in which to -deposit her eggs, and, by this means, the progress of the hive is much -retarded,--a result that should be guarded against. The following -directions will show how the bottle-feeder is to be used:--Fill the -bottle with liquid food; apply the net, affixed by an india-rubber -band, over the mouth; place the block over the hole of the stock-hive, -invert the bottle, the neck resting within the hole in the block; the -bees will put their tongues through the perforations and imbibe the -food, thus causing the bottle to act on the principle of a fountain. -The bottle being glass, it is easy to see when the food is consumed. -The piece of perforated zinc is for the purpose of preventing the bees -from clinging to the net, or escaping from the hive when the bottle is -taken away for the purpose of refilling. A very good syrup for bees -may be made by boiling 6 lbs. of honey with 2 lbs. of water, for a few -minutes; or loaf sugar, in the proportion of 3 lbs. to 2 lbs. of water, -answers very well when honey is not to be obtained. - - -ROUND BEE-FEEDER. - -[Illustration] - -Round bee-feeders are made of zinc and earthenware, eight inches -across, three inches deep. The projection outside is a receptacle for -pouring in the food; the bees gain access to the feeder through a -round hole, which is placed either at the centre or nearer one side, -whichever may best suit the openings on the top of the stock-hive. -The feeder occupies a similar position to that of the glasses or cap -hives in the gathering season. A circular piece of glass, cut so as to -fit into a groove, prevents the bees escaping, and retains the warmth -within the hive, whilst it affords opportunity for inspecting the bees -when feeding. - -The feeders were originally only made of zinc; but some bee-keepers -advised the use of earthenware, and a few have been made to meet the -wishes of those who give the preference to that material. - -When the bees are fed from above in this manner, the feeder is kept at -a warm temperature by the heat of the hive. In common hives, cottagers -feed the bees by pushing under the hive thin slips of wood scooped out, -into which the food is poured. This plan of feeding can only be had -recourse to at night, 'and the pieces of wood must be removed in the -morning. By feeding at the top of the stock-hive any interruption of -the bees is avoided. For further instructions on this head, see the -directions given for using the bottle-feeder. - - - -ZINC FOUNTAIN BEE-FEEDER. - -[Illustration] - -We have invented the fountain bee-feeder, in order that a larger supply -of liquid food might be given to a hive than is practicable with the -round feeder. - -The liquid honey is poured in at, the opening, which unscrews; whilst -being filled, the inside slide, closing the opening through which -the food passes into the feeding-pan, should be shut down. When the -reservoir is filled, the screw is made fast, and, the slide being -withdrawn, a wooden float, pierced with small holes, through which the -bees take the food, forms a false bottom, and rises and falls with the -liquid. This feeder, being on the siphon principle, like a poultry -or bird water-fountain, is supplied from the reservoir until that is -empty. A piece of glass is fixed in the side of the reservoir, in order -that the bee-keeper may see when it is emptied. A flat piece of glass -on the top prevents the bees from escaping, and through it they may be -inspected whilst feeding. The bees find access to the feeder on to the -perforated float through the central round hole, which is placed over a -corresponding hole in the stock-hive. - - -HONEY CUTTERS. - -[Illustration] - -Honey cutters are used for removing comb from boxes and glasses without -damaging it. The flat-bladed knife is for disconnecting the combs from -the sides; the hook-shaped one is for the same purpose, to be applied -to the top or horizontal part of the box or glass. - - - -BOX FUMIGATOR. - -[Illustration] - -This fumigator is a tin box, somewhat like a pepper-box upon a foot. -It is a simple adaptation of the fumigating apparatus described by Mr. -Nutt, and is used in the following manner:--Have a straw hive or other -vessel ready that will match in circumference the hive intended to be -fumigated. If the empty hive have a conical top, it will not remain -crown downwards without a rest; in this case, it will be convenient to -invert it on a pail. Having ascertained that the hive to be operated -upon and the empty one in its reversed position nearly match in size, -take half a packet of the prepared fungus, fire it well, and place it -in the box or fumigator; place this in the centre of the empty hive, -then bring the occupied hive directly over, so as to receive the fumes -of smoke. To keep all close, put a wet cloth round the place where -the two hives meet. In a minute or two, the bees may be heard dropping -heavily into the lower empty hive, where they lie stupefied. After a -little while, the old hive may be tapped upon to make the bees fall -more quickly. On removing; the upper hive, the bees from it will be -found lying quiet at the bottom of the lower one. Place a sheet on the -ground, and spread the bees on it; then, with a feather, sort them -over, in order to pick out the queen-bee. As soon as the queen is -found, pour the rest of the lethargic swarm from off the sheet back -into the inverted hive again. The stupefied bees must now be sprinkled -freely with a syrup made of honey and water, or sugar and ale boiled -together. Some' apiarians recommend a few drops 'of peppermint to be -mixed with the syrup, in order to drown the peculiar odour which is -special to each hive of bees,--this is more necessary when two-hives of -bees are fumigated, and whilst under the influence of smoke are well -mixed together. 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 latter, just as the hive was from which they have come. -A wet cloth must be fastened round the two hives, so as to prevent any -of the bees from escaping. The hives in this position must be placed -where they are not likely to be knocked down or meddled with. The fresh -bees in the upper hive, attracted by the scent of the bees besmeared -with honey, go down and commence licking off the sweets from the -sleepy ones. The latter gradually revive, when all get mingled together -and ascend in company to the upper hive, where they live as if they had -not been separate families. The two hives should be left undisturbed -for twenty-four hours, then the upper hive may be removed and placed -immediately on the spot from whence it was brought. - -The reason the queen is recommended to be taken is to prevent any -fighting. She should be kept alive and fed as long as she will live, in -case any harm should befall the sovereign of the other community. - - -TUBE FUMIGATOR. - -[Illustration] - -The tube fumigator[14] is useful for several purposes. When a -frame-hive has to be disturbed it is requisite to raise the lid and -blow a little smoke into the hive, so as to check the angry passions -of the bees. If it be desirable to stupefy the bees, ignited fungus -must be placed in the box and the flattened end applied to the -entrance of the hive; the smoke is then blown in, either with bellows -or by applying the mouth of the operator, taking care to close all -openings through which it can escape. The bees fall down stupefied, -generally in about ten minutes; but the effect varies according to the -populousness of the hive and the quantity of comb in it. The projected -operations must now be performed speedily, as activity will soon be -regained. See preceding directions. - -[Footnote 14: This fumigator will be found to possess many advantages -over the box fumigator before mentioned.] - - -THE BEE DRESS OR PROTECTOR. - -[Illustration] - -All operations connected with the removal or the hiving of bees should -be conducted with calmness and circumspection. Bees, although the -busiest of creatures, entertain a great dislike to fussiness in their -masters, and become irritable at once if the apiarian allows them to -see that he is in a hurry. Hence, there is great advantage in having -the face and hands covered whilst at work amongst the bees; for when -the operator knows he cannot possibly be stung, he can open his hives, -take out the combs, gather in his swarms, or take the honey, with -all the deliberation of a philosopher. Various kinds of bee-dresses -have been contrived; one that we keep ready in stock is of a very -simple construction. It is made of strong _black net_, in shape like -an inverted bag, large enough to allow of a gentleman's wide-awake or -a lady's hat being worn underneath. The projection of the hat or cap -causes the dress to stand off from the face, and the meshes, of the -net, though much too small for a bee to penetrate, are wide enough -to allow of clear vision for the operator. An elastic band secures -the dress round the waist; the sleeves also, made of durable black -calico, are secured at the wrists by a similar method. The hands of the -bee-master may be effectually protected with a pair of india-rubber -gloves, which should be put on before the dress is fastened round the -wrists. This kind of glove is regularly used by photographers, and -allows of greater ease in manipulation than any other description. - -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 security. Still, he need not -be careless as to the feelings of his bees; his success and their -comfort will be promoted by his "handling them gently, and as if he -loved them." "Familiarity" between bees and their master "breeds" not -"contempt," but affection. - -Any sudden or clumsy movement, which jars the combs or frames, will -excite the bees, and if but one should be crushed, the odour of their -slaughtered comrade rouses the inhabitants of the hive to a pitch of -exasperation. Their powers of smelling are very acute. The human breath -is abomination to them; therefore, when operating upon bees, be careful -to close the mouth and breathe only through the nostrils. The best time -for most operations is in the middle of a fine day. - - -ENGRAVED PRESSING ROLLER FOR THE GUIDANCE OF BEES IN THE CONSTRUCTION -OF HONEY-COMB ON THE BARS. - -[Illustration] - -This is an engraved metal roller, which, when applied to the coated -underside of a comb-bar, leaves an impression as shown in the diagram. -The wax having been spread on the flat bar, the roller, heated by -being put into hot water, is heavily pressed over it. The roller has -two wooden handles, so that considerable pressure may be given to it. -The roller is a little less than two inches in diameter, seven-eighths -of an inch wide, and the length from handle to handle is six inches. -The diagram shows the full size of the impressions as left on the -wax, after passing the roller along the comb-bar, in the manner above -described. It is a contrivance invented in Switzerland, and exhibited -in the International Exhibition of 1862, when the pattern roller was -purchased by ourselves. - -The bars of a hive prepared with these markings in wax afford -ready-made foundations for regular combs, which very much facilitate -the operations of the bees. - - -IMPRESSED WAX SHEETS FOR ARTIFICIAL COMBS. - -These artificial partition walls for combs are sheets of genuine -wax, about the substance of thin cardboard. They receive rhomboidal -impressions by being pressed between two metal plates, carefully and -mathematically prepared and cast so that the impressions are exactly -the same size as the base of the cells of a honey-comb. An inspection -of a piece of comb will show that the division of the opposite cells -is made by a thin partition wall, common to both. Now the substance -of this is said to be only the one hundred and eightieth part of an -inch, whilst the artificial ones we are recommending are between the -thirtieth and fortieth part of an inch, more than four times the -thickness of the handiwork of the bees themselves. It would, indeed, be -vain to attempt to furnish sheets of wax at all approaching their own -delicate fabric; the impressed sheets are quite as thin as they can be -to bear the handling which is requisite for fixing them in the hives. -We find, however, that the thickness is no disadvantage; the bees -speedily excavate and _pare the artificial sheet_ so as to suit their own -notions of the substance required; then, with admirable economy, they -use the surplus thus obtained for the construction of the cells. After -a sheet has been partly worked at by the bees, it is interesting to -hold it up to the light and observe the beautiful transparency of that -part of it, contrasted with the opaqueness of the part not yet laboured -upon. - -When it is considered, as writers tell us, that more than 14 lbs. of -honey are required for the secretion and elaboration of a single pound -of comb, it will not be difficult to form a just estimate of the value -of this invention, which thus furnishes cheap and excellent assistance -to our industrious favourites. It also shows the bee-keeper that all -clean empty combs should be carefully preserved and considered as -valuable stock. Another great advantage that it affords us is, that it -renders us independent of _guide-comb_, which is not always obtainable. -When a sheet or a strip of this impressed wax is properly fixed to the -comb-bar, it is _certain_ to be the guide and foundation of a straight -comb. This invention has been derived from Germany, where it has been -adopted many years with success. At the International Exhibition of -1862, we purchased the metal plates or castings, so as to manufacture -the impressed sheets with which we are now able to supply our -customers; and, after the careful trials we have made, we have great -confidence in recommending them. - -In the season of 1863 we furnished a Woodbury glass super, with the wax -sheets fixed to the bars, in the manner hereafter to be explained, and -it was truly astonishing to see the rapidity with which these sheets of -wax were worked into comb. Receptacles were quickly made ready for the -storing of honey, and the new combs soon became beautifully white; for, -although the artificial wax has a yellow tinge, yet, after being worked -at and made thinner, it is as good in colour as ordinary combs. For -supers we cut the wax plates in half, making one serve for two bars. - -We have received from Germany the following directions for the -fastening of the artificial plates to the comb-bars. Hereafter will -be described a plan which we have adopted, and to which preference is -given. - -(_Translation._)--"The unstamped edge of the plate receives incisions -half an inch distant from one another, made with a sharp knife, the -plate having been a little warmed; then it is pinched between two -equally strong ledges, which have been well moistened. The projecting -edge of the plate which received the incisions is alternately bent -to the right and to the left. The comb-bar is well besmeared with -artificial sticking wax (a mixture of two parts of wax and one part -of American resin), and is well warmed at a fire. Afterwards the -besmeared side is laid upon the bent end of the plate, and pressed to -it as firmly as possible. A small wooden ledge, besmeared with sticking -wax, and fastened by means of pressure to the lower edge of the plate, -prevents it from bending, which sometimes happens when the bees work -it." - -To carry out the directions here given, it is necessary to warm the -besmeared comb-bar at a fire; the wax plate has also to be warmed. -Having tried this plan, and found inconvenience attending it, -especially from the wax curling with the heat and the difficulty of -making it stick firm, to say nothing of the uncomfortableness of -performing the operation before a fire on a hot day in July, we began -to consider if a little carpentering might not do the work better and -more pleasantly, and adopted the following plan:--We split or cut the -comb-bars of the Woodbury super in half, lengthways, and, taking the -unstamped edge between the two strips, joined them together again -by small screws at the side, confining the wax plate tightly in the -centre, with no possibility of its falling down. Where frames are used, -of course the bar could not be cut in two (except with the "compound -bar and frame," where the bar being loose, it might be as easily -managed). The plan we adopt with an ordinary frame is to saw out an -opening, about an inch or an inch and a half from either end, where the -sides are morticed in; this opening we make with a keyhole-saw. Through -it the wax plate is easily put, and, with a heated iron passed over the -upper side of the bar, is made sufficiently firm. If the wax plates are -too large, a portion may be cut off; an opening of full eleven inches -long can be made without materially weakening the bar and frame. - -Another, and perhaps the simplest, plan is, to fix a strip of wood with -brads to the underside of the top frame or bar: place the wax sheet -against this, then wedge another strip close to it, and thus hold the -wax sheet firmly in the centre of the frame, taking care also to make -the second strip of wood fast with brads. - -The wax plates must not extend to the bottom of the frame; a space -of at least one inch should be left for expansion, because the bees, -in working the plate, stretch it down lower. We also use a few pins -firmly pressed into the frames, and long enough to reach the edge of -the plate; for by fixing three or four pins on either side, both at the -sides and at the bottom, the plate may be held in an exactly central -position within the frame. As before mentioned, when these directions -are carried out, there is no fear of being troubled with crooked combs -or bars. - -The secretion of wax, and the method of its adaptation by the bees, is -thus admirably described by Evans:-- - - "Thus filtered through your flutterer's folded mail - Clings the cooled wax, and hardens to a scale. - Swift at the well-known call, the ready train - (For not a buzz boon Nature breathes in vain) - Spring to each falling flake, and bear along - Their glossy burdens to the builder throng. - These, with sharp sickle, or with sharper tooth, - Pare each excrescence and each angle smooth, - Till now, in finish'd pride, two radiant rows - Of snow-white cells _one mutual base_ disclose; - Six shining panels gird each polish'd round, - The door's fine rim, with waxen fillet bound, - _While walls so thin, with sister walls combined, - Weak in themselves, a sure dependance find._ - * * * * * - Others in firm phalanx ply their twinkling feet, - Stretch out the ductile mass, and form the street. - With many a cross-way, path, and postern gate, - That shorten to their range the spreading state." - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - -MANIPULATION AND USES OF BAR AND FRAME HIVES. - - -Having, at page 84, given a description of the mechanical arrangements -of bar and frame hives, the next thing is, to describe the mode of -introducing the bees, and of thus bringing the humane and scientific -hives into operation. The swarm should be first hived into a common -straw hive from the bough or shrub upon which they may have alighted; -place this hive, into which we will suppose the bees have been shaken, -on the ground, propped up on one side with a brick or a flower-pot, or -anything of the sort that may be handy, in order that straggler-bees -may join the swarm. The spot selected for this should be as shady an -one as can be found, near to the place where the swarm settled; or it -may be shaded from the rays of the sun by fixing matting on two poles, -so as to prevent the heat falling on the hive; spread a sheet or cloth -on the ground where an even surface can be obtained; stake this sheet -down at the four corners, to prevent ruts and inequalities, which -are great hindrances to the bees going into the bar and frame hive; -place the latter upon the sheet, without its floor-board, having its -front raised on blocks or sticks rather more than an inch,--not more, -otherwise the bees will cluster, and attach themselves to the lower -part of the frames, instead of going up between. These preparations -will, perhaps, occupy ten minutes, by which time the swarm will have -become settled and tolerably quiet. Then, with a sharp rap, precipitate -the bees out of the straw hive on to the sheet immediately in front of -the frame hive; give the straw hive another knock, so as to dislodge -all the bees, and then take it quite away, otherwise they may, if it -be left near, perversely choose to go into that, instead of the one -desired. In some cases, 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 misgivings, it is best to give -instructions that the swarm be brought home after sunset, and then the -foregoing directions for inducing the bees to tenant the frame hive may -be better carried out. For ourselves, we much prefer the evening for -the purpose. 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 quickly. - -Mr. Langstroth, in his admirable book, "The Hive and Honey Bee," -writes:--"If they are too dilatory in entering the new hive, they -may be gently separated with a spoon or leafy twig where they gather -in bunches on the sheet, or they may be carefully 'spooned up' and -shaken out close to the front of the hive. As these go in with fanning -wings, they will raise a peculiar note, which communicates to their -companions that they have found a home, and in a short time the whole -swarm will enter, without injury to a single bee." In the _Journal of -Horticulture_, Mr. Woodbury says:--"If combs be fixed in the frames, -the crown-board may be removed and the cluster knocked out of the straw -hive on to the top of the exposed frames. The bees will disappear -between them with the utmost alacrity, delighted to have met with a -ready-furnished dwelling, and the top, or crown-board, having been -replaced, the hive should at once be removed to the position it is -intended to permanently occupy." - -No one should attempt these operations without being protected by a -bee dress and a pair of india-rubber gloves, which are sting-proof. -Some persons also take the precaution of tying strings round the ancles -of the trousers, lest some straggler should determine to attack the -outposts of the enemy, which, to say the least, might perplex the -operator in the midst of his task. Elastic india-rubber bands are -good for this purpose, or a pair of "knickerbockers" would be useful. -If Wellington boots are worn, the trousers may be tucked within the -leather, in which case no bee can molest the operator, and no string -or band will be needed. Practice makes perfect in bee-tending, as in -other matters, and when a light hand is gained, there is little danger -of the apiarian being stung. - -If the weather be wet the next day or so after hiving, it will be well -to give a little assistance to the new colony in the shape of food, -for although, when a swarm leaves a hive, almost every bee composing -it fills itself with honey, we have known not a few instances, in -case of very wet weather, in which the whole swarm has been starved -for the want of this little timely help. Of course, the first work -of the bees is to build themselves combs, and these combs being -produced by the secretion of wax from honey, a great drain upon their -resources immediately begins, 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 home. - -Clean combs from hives that may have lost their bees are readily -accepted, and cause a great saving in time and; material to the bees; -these combs may easily be fixed by cutting them the proper size to fit -within the frames, and making them firm by tying with tape or fixing -them with pliable wire. In any case where the combs are too small to -fit within the frame, a temporary bar may be fixed, and held firm by -being sprung within the two upright sides of a frame, and thus pushed -up until it presses the comb; then a piece of tape wound round, or a -clip made of tin or zinc shaped to the top bar, prevents its falling -out. All these supports may be removed[15] as soon as the bees have -made the foundation secure; the comb will then be added to. In this -way, every loose piece of comb may be economised.[16] - -[Footnote 15: They should be first dismembered from the comb by running -a penknife between.] - -[Footnote 16: Artificial comb may be advantageously used, especially -if a little time (say a couple of days) be allowed to elapse before it -is put into the hive; because, at first, so eager is a swarm to push -forward the work of comb-building, that the sheets are liable to become -mutilated. For guide-comb, cut the sheets in strips of rather more than -an inch in depth, and fix them as mentioned at page 154.] - -These preparations must be made prior to 'the bees being hived, so -that when a hive is so prepared, a swarm may begin to adapt whatever -advantages they find ready for them; and it is truly marvellous what a -swarm will do when thus furnished with combs in their new habitation. -In these the queen can immediately begin to deposit her eggs, and -the workers to store their honey, without having to wait for the -construction of combs, which is a laborious occupation for the bees. - -In some cases, fine white combs of honey may be taken from the -stock-hive; the end frames are always the most free from brood. Care -must be exercised not to rob this part of the hive too much; one -comb may, perhaps, be removed in the course of the season without -impoverishing the bees, but it is not wise to take more. - - -PUTTING ON SUPER HIVE. - -A colony established a year or more is called a "stock," by way of -distinction from a swarm of the present year. Supposing the hive to -be a stock, the super should be given them at the early part of the -season, say, if fine and warm, at the latter end of April or beginning -of May; if the weather be then unfavourable, it is better to delay -doing so until a more genial temperature. If the colony be a swarm -of the present year, two weeks should be allowed to elapse from the -time of tenanting a hive, before putting on the super; this delay is -necessary to give the bees the opportunity of building combs in their -new domicile, and of getting a store of honey for themselves before -working for their master. - -When it is wished to use a super, _the crown-board or roof of the -stock-hive must be taken away, the thin adapting or honey-board taking -its place_. The two long slits at the sides are to give admission to -the super. The bees will begin sooner, and work faster, if the eight -bars are each furnished with artificial comb (as described at page -152). We have had depriving-hives very quickly filled when the bees -were thus assisted. Combs that have been left unfilled may be fixed to -the bars as before described; these must be white and clean, as dark -comb should not be used for super hives. The combs, when filled, may be -taken out singly, if desired for consumption, substituting an empty -bar or comb; or, should the bee-keeper desire to see a handsome super, -he must wait until the bees have filled and sealed up all the combs, -and then he may proceed to disconnect the super by drawing a string or -wire _between the adapting-board and the stock-hive_. After waiting a -short time for the commotion to subside, the operator must raise the -super on its board and blow in a little smoke. The bees may be induced -to quit by adopting either of the means described at pages 58 and 73. -When the super has been removed, another may be put on; but if the -honey-gathering be over, the crown-board should be replaced. - - -TAKING OUT FRAMES WITH COMBS. - -It is well for a beginner to practise the directions for opening and -shutting up hives, by using an empty hive until he becomes familiar -with the handling of the frames. - -The first thing to do is, to loosen the crown-board, or lid, with a -knife, drawing a piece of string underneath it, to divide the wax or -cement with which the bees make all secure. This string should be drawn -through very slowly, so as not to irritate the bees. In hot weather, -the crown-board may be loosened by a lateral movement; but sometimes, -for want of care, this loosening of the lid disturbs the bees, and, -as soon as it is removed, a number of them, enraged thereby, rush -out and attack the operator. This and all other operations ought -to be performed very carefully and gently. Especial care should be -taken not to prise the lid upwards, by way of wrenching it off, for -the frames and combs are generally secured thereto, and there is a -liability of rending the combs with it; this will greatly irritate -the bees, and be otherwise injurious. When a hive of bees is enraged, -there is little chance of pacifying them; it is best, under such -circumstances, to "give in," at once, and not attempt to perform any -operation, but to shut the hive up and beat a retreat, benefiting by -the experience, in order to do better a day or so afterwards. There -are various devices for intimidating or conciliating the bees, and one -of these already spoken of is--smoke. So next time the experimenter -makes his attempt let him raise the lid an inch or so, and blow a few -puffs of smoke into the hive, which will cause the bees to retreat -This is best done by using our tube fumigator, with a little of the -prepared fungus lighted. Pipes or cigars are not convenient to use for -this purpose when the head is enveloped in the dress. As soon as the -lid is removed, a few bees will fly out to learn the cause of such an -interference. Conciliation should then be offered by having at hand a -little, sweetened water, which may be sprinkled, or rather let drop, -from a feather or a brush. The sudden motion of the hand required in -the act of sprinkling irritates the bees, so that, instead of making -them our friends, they may become our foes. Mr. Langstroth recommends -that a fine watering-pot, filled with sweetened water, be used for -the purpose. Care must be taken not to drench the bees; only just -sufficient should be given to run down the sides of the combs, as well -as sprinkling the top. As soon as the bees really understand that syrup -is being given them, they feast upon it, instead of angrily attacking -the operator. Thus pacified, and with gentle treatment, but little -difficulty will be found in proceeding with the work required. But the -unskilled operator should on no account neglect to put on a bee-dress -and gloves, as described above. We would err on the side of caution, -although there is an old saying that "a cat in gloves catches no mice;" -and the apiarian will find that his fingers are not so free to work as -he would like, for gloves, make them rather clumsy in drawing up the -frames. - -The frames must now be gently prised from front to rear; this may be -done with a small screw-driver or other stout instrument with a wedged -end to go into the notches. The frames fit loosely so as to allow of -a little movement from back to front; a lateral or side-way movement -might kill the queen, or, if not so fatal as that, might crush some of -the bees and injure the brood combs, which must be carefully avoided. -Of course, much depends upon the nature of the operation that has to -be performed, whether or no all the frames should be thus loosened. -If it be for making artificial swarms, or for any purpose requiring -an interview with her majesty, the whole of them must be loosened, -because it often happens that all the combs have to be examined, -sometimes twice over, before she can be discovered. Bees are very apt -to build their combs in a slightly waving form, 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 comb, and there will be a difficulty if -the apiarian attempts to draw out one comb whilst the other frames are -located in their appropriate notches. Let the operator gently proceed -to lift, say, the third frame (allowing it to lodge on the little block -that divides the notches) slightly nearer to the fourth frame, and the -second nearer the third, so as to admit of sufficient space to lift -out the end one. Very carefully and slowly he should lift the frame by -taking hold, with thumb and finger, of the projecting shoulders that -rest in the notch; and he must not let it touch or scrape the next -frame or the sides of the hive, so as to crush or irritate any bees. - -After the end comb is thus removed, it will be easy to extract the -others, as there will now be plenty of room for drawing them out. A -hive of exactly the same size should be at hand; and in case it be -desired to remove the combs and bees into another hive, care should be -taken that each comb occupies the same relative position that it did in -the old hive. - -In handling the frames, it should be borne in mind that they are to be -held perpendicularly. To gain a view of both sides of the comb when -searching for the queen, or for any purpose requiring full inspection, -with a little dexterity in twirling the frame round, the reverse side -may be brought to face the operator, without letting the comb break -away by its own weight, and so fall out of the frame, which it will -do if allowed to deviate from its upright or downright position. If -the operator could see an experienced person perform the operation, he -would quickly understand how combs may thus be handled without any risk -of a smash. - -When placing frames in the hive, care must be taken not to crush a -bee between the projecting shoulders of the frame and the rabbets or -notches on which they rest, and on no account must the frame be let -down with a jerk, or the bees will become exceedingly fierce: 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 thereby. -The crown-board should be replaced by first resting its front edge in -its place, and then slowly lowering the after part, looking carefully -under, and momentarily raising it when necessary to avoid crushing a -bee. Should the hive have its super on, the same directions may be -followed. The super with its honey-board may be bodily taken away, -and so placed and confined for a time that robber-bees cannot find an -entrance, and also be far enough from the apiarian to be out of danger -of being broken or overturned by him. - - -ADVANTAGES OF BAR AND FRAME HIVES. - -It will be asked, Why all this trouble about bar and frames with -straight combs built upon them? We have shown the full command which -the bee-keeper has over a hive so constituted, and we now proceed to -show how, in skilful hands, these advantages may be used successfully; -though; in the hands of the unpractised and unskilful, the contrary may -be the result. - -All the bars and frames in an apiary ought to be of precisely the -same dimensions, so as to fit every hive. This is essential for the -strengthening of weak hives. A hive that is weakly may often be -advantageously strengthened by having put into it a comb of brood from -a populous stock, to which an empty frame from the weak one may be -given; 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 -taken. The frames of combs should then be, one by one, placed so as to -fill' in the vacancy, leaving the empty frame nearest the side. When a -hive has been in use many years, the combs become very black, and every -bee that is bred in a cell leaves a film behind. It may be understood -how in this way the cells become contracted, and the bees that are bred -in them correspondingly reduced in size. After the lapse of at least, -say, five years, it may be necessary to begin removing the old combs. -This may be done by cutting away the comb, or by substituting; an -empty frame for one with old black comb, gradually moving the frames -towards each other. By taking two away in this manner in the spring or -summer of every season, the combs in course of five years may all be -reconstructed, and fresh clean ones be secured for breeding in, instead -of the old black ones that otherwise would remain as long as the stock -could live in the hive. - - -ARTIFICIAL SWARMING. - -Every bee-keeper knows the anxiety he feels in watching and expecting a -swarm to come forth, fearful lest his favourites should, "like riches, -take wing and fly away,"--a mischance that it is desirable to prevent. -In our description of natural swarming, this will be found fully -treated of; we propose here merely to point out how, with the movable -frames, this work of Nature may be assisted--we say assisted, because -artificial swarming should, as nearly as possible, resemble natural -swarming; that is, it should be performed at the same time of the year, -and when the populous state of the hive makes a division desirable. -This is easily known to be the case when bees hang out in clusters at -the entrance, wasting their time in enforced idleness instead of being -abroad gathering honey. It is also necessary that the hive contain -drones. - -When such, is, the state of the hive, the facility of affording an -artificial swarm with a movable frame-hive is a decided advantage. -The best time for performing the operation is about ten o'clock in -the morning of a fine summer's day. The following directions should -be carried out:--Place ready a counter or bench that is firm and -strong, and which has space on it for the inhabited--or, rather, the -over-inhabited--frame-hive and the empty one, which is about to be -made the receptacle of a separate stock. The operator, attired in his -bee-dress, and having the other appliances ready, may now open the -hive[17] as before described, and proceed to take out the frames, -carefully examining both sides of each comb to find the queen;[18] -she is generally in the centre of the hive, so that it is not always -needful to take out all the ten frames. As they are examined, the -frames may be put into the empty hive, and when the object of the -bee-master's search is found, he must carefully remove the frame -containing her majesty, and may place it temporarily in the empty hive, -at one end by itself. Next he must proceed to put the frames back into -the old hive, closing up the vacancy caused by the removal of the comb -with the queen on it, and leave the empty frame at the end. Then he -may place the frame containing the queen, with the few bees that maybe -upon it, in the centre of the empty hive; and, finally, putting all the -other frames in, and replacing the lid, the bee-master will place this -hive in the exact position occupied by the old stock. The bees that -are on the wing will go to the old spot, and, finding the queen there, -they will rally round her, and very soon form a sufficient number to -constitute a swarm; comb-building will at once begin, the frames will, -in a week or so, be filled, and a satisfactory stock will thus be -established. By doing this, at the right time, just before the bees -are about to swarm, or when there are many drones, all the trouble of -watching and waiting for them is saved. Mr. Woodbury claims the honour -of having originated this mode of swarming. - -[Footnote 17: Bees are apt to take the interference more kindly if the -stock be moved a little distance from its accustomed stand; in such -case, place an empty hive in its place, to amuse returning bees. These -can be shaken out when the hive it is desired they should inhabit is -restored. If the hive be kept in a closed bee-house, the entrance -should be shut down until the hive is replaced, when the clustered bees -may be at once admitted.] - -[Footnote 18: Italian queens are more easily detected, being of a -brighter colour and, generally, larger than English queens.] - -This operation we performed, exactly as described above, with one of -our improved cottage-hives, one afternoon at the latter end of May, -1862. Whilst inspecting our bees, we caught sight of the queen on the -comb in one of the bell-glasses. This was a chance not to be missed, -and we immediately resolved to form an artificial swarm, for the hive -was very full of bees. Besides, being obliged to be away from the -apiary most of the week, we were glad of the opportunity of so easily -establishing a colony without the uncertainty and trouble of hiving a -natural swarm. In the first place, we slid a tin under the bell-glass, -and removing the stock-hive from underneath, we took it a few feet -away; then we placed an empty improved cottage-hive where the old -stock had stood, 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 hive. -The bees that were left abroad belonging to the old stock returned as -usual to their old entrance as they supposed; soon a sufficient number -formed a large cluster in the hive and began comb-building, the queen -remaining in the glass until the cells below were sufficiently numerous -for her to deposit her eggs in them. The division answered exceedingly -well; both hives prospered: the old hive either had some princesses -coming forward to supply the loss of the queen, or the bees used a -power that they possess of raising a queen from worker-brood in the -manner we have previously described.[19] - -[Footnote 19: See Section I, page 9.] - -The foregoing account illustrates the successful formation of an -artificial swarm; but, with a cottage-hive, gaining possession of the -queen is quite a matter of chance. With a movable frame-hive she can at -any suitable time be found. - -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-hive, that -is, to remove it some few paces off: when the hives are in a bee-house, -a similar result may be obtained, by placing the new swarm for a day -or two to the entrance used by the bees when with the old stock, and -the old stock may be removed to an approximate entrance. Some apiarians -recommend that a space be left between the two hives, by placing the -hives on the right and left of the old entrance, in order that too -large a proportion of bees should not enter the new hive at the old -position, to the impoverishment of the other. But we have found the -mode adopted with the cottage-hive answer so well, that we see no -reason for recommending any different plan. - -It is the office of the bee-master to assist, not in the least degree -to oppose, nature. We know that when a natural swarm issues forth, -it has its impregnated queen, and, when located in a new abode, it -commences building worker-combs, leaving the building of the few -drone-combs to a later period; but if a division of the hive should be -made, by putting _half the combs_ in one hive and half in another, the -hive that is either queenless or contains an embryo queen will busy -itself with building only drone-comb; thus a number of receptacles for -useless bees is provided, which tends to weakness, and eventually to -loss of the hive. - -In the plan we have recommended for forming two separate families, we -nearly follow the natural state of things; the comb that the queen is -upon is the only one that is taken from the hive, and this vacancy -should be filled in by moving the frames together, so as to leave -the empty frame at the end. The bees, under the government of the -impregnated queen, construct the combs and furnish their new above, as -before stated, with worker-cells. - -By adopting the plan above described, the movable bar and frame-hive -will prove far superior to any of the dividing hives, which provide for -equal division of the combs.[20] - -[Footnote 20: At page 143 of Mr. Langstroth's "Honey Bee," other -methods of artificial swarming are described, the perusal of which will -well repay the scientific bee-keeper.] - -Perhaps the greatest advantage the movable frame-hive possesses is, -that a full knowledge can be attained of its exact state as regards -the queen, the population, and the quantity of food in stock. During -weather of a genial temperature, the combs may on any fine day be -inspected, and thus, a knowledge being gained of the deficiency -existing in a hive, the necessary means may be adopted for supplying -the want. Sometimes such an examination will verify the fears of the -bee-keeper, when, having observed that his bees have ceased to carry in -pollen, he has thereby received warning that the queen has been lost at -some juncture when no successor to the throne could be provided. Such a -hive has entered on a downward course, and will dwindle away entirely, -unless a queen should be given to it, or else some combs containing -young brood not more than three days old. By the latter method, 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 -them. - -When a bee-keeper has become skilful in his calling, he maybe desirous -to encourage the breeding of queens, or rather of preventing their -destruction. 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 brood. - -[Illustration] - -An ingenious little contrivance has been brought into use by -continental bee-keepers, especially by Herr Kleine, a German pastor, to -prevent the destruction alluded to. It consists of a small wire cage -(in fact, a pipe cover), as represented in the above engraving, placed -over a queen-cell to protect it from the mother-bee's animosity, -and it also serves to prevent the young queen, when hatched, from -escaping; for she will have the same jealous feeling toward her -sister-princesses, should there be more in the hive. The bee-master may -thus carefully remove and appropriate her. - -Particular attention will have to be exercised to affix the cage into -the comb by pressure, as far as the middle wall, but at no point must -it touch the royal cell itself. As the cage will probably project so as -to touch the adjoining comb, a little incision and removal of a portion -may be necessary, to allow space for it. It can, however, be squeezed -into any shape to suit the position required. - -This covering need not be put over the cell until the egg is a little -more than a week old. The animosity of the reigning queen does not -generally manifest itself until the royal brood approaches maturity. - -It is said that these cells are unmolested on the tenth day, but that -on the eleventh day they may be found tenantless. Notwithstanding -the apiarian's care and skill, many disappointments are frequently -experienced in endeavouring to establishing fertile young queens at the -head of colonies. - -Hives found to be queenless may be supplied either with matured queens -or with queen-cells. If the latter are sufficiently numerous, their -introduction may easily be effected by exchanging a comb in each hive; -if they have to be cut out and place loosely in the new hive, a -triangular piece of comb should then be removed with them, to be used -as a block in preventing any pressure coming on them. A space must -be cut out of the middle in the centre combs of the hive into which -they are to be introduced. Special care must be taken not to bruise -the royal embryos, as they are particularly sensitive to pressure. It -is sometimes best to introduce royal brood into queenless hives in -preference to matured _unimpregnated_ queens, because, as mentioned at -page 8, bees are reluctant to receive virgin queens, whilst they will -tolerate one hatched in the hive, who will speedily depart to seek a -drone. Bee-masters mostly use small hives for queen-rearing, consisting -of, say, four combs. By extracting from a populous hive four such -frames of combs (with the bees on them), and having eggs in the first -stage (see page 9), or better still a royal embryo, the bees will rear -a queen or queens therefrom. Care will have to be exercised to ensure -that there is a sufficient number of bees to mature the brood brought -from the hive.[21] - -[Footnote 21: These weak little colonies should have small entrances, -so as to be better able to defend themselves from the attacks of -robber-bees, and they will require to be assisted and strengthened by -feeding.] - -A colony of this character is technically called a "nucleus." - -Such operations as queen-rearing should only be attempted in warm -summer weather, and when drones are abundant. - -A very great advantage that the Woodbury bar and frame hive affords, -is the safety and convenience with which a stock of bees can in -it be transported to any part of the kingdom: by a few additional -arrangements, stocks have even been sent in it to distant countries. In -many districts hives are removed to moors, and heaths in autumn, for -the purpose of gathering heather honey. In this operation, the frames -are a great support to the combs, very much lessening the risk of a -break down and consequent loss. - -From a hive that has been inhabited all the winter, we have not -unfrequently lifted out the frames and removed the stock to a clean -hive; and we believe that the change has always been useful The bees -find a clean floor-board and a clean hive to breed in, free from -insects that may have harboured in crevices about their former abode. -When the change has been made, the old hive can be thoroughly cleaned -and used in the same way for making the exchange with another stock. -The process for handling will, of course, be the same as before -described. We have found that, where this plan has been carried out, -the bees seem to progress faster. Perhaps a little stirring up may be -useful in arousing them from their winter doze. The time we recommend -for doing this is in the beginning of April, but a fine warm day should -be chosen. - - -DRIVING. - -Driving is an operation by which bees are induced to vacate an old -settled hive and to enter an empty one. Many apiarians prefer this mode -of effecting an exchange of hives to the plan of fumigating the bees. - -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-board; -and it may be remarked, that bees are generally so far provident, that -they leave an open space in which to pass underneath their combs over -all the floor of the hive. When the old hive is inverted, the bees -crawl up the combs, and thus more easily pass up into the new hive, -which the operator places over the old one, with the intent that they -should enter it. - -The best time for performing this operation is about the middle of -the day, and when the weather is warm. It is essential that the -operator be protected with a bee-dress and gloves, as before described; -and previous to commencing his task, he must provide all necessary -implements. These are:--a couple of hives, one of which should -correspond in shape and size with the hive from which the bees are to -be driven; a cloth to tie round at the junction when the new hive is -placed on the old one; some string to keep the cloth in its place; -an empty pail to receive the top of the old hive, if one of the old -conical shape, but if the stock of bees is in a square box-hive with -a flat top, a firm stool will be the best; and a tube fumigator with -some fungus, which will complete the material of war. The bucket or -stool must be placed securely on the ground, about a yard from the -place where the full hive stands; then a few puffs of smoke, blown in -amongst the bees, will cause them to retreat up amongst the combs. The -bee-master must now turn the hive[22] upside down very gently; letting -it rest in the pail or on the stool; he then quickly places the empty -hive over the full one, and ties the cloth round it, to prevent any -escape of the bees. If the cloth be damped, it will cling the closer -to the hives. The third hive is intended to be placed on the stand -formerly occupied by the stock, so as to retain the few returning -bees which had been absent in the fields. Care must be taken that all -crevices through which it is possible for the bees to escape from the -united hives should be effectually closed. When the two are fairly -united, the operator will proceed by rapping the full hive gently with -the hands or a couple of sticks, more particularly on that side where -the combs are the most thickly placed--that is, if the hive be not -equally filled. A stock is in the best condition for driving twenty-one -days, or thereabouts, after a first swarm has issued; the brood will -then have hatched out, the bees will quit more readily, and there will -be no loss of larvæ in the cells. - -[Footnote 22: Care should be exercised in turning the hives over -to keep the combs vertical, or they are likely to break from their -foundations.] - -It generally happens that, in about fifteen minutes, the bees regularly -commence the ascent; their exodus will be known by the distinct rushing -sound which is always noticed when a colony of bees is on the move. -The first thing bees do when disturbed is to fill their honey-bags, as -they invariably do at swarming time; consequently, after the first rush -into the new hive is over, as in the case of a swarm, the "flitting" -bees are not much disposed to take wing. When the noise made by the -ascending bees has been heard, and has in a great degree subsided, the -cloth may be removed, and the old hive, now deserted, may be taken -indoors; and if a few bees yet remain, they may be brushed off with a -feather. An experienced apiarian, on first hearing the rushing noise -before mentioned, will not hesitate to tilt the top hive over a little -on one side, so that he may watch the bees during the ascent; the queen -may be seen passing up, and if the operator desires to take her away, -he can secure her by placing a wine-glass over her. This expedient is -often resorted to in the autumn, when stocks are to be united, for in -such a case the removal of the queen prevents some fighting. - -If the taking of the honey be the object of the bee-master, then -"driving" is manifestly a better plan than resorting to the fumes of -sulphur for the purpose; for the bees from whom the store is taken -can be joined to stocks that are weak in numbers, with considerable -advantage to the future prosperity of the apiary. - -When the removed bees are to be joined to another stock, the operator -will proceed as follows:--At dusk, dislodge the bees on to a cloth, -sprinkle them with sweet syrup, and place the hive to which it is -intended to join them over the mass; they will gradually ascend into -the hive placed for them, and early next morning the hive, with its -slender stock thus augmented, may be removed to its stand. Should the -operator not have been successful, or not sufficiently skilful to gain -possession of the queen, he may leave it to the bees themselves to -decide which queen they will have. - -By this plan of "driving," artificial swarms may be secured by -an "expert" even in common hives, though those do not afford the -facilities for such a purpose as do the bar or bar-and-frame hives. - - -CHANGING OLD STOCKS TO NEW HIVES. - -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 hives, in which the honey may -be obtained without the destruction of the bees. We mostly discourage -such a transfer, attended as it is with much labour, and requiring -a considerable amount of apiarian skill. An old-fashioned hive may -very readily be rendered a humane one, simply by cutting out with a -sharp-pointed knife the middle of the top of the hive; a piece may thus -easily be taken out, so as to leave a round hole two or three inches -in diameter, but care must be taken that the knife does not penetrate -much below the straw, lest it reach the comb or the bees--and it will -be safer for the operator to have a bee-dress on. There should be ready -a round adapting-board, with a corresponding hole, which may be secured -on the top by putting four long nails through the same number of holes -in the board; then a cap-hive or a glass may be placed on the top, for -the purpose of admitting the bees, who will soon crowd therein to work. - -This hive or glass will form a super or depriving-hive, and can be -worked as profitably as most of the improved hives. For the sake of an -improved appearance, an outside case, either of zinc, straw, or wood, -may be dropped over all, and then, if well painted, the whole will form -no disfigurement to any flower-garden. - -This is, beyond doubt, the easiest way of overcoming the difficulty, -but as it may not satisfy all, we now proceed to describe how a -complete transfer may be made. No hive offers such facilities for -the correct placing of the combs in a perfectly upright position as -does the bar-and-frame hive. As before remarked, 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 -habits; but by carefully carrying out the following directions any -one may successfully perform the feat. The first thing is to get the -bees away from the combs: there are two ways of doing this,--one is -by fumigation (see page 145), the other by driving (see page 179). -Whichever plan may be resorted to, have the bees confined in the old -hive on their stand until you are quite ready to admit them into the -bar-and-frame hive. Have in readiness all the necessary appliances. -These consist of a large knife for cutting the hive, a good-sized table -on which to lay the brood-combs, a basin of water--for washing off -honey which may besmear the hands,--tape or cotton string to fasten -the combs in their frames, a pair of honey-cutters for cutting out the -combs, jars to hold the honey that runs out, and a feather for brushing -off any bees that may remain. It is necessary that the operator should -have on his bee-dress and india-rubber gloves. Then begin by slicing -off a piece of the hive with a sharp table-knife; carefully cut out -the working combs--cut them large, so that they will squeeze into the -frames; and, to be more secure, wind some of the tape round to keep -them in position until made fast by the bees. After a few days, these -fastenings may be removed. Care should be taken that the combs occupy, -the same position in the frames as in the hive from which they were -extracted. Having thus prepared the hive, the bees may be let into it, -in the manner Mr. Woodbury recommends for a swarm (see page 159). It -may be as well to keep them confined a few hours, giving them water -at the top, until they make the combs secure; the new hive will then -be less likely to offer an attraction to bees from other hives, who, -if feloniously inclined, might come to rob. This transfer should be -made when the weather is such that the bees can fly about: when not -warm enough, it should be done in a room at a temperature of about 70 -degrees. An expert apiarian could perform the operation in less than -three quarters of an hour, and with little loss. A week or so after a -swarm has left the old stock is perhaps the very best time for such -a removal. Should the operation be performed in the open air, the -bees from surrounding hives will be sure to come in great numbers to -obtain a share of the honey necessarily exposed, for they delight in -plunder. In order, therefore, to avoid annoyance to the operator, and -the excitement which is certain to be induced in surrounding hives, it -is better to conduct the dissection in some building with closed doors. -In some instances a routing of this kind has a beneficial effect; old -stocks of hives that have previously appeared to be dwindling are often -aroused to activity by their removal into a fresh domicile. - - -WEIGHING HIVES, &c. - -One of the most effectual modes of ascertaining the condition of a -hive is by weighing it. Such knowledge is most important at the close -of the gathering season, 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 winter. A knowledge of the numerical strength -of the colony is also useful, in enabling the bee-keeper to decide -which hives will be benefited by being joined together, on the plan -explained in the articles on "Fumigation" and "Driving." - -[Illustration] - -A hive can very easily be weighed, if a Salter's Spring Balance be -suspended near the apiary. The hive, having a strap or cord passed -under and over it, crossing at right angles on the top, may be hooked -on to the balance, so that the weight will be indicated on the dial. - -The annexed engraving represents a tripod stand, with a -weighing-machine of the above-named construction, to which a hive with -a super is attached. Such an arrangement will be found convenient for -those bee-keepers who may not possess suitable sheds in their gardens, -where a hive could be thus suspended from a beam. - -This contrivance is both portable and simple, and can be used from -time to time; or, if the apiarian desires to have the hive constantly -suspended, a water-proof covering might easily be made to drop -over, and adapted so as to admit of being raised occasionally for -ascertaining the weight shown on the dial. - -To prevent the hive being swayed to and fro by the wind, three cords -(gear ropes) might be attached therefrom to the three legs of the -stand. The height of such a stand need not exceed four feet. - -Much interest might be derived by watching the daily or hourly -increasing store brought into a hive during the gathering season. - -Mr. George Fox, of Kingsbridge, and Mr. S. Bevan Fox, of Exeter, have -for some years each kept one stock attached to a "Salter's Circular -Spring Balance," suspended from a beam under a shed, and, from -experience, find that from a hive so balanced a criterion may be formed -of what other hives in the apiary are doing through the day. - -Many ingenious contrivances will, no doubt, suggest themselves to the -apiarian for suspending hives in this manner. For instance, instead -of the cord being tied round the hive, three or four strong irons, -with a screw at one end and a ring at the other (known by iron -mongers as "eyes"), could be screwed into the floor-boards, to which -the attachments might be made fast. It will scarcely be necessary -to hint that great care is necessary that full provision should be -made securely to support the increasing weight; a fall would be most -ruinous, and terribly enrage the bees. - -The weight of the hive should be marked on it when empty, so that the -exact amount of its contents may at any time be ascertained. A colony -of bees at Michaelmas ought to weigh from 20 to 24 lbs., that is, -exclusive of the hive; if falling short of that weight, the hive should -be made up to it by the artificial means before recommended. - -Experienced apiarians are able to judge of the weight of a hive by -lifting it a few inches from the stand; or by looking in at the windows -of a stock-hive, a conclusive opinion may be formed as to the state of -the colony. If the combs within view be well filled and sealed, it will -be safe to consider that the hive contains sufficient stores to carry -the bees through the winter. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - -VI. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. - - -STINGS: THEIR PREVENTION AND CURE. - -Some of our readers may deem us neglectful in having, as it were, -left them to struggle through their bee-keeping novitiate without -informing them how to avoid being stung by their docile but well-armed -flock. Of course, having described the bee-dress, we have supposed -that the apiarian was clad, if not "in complete steel," at least in -the head-gear and gloves, which will render him invulnerable. The -best safeguard from the anger of bees--as, indeed, from the malice -of men--is a quiet and peaceable spirit. The apiarian will learn to -handle his bees not only as "if he loved them,"--as the quaint angler -says--but as if he fully believes that the bees love _him_. This they -will do whenever he approaches and treats them gently. There are some -cases of exception to this generally peaceable disposition of the bee; -perchance a few bees are dyspeptic, and refuse to be pacified, let -their master seek to bribe them never so wisely. Then, too, sometimes -the bee-master himself may be dyspeptic, which the unerring olfactory -sense of the bees speedily detects, and their anger is immediately -aroused. Some few persons, owing to constitutional peculiarities in -their breath or insensible perspiration, are objects of constant -animosity with bees, who, by driving them from the apiary, are giving -a physician's advice without charge for a fee. Some of the choicest -perfumes used by ladies are offensive to bees; and one may feel very -certain that the "fine puss gentleman," who disgusted the brave -Hotspur with his "pouncet-box" and praise of "'parmaceti for an inward -bruise," would have been speedily driven from an apiary in ignominious -flight. Occasionally, even a skilful apiarian may inadvertently crush -a single bee; such a mischance is detected by the community with much -more facility than by any "crowner's quest," and their prompt verdict -decrees the summary punishment of the offender. There would be much -less fear of stings if it were always remembered that bees are never -aggressive. "Defence, not defiance," is their motto. They scarcely ever -attempt to sting when away from the hive, and very seldom indeed at the -time of swarming, for then they are gorged with honey. When molested -by angry bees, do not attempt to beat them off; the safest and best -retreat is a green bush. Thrust your head into this, or if no such -refuge be near, in an emergency, throw yourself on the ground, and, -with face downwards, the bees will soon leave you. - -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 painful, and how the wound inflicted by the bee -may be cured. Those familiar with the usual microscopic objects will -know how marvellously delicate, and yet effective, is the mechanical -structure of a bee's sting. (See page 46.) This weapon, as we see it -with our naked eye--finer than a needle's point--is only the sheath, -which lengthens or contracts like the tubes of a telescope. The dart, -as before said, is barbed on each side, so that the bee, when _very_ -angry, is scarcely ever able to withdraw it, but - - "Deems life itself to vengeance well resigned; - Dies on the wound, and leaves the sting behind." - -There are, indeed, some happy mortals whose "blood such an even tenour -keeps," that a bee-sting is to them simply a puncture, and nothing -more. Dr. Bevan has suggested that lovers should subject themselves -to the ordeal of a bee-sting, in order to prove, we suppose, that -their temper is proof against "the stings and arrows of any outrageous -fortune" that matrimony can bring. - -It is the homoeopathically minute tincture of poison injected by the -bee which causes inflammation. The first thing to do is, to remove -the sting, which, even when detached from the bee, will continue to -penetrate still further into the wound. Next, press the hollow point -of a watch-key exactly over the place stung; this will express a -considerable portion of the virus. Then dip the hand, or bathe the part -with cold or tepid water, for the poison is volatile, and will thereby -be dissipated to a great extent. On no account whatever should the part -affected be rubbed; to do that will diffuse the poison and increase -the inflammation. The specific remedy for a bee-sting is taught us -by chemistry: the venom is an acid which an alkali will immediately -neutralize when brought into contact with it. Spirits of hartshorn -will generally be found effectual for the purpose, and should always -be kept in an apiary. There are also several other remedies more or -less effectual, according to the special constitution of the patient. A -strong infusion of tobacco-water applied to the wound after the sting -has been extracted is a specific for many persons; others find relief -from the application of a sliced onion. - -We have heard the remark from several who have kept bees for years, -that the poison from a sting has little or no effect on them; after -receiving many inflictions, their flesh appears to become so little -affected, that the swelling and pain at one time experienced no longer -trouble them. - - -POLLEN, OR FOOD FOR INFANT-BEES. - -Bees, when fully grown, feed almost wholly on honey; but the larvae -require for their development a more substantial kind of nourishment. -Such solid fare is found by the bees in the _pollen_ of flowers, a -farina which contains some of those nitrogenous elements in which -honey is deficient. The body of a worker-bee is covered with hairs, to -which the pollen adheres when, by contact with the bee, it is rubbed -from the anthers and stamens of flowers (see page 41). Dewy mornings -or humid bowers suit the bees for the gathering of the pollen. If -the atmosphere be too dry for kneading it into pellets, they roll -themselves in the blossoms and trust to the good offices of the bees -at home, who, on their return, brush off the farina into the cells -intended for it. A portion of this "bee-bread" is taken at once by the -"nursing bees," who are supposed to subject it to some change before -offering it to the larvæ; but the greater part of the pollen is stored -away and sealed over in the cells for future use. In April and May, -the bees are frequently busy "all the day" in gathering pollen, and -often one community of bees will collect about twenty pounds weight of -"bee-bread" in one season. - -One of the objects of the apiarian is to assist the bees in providing -for the nurslings of the hive. A German pastor, Herr Dzierzon, first -suggested the plan of providing the bees with "unbolted rye meal," -as a substitute for the farina of flowers. He had observed that, in -early spring, before the flowers were open, his bees had entered a -neighbouring corn mill, from whence they returned laden with rye flour. -Since his discovery, some keepers, in early spring, place either rye or -wheat meal near the apiaries; to this artificial store the bees repair -by thousands, and seem to rollick in the enjoyment of such plenty, -many of them returning to the hive as dusty as millers. The object in -thus supplying them is, that the brood may be rapidly brought forward, -and early swarming induced. In this way, a few pounds of rye meal, at -one penny per pound, may tend to the production of very many pounds of -honey of twelve times the price. - -In gathering pollen from flowers, bees are doing more than merely -providing for their own community. Whilst humming through our gardens -they are assisting to propagate our flowers, and their merry buzz in -our orchards indicates that the blossoms of spring will in autumn -fulfil their promise by abundance of fruit. In Mr. Darwin's remarkable -work, "The Fertilization of Orchids," the mystery of the fructification -of flowers is scientifically explained; but before the subject was -so fully understood, it was quite believed that bees, in passing -from flower to flower, performed some important service. Owners of -fruit-trees have noticed, in a season generally unfavourable for the -orchard, that if during only one fine forenoon the bees had spread -freely amongst the blossoms of a particular tree, it would prove more -fruitful than its fellows. On this account, the orchard is a good -place for an apiary, for it seems that, more abundant the honey, more -plentiful will be the fruit. Bees bear the fructifying matter from one -_sex_ of flowers to the other, but they confine their attention to -one _kind_ of flower during each excursion; 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 brown, according to the kind of flowers -from which it has been gathered. The gathering of pollen, its use by -the nursing bees, and the storing of it in the cells, afford to the -bee-keeper opportunity for observations of exceeding interest. - - -PROPOLIS, OR BEES' CEMENT. - -The old notion that wax is gathered by bees from flowers, as they -gather honey, has long since been set aside by the discoveries of -Hornbostel and Huber. Wax is an oily substance, as described at -page 45; but there is "a resinous substance, very tenacious and -semi-transparent," which is indispensable for the bees as a cement -wherewith to fix their combs and fortify their hives against intruders, -and this is "propolis." The bees, in working the propolis, often soften -it by blending it with a portion of wax; but they have to extract it in -its natural state directly from the bark and buds of certain trees. -The bark of the willow, the leaf-buds of the poplar and alder, and the -unopened blossoms of the hollyhock are very usual sources of propolis. -In the case of a new swarm, as bees must have this glue before they can -begin to build their combs, they will resort to most unlikely places -to obtain it. Sometimes they will enter a paint shop and attack the -varnish, and it is said they have been seen to obtain propolis from the -pitch and rigging of a ship. These circumstances afford intelligible -hints to the apiarian, who, if his bees have not easy access to firs, -poplars, or willows, will provide some glutinous or resinous matter -which may serve for a substitute. The extraction of propolis costs -the bees very considerable labour, which they should be relieved of -as much as possible, in order to facilitate their great work of honey -gathering. Bees choose the warmer part of the day during which to -gather propolis, as then it does not so rapidly stiffen, frequently, -when they arrive at the hive, it has become so hard that the other bees -are scarcely able to gnaw it from their thighs. - -With propolis bees fasten down their hives, stop up crevices to exclude -moths and ants, and sometimes use it to narrow the entrance of their -hives against the invasion of wasps. Extraordinary anecdotes are told -of the prompt and ingenious use they make of this substance. Reaumur -relates, that a snail having been observed by the bees oh the window -of the hive, they proceeded to glue the shell to the glass, and there -sealed down the intruder in hopeless durance. In another case, that of -a slug, or snail without a shell, the bees, having slain it with their -stings, were quite unable to remove it from the hive. With wonderful -foresight, they then proceeded to secure their community from the -noxious effects likely to arise from the decay of the carcase; and -this they did by completely enveloping it with a coating of impervious -varnish. Huish relates a similar occurrence in the case of a mouse -caught in a hive by bees. Propolis yields benzoic acid, and contains -some aromatic properties. - - -PASTURAGE FOR BEES. - - "Bees work for man; and yet they never bruise - Their master's flower, but leave it, having done. - As fair as ever, and as fit for use." - -Apiarians generally agree in the opinion that very little can be done -in the way of providing any special forage for bees. Yet bee-fanciers -are always interested in observing which are the flowers that the bees -prefer; and there are certain well-established conclusions as to the -kind of district and seasons which are the likeliest to produce a good -honey-harvest. There is an old saying, that a country which produces -the finest wool also yields the best honey; and a pastoral district is -decidedly better than one under tillage. The principle of the matter -is, that the bees are best suited with a long dry-season--an early -spring, a hot summer, and a late autumn. As not one of these blessings -can be commanded by the apiarian, his art must be applied to provide -some mitigation of the injury suffered by the bees when the season is -short or wet. For early spring, the crocus, the blue hepatica, and the -violet all afford good supplies of pollen and honey, and, if cultivated -near the apiary, will be of great service when the wild flowers -are backward. All varieties of the willow and poplar furnish early -supplies, of honey, as well as of the propolis of which we have spoken; -the blossoms of the gooseberry and currant are very useful for the bees -in May. Wet, when it enters flowers of any kind, prevents the tongue -of the bee from reaching the secret source of honey. On this account, -it is well to know, as does the bee, that the drooping blossoms of the -raspberry escape the effect of the showers, and honey is gathered from -them when other flowers are drenched within as well as without. For a -similar reason, borage (_Borago officinalis_) is valuable for bees; and -also because that plant continues to flower until the frosts set in. -The honey both from raspberry blossoms and borage is very superior. Mr. -Langstroth says, that "the precipitous and rocky lands of New England, -which abound with the wild red raspberry, might be made almost as -valuable as some of the vine-clad terraces of the mountain districts -of Europe." The "golden rod" and also asters afford superior honey -for autumn gathering. Dzierzon strongly recommends buck-wheat being -sown in the winter stubbles on behalf of the bees, and he tries hard -to persuade farmers that it is to their interest to cultivate it. It -should be named that all the ordinary fruit blossoms, especially those -of the apple, supply abundant store for bees. - -It is, however, to wild or field flowers that the bee-master must -chiefly look for the raw material on which his myriad artisans shall -exert their skill. The white clover of the pasture[23]--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 them. Lime-trees, when in blossom, and -mignonette are also' most valuable resources. There are also two or -three peculiar sources of honey which one would not have suspected, -as, for instance, the blossoms of the onion plant, of turnips, and, in -still greater degree, the flower of the mustard plant. - -[Footnote 23: It is a good practice to induce the owners of adjacent -fields to sow clover-seed.] - -In those districts of England where mustard seed is cultivated so -extensively, it would be well worth while for the farmers to keep large -colonies of bees. Another, but a very uncertain, source of honey is the -"honeydew," which, in some seasons, appears in large quantities on the -leaves of the oak, the lime, and some other trees. - -It is important to mention that bees, in the principal breeding season, -require a plentiful supply of water. Owing either to their carelessness -or eagerness, they are frequently drowned when drinking from any large -quantity of water; the bee-keeper should, therefore, place near the -hives shallow vessels of water containing pebbles, on which the bees -may alight to take frequent but temperate draughts. - - -THE LIGURIAN OR ITALIAN ALP BEE. - -A new, or rather a re-discovered, variety of bee has recently been -brought into practical use amongst apiarians in Germany and America, as -well as in this country. The ordinary bee is the _Apis mellifica_ of -naturalists; the new kind is the _Apis ligustica_. It was also named -"the Ligurian Bee" by the Marquis de Spinola, who found it in Piedmont -in 1805; and he considered it to be the principal species known to the -Greeks, who speak of the "best kind" of bee as being of a red colour. -Leading apiarians agree in pronouncing these bees to be justly entitled -to the high character given them. (See coloured engraving, Plate I., -figs, 1, 2, 3.) Their special advantages are--greater fecundity of the -queens, less irascibility, and a more handsome appearance, for, being -of a golden colour, they are prettier than our black bees. - -Tennyson most probably refers to these Ligurian bees in the following -stanza of his beautiful poem "Eleanore":-- - - "Or the _yellow banded bees_, - Through half-open lattices, - Coming in the scented breeze, - Fed thee, a child, lying alone, - With whitest honey in fairy gardens culled: - A glorious child, dreaming alone - In silk soft folds, upon yielding down, - With the hum of swarming bees - Into dreamful slumbers lulled." - -Our own experience with the Italian Alp bee enables us to corroborate -the statements which have been made in favour of this new variety. -We find the queens more prolific than those of the common kind, and -the quantity of honey produced is greater. These two facts stand as -cause and effect: the bees being multiplied more quickly, the store -of honey is accumulated more rapidly, and the Italian bees consume, -if anything, less food than the common, kind. When of pure Italian -blood, these bees are, by some apiarians, thought to be hardier than -our own. That they forage for stores with greater eagerness, and have -little hesitation in paying visits to other hives, we can testify from -our own observation. The following anecdote will illustrate their -intrusive propensities:--Another bee-keeper living in the neighbourhood -of our apiary, when inspecting our hives, observed the yellow bees: he -exclaimed, "Now, I have found out where those strange-looking bees -come from; for," said he, "these yellow-jackets are incessant visitors -to my hives. I thought they were a species of wasp that had come to -rob, and until now I have been unable to account for their appearance -at the entrance of my hive, so that I have killed them by hundreds." -This was not at all pleasing intelligence for us, and we trust that -our neighbour has been more lenient to "the yellow-jackets" since -his visit, for such summary capital punishment was wholly unmerited, -because, when a bee is peaceably received (see page 127), it becomes -naturalized, and works side by side with the others in its fresh abode. -We are inclined to believe that more visiting takes place amongst -bees of different hives than bee-keepers have been accustomed to -suppose: where the Italian and black bees are kept near each other, the -foreigners being conspicuous by their lighter colour, there is less -difficulty in identifying them when at the entrance of other hives. - -In the season of 1864, we had more honey from a Ligurian stock than -from any one of our colonies of black bees. From this Ligurian hive -we have taken a glass super containing 40 lbs. nett of honey, besides -having drawn from it an artificial swarm; and, after all, it remains -the strongest hive in our apiary. - -The Baron Von Berlepsch and Pastor Dzierzon, who are probably the two -most intelligent and skilful bee-keepers of Germany, award to the -Italian a very decided preference over the common bees. The Baron says -that he has found:--"1. That the Italian bees are less sensitive to -cold than the common kind. 2. That their queens are more prolific. 3. -That the colonies swarm earlier and more frequently. 4. That they are -less apt to sting, 5. They are more industrious. 6. That they are more -disposed to rob than common bees, and more courageous and active in -self-defence. They strive, whenever opportunity offers, to force their -way into colonies of common bees; but when strange bees attack their -hives, they fight with great fierceness and with incredible adroitness." - -It is said that the Italian bee can extract honey from some flowers -which the common bee is unable to penetrate. For instance, the blossom -tubes of the red clover being too deep for the probosces of the common -bees, that flower is useless to them, although so plentiful; but, says -Mr. Langstroth, the American apiarian, the Italian bee visits the red -clover assiduously, and draws large quantities of honey from it.[24] - -[Footnote 24: This opinion is not held by the closest observer of -Italian bees in England.] - -The introduction of this new variety of bee into England was through -our agency. M. Hermann, a bee-cultivator at Tamins-by-Chur, Canton -Grison, Switzerland, wrote to us on the 5th July, 1859, offering to -supply us with Italian Alp queen-bees. This letter, or an extract from -it, appeared in the current number of the _Journal of Horticulture_ -(then called the _Cottage Gardener_), a periodical that regularly opens -its columns to apiarian subjects. Prior to this the Italian Alp, or, -as it has been named, the "Ligurian" bee, was unknown in this country, -except to a few naturalists. The letter referred to attracted the -attention of that intelligent apiarian, T. W. Woodbury, Esq., now so -well known as the "Devonshire Bee-Keeper." On the 19th of July, that -is, a fortnight after M. Hermann's offer, we received a consignment -of Italian Alp bees,--the first imported into England. With these -Mr. Woodbury also received one queen-bee and a few workers, which -he introduced into a hive of English bees from which the queen had -been taken. His efforts were very successful, and "the spring of 1860 -found him in possession of four Ligurianized stocks." His subsequent -experience with the Italian Alp bee he has fully described in a -communication to the _Bath and West of England Agricultural Journal_. - -Subsequently, M. Hermann sent us a copy of his pamphlet, entitled "The -Italian Alp Bee; or, the Gold-Mine of Husbandry," with the request that -we should have it translated from the German, and that copies of it -should be printed in the English language. The pamphlet was speedily -published by us, and although singular as a literary production, it may -be useful for the advanced apiarian. - -Certainly the bees are partially of an orange or golden colour, and if -one could believe the golden anticipations indulged in by M. Hermann -respecting them, it would be sufficient to identify the Italian Alp bee -as the species described by Hood in "Miss Kilmansegg";--those which -dwelt in - - "A golden hive, on a golden bank, - Where golden bees, by alchemical prank, - Gather gold instead of honey." - -If we are correctly informed, poor Hermann himself has not yet greatly -profited by the discovery of the mine. He appears to have quitted -Switzerland, and travelled to America, as, by the latest accounts, we -learn that he is now in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, prosecuting -his favourite calling with his accustomed ardour, among the apiaries -of amateur bee-keepers. We are glad that M. Hermann is thus engaged, -for report had reached us that he was dead--a report to which we gave -currency in our first edition. - -In the pamphlet referred to, M. Hermann gives the following description -of what he insists on designating as _Apis Helvetica_:--"The yellow -Italian Alp bee is a mountain insect; it is found between two -mountain chains to the right and left of Lombardy and the Rhetian -Alps, and comprises the whole territory of Tessins, Veltlin, and -South-Graubunden. It thrives up to the height of 4,500 feet above the -level of the sea, and appears to prefer the northern clime to the -warmer, for in the south of Italy it is not found. The Alps are their -native country, therefore they are called Yellow Alp-bees, or tame -house-bees, in contradistinction to the black. European bees, whom we -might call common forest bees, and who, on the slightest touch, fly -like lightning into your face. (?) - -"As all good and noble things in the world are more scarce than common -ones, so there are more common black bees than of the noble yellow -race, which latter inhabit only a very small piece of country, while -the black ones are at home everywhere in Europe, and even in America." - -Notwithstanding the emigration of M. Hermann from his native land, -we shall in future be able to supply all bee-keepers who may wish to -possess stocks of the genuine yellow Alpine bees. - -The Italian varies but little from the common bees in its physical -characteristics. The difference in appearance consists in the first -rings of the abdomen, except the posterior edge, and the base of -the third, being of an orange colour instead of a deep brown. These -orange-coloured parts are transparent when closely examined with the -sun shining on them. The Italian bees are more active than common bees -when on the wing. - -During the summers of 1859 and 1860 we had over from the Continent a -great number of Ligurian queens; these were sent to all parts of the -kingdom. We regret to say that but few were successfully united to -English stocks. It requires a considerable amount of apiarian skill to -accomplish the union,[25] so that we find by experience it is best to -send out complete Ligurian stocks. This is particularly desirable now -that the packing of whole hives is so easily accomplished by us with -the aid of bars and frames. We have sent a great number of stocks to -all parts by rail. - -[Footnote 25: The plan of uniting an Italian queen to an English stock -is, first, to discover the queen by lifting out the frames, then take -her away. This, we find, is best done by putting a wine-glass over her -whilst on the comb, and, with a card a little larger than the diameter -of the glass, very carefully and gently passed underneath, so as not -to injure her majesty, she is thus, with a few of her subjects, made a -prisoner, and easily removed. Be careful to cut away with a penknife -all queen-cells. Let the hive remain queenless for twenty-four hours, -and then place the Italian queen in a small wire cage, the openings of -which must be large enough to enable her to receive the attentions of, -and to communicate with, her new subjects, and, at the same time, to -defend her from the animosity with which bees regard a stranger-queen, -that has a scent different from that of her new home. Three or four -days' intercourse through the wire meshes generally has a reconciling -effect, and the Italian queen may be let go free to become the monarch -of the hive. Sometimes, even with all this precaution, the foreigner -is slain, so that it is well to preserve the black queen alive (with -a few of her own subjects), by feeding and keeping her warm until the -result is known. The wire cage containing the new queen is made of a -flat shape, so as to be pressed down between the combs, against some -honey-cells, in order that, should the inhabitants of the hive be -inattentive, her majesty need not starve, but have food within reach. -As it is generally considered that the queen is fed by working bees, it -is always necessary to put about half a dozen of _her own subjects_ in -the cage with her, to pay her the requisite attention.] - -Mr. Woodbury, owing to his knowledge and skill in bee-keeping, was -eminently successful in propagating the Ligurian bees first imported -into this country; and we would recommend all who may be interested in -the subject to peruse the interesting articles written by him in the -_Journal of Horticulture_. He has shown great patience and energy by -his labours in the rearing of queens and the multiplication of stocks, -for which he merits all praise. - -We now add to the testimonies already cited that of Mr. Woodbury, as -to the superior qualities of Ligurian bees. The following is extracted -from the paper contributed by him to the _Bath and West of England -Agricultural Journal_:--"From my strongest Ligurian stock I took eight -artificial swarms in the spring, besides depriving it of numerous -brood-combs. Finding, in June, that the bees were collecting honey so -fast that the queen could not find an empty cell in which to lay an -egg, I was reluctantly compelled to put on a super. When this had been -filled with 38 lbs. of the finest honeycomb,[26] I removed it, and -as the stock-hive (a very large one) could not contain the multitude -of bees which issued from it, I formed them into another very large -artificial swarm. The foregoing facts speak for themselves; but as -information on this point has been very generally asked, 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 with." - -[Footnote 26: This super was exhibited at our stand in the -International Exhibition of 1862.] - -In a private letter received from Mr. Langstroth, he informs us that he -has, in the season of 1865, bred over 300 Ligurian queens; these he has -disseminated to various bee-masters on the American continent, and the -united opinion of apiarians in that country is increasingly in favour -of the decided advantage of the cultivation of the Italian bee. - -After such emphatic testimony as this, corroborated, as it is, by many -other observers, there seems every reason to expect that the Ligurian -bee will gradually supersede the common kind throughout the United -Kingdom. The honey-bee of the Holy Land is the Ligurian. - -The Rev. H. B. Tristram, M.A., in his valuable book, "The Land of -Israel," has the following interesting account of the bees in that -country:--In Palestine bee-keeping is not an unimportant item of -industry, and every house possesses a pile of bee-hives in its yard. -Though similar in its habits, the hive-bee of Palestine is a different -species to our own. "We never," he says, "found _Apis mellifica_, L., -our domestic species, in the country, though it very possibly occurs -in the north; but the common Holy Land insect, _Apis ligustica_, is -amazingly abundant; both in hives, in rocks, and in old hollow, trees. -It is smaller [?] than our bees, with brighter yellow, bands: on the -thorax and abdomen, which, is rather wasp-like in shape, and with very -long antennæ. In its habits, and especially in the immense population -of neuters in each community, and in the drones cast forth in autumn, -it resembles the other species. Its sting, also, is quite as sharp. -The hives are very simple, consisting of large tubes of sun-dried mud, -like gas-pipes, about four feet long, and closed with mud at each -end, leaving only an aperture in the centre, large enough for two or -three bees to, pass at a time. The insects appear to frequent both -doors equally. The tubes are laid in rows horizontally, and piled in a -pyramid. I counted one of these colonies, consisting of seventy-eight -tubes, each a distinct hive. Coolness being the great object, the -whole is thickly plastered over with mud, and covered with boughs, -while a branch is stuck in the ground at each end, to assist the bees -in alighting. At first we took these singular structures for ovens or -hen-houses. _The barbarous practice of destroying the swarms for their -honey is unknown._ When the hives are fully, the clay is removed from -the ends of the pipes, and the honey extracted with an iron hook; those -pieces of comb which contain young bees being carefully replaced, and -the hives then closed up again. Everywhere during our journey we found -honey was always to be purchased; and it is used by the natives for -many culinary purposes, and especially for the preparation of sweet -cakes. It has the delicate aromatic flavour of the thyme-scented honey -of Hybla or Hymettus. - -"But, however extensive are the bee-colonies of the villages, the -number of wild bees of the same species is far greater. The innumerable -fissures, and clefts of the limestone rocks, which everywhere flank -the valleys, afford in their recesses secure shelter for any number -of swarms; and many of the Bedouin, particularly in the wilderness -of Judæea, obtain: the subsistence by bee-hunting, bringing into -Jerusalem jars of that wild, honey on which John the Baptist fed in -the wilderness, and which Jonathan had long before unwittingly tasted, -when the comb had dropped on the ground from the hollow tree in which -it was suspended. The visitor to the Wady Kurn, when he sees the busy -multitudes of bees about its cliffs, cannot but recall to mind the -promise, 'With honey out of the stony rock would I have satisfied -thee.' There is no epithet of the Land of Promise more true to the -letter, even to the present day, than this, that it was 'a land flowing -with milk and honey." - -Does not evidence such as this point to the conclusion that the bees -which Sampson found in the carcase of the lion were _Ligurian_; and may -we not further speculate that the ribs of the carcase constituted the -first _bar-hive?_ Surely, "there is no new thing under the sun." - -[Illustration] - - -LIVING BEES AT THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1862, SENDING BEES TO -AUSTRALIA, &c. - -The engraving represents our stand in the Agricultural Department of -the International Exhibition of 1862. The space granted us in the -World's Great Fair was somewhat limited; but we were able to exhibit -a tolerably complete stock of apiarian apparatus, and all the more -important bee-hives. Amongst these was an unicomb hive stocked with -the Yellow Alpine or "Ligurian" bee. This was an object of great -attention, and daily hundreds of visitors flocked round our stand, in -order to watch the movements of the Italian queen, with her gay and -busy subjects. The entrance-way for the bees being in the "Open Court," -to which all visitors had access, it was necessary to place the hive in -an elevated position, so as for it to be beyond the reach of incautious -passers-by, and to obviate any chance of annoyance to the vast crowds -of people continually around. - -Among others who took a deep interest in our exhibition was Mr. Edward -Wilson, President of the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria. This -gentleman requested us to pack four stocks of the Ligurian bees for -conveyance to Melbourne. With the assistance of Mr. Woodbury--whose -aid was, indeed, essential--these stocks were sent off on the 25th -of September, 1862, by the steam ship Alhambra, so as to arrive at -the colony during the Austral summer. The hives were Woodbury frame -hives, having ample space and ventilation, as well as the means of -supplying water to their inmates during the voyage; there was, also, a -sufficient store of honey to last until the following March. The bees -arrived at Melbourne, where they were released after an imprisonment of -seventy-nine days, and have since rapidly multiplied, the climate and -pasturage of Australia greatly favouring the increase of this superior -variety of the bee. - -Mr. Wilson was so well pleased with the careful manner in which these -stocks were fitted out for their voyage across the seas, that he -subsequently instructed us to prepare him three more hives, which were -sent out in a sailing vessel. Owing to the mismanagement of the water -supply during the voyage, only one stock survived in this instance. Mr. -Wilson informs us that one of these hives contained 136 lbs. of honey, -on the 25th of December, 1864 (Midsummer in Australia). - -Upwards of twenty years ago, we sent a Nutt's hive stocked with bees -to New Zealand. We then adopted the plan of fixing the hive in a meat -safe, so that the bees could fly about a little, and also cleanse -the hive of their dead, for bees are very attentive to sanitary -arrangements; they always remove the dead ones from their midst, and do -not void excrement within the hive. - -When bees are shut up in their hives too long, even with adequate -ventilation, they are apt to be attacked by a disease called by -apiarians dysentery. Sometimes, when confined by the unfavourableness -of the weather in winter, or the lateness of spring, this disease -produces serious mischief amongst the bees. Various remedies have been -recommended; but we believe, the best is to see that there is wholesome -food within the hive, and plenty of it, and, when fine weather returns, -the health of the bees will return with it. Dampness of the hives, -and too late feeding in the autumn, are also frequent causes of this -disease. - - -BEE-KEEPING IN LONDON. - -There are many persons now in this noisy city pent, who frequently -remember the days of childhood, when, among pastures of clover, or -amidst flowery heath and woodlands, they listened to the cheerful hum -of bees. Partly from a desire to revive these old associations, and -also from a natural liking for the tendance of living creatures, 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 success. We do not wonder -that many should doubt even the possibility of bees feeding themselves -amidst such an "endless meal of brick;" but we can easily prove that -bees, if not placed too near to smoky chimneys, are able to produce -honey, both for themselves and for their masters. To make this plain, -we will mention some special instances of metropolitan bee-keeping. - -About ninety years ago, a Mr. Wildman kept a bee-house and honey -warehouse, near to Middle Row, Holborn. He was not only a tradesman, -but was also the apiarian of his day. He kept hives of thriving bees on -the roof of his house in Holborn, and many of the nobility and gentry -used to mount thither, in order to inspect the apiary. At that period, -St. Pancras was a "village two miles north-west of London," and what -is now the Regent's Park was open country. It was then much easier for -London bees to find their favourite forage, but Mr. Wildman believed -that his hives were filled with stores from a considerable distance. -Whilst enjoying his country rambles on Hampstead Heath, he had a shrewd -suspicion that many of the bees he there observed gathering honey were -labourers from his own apiary. In order to identify his own flock -amongst the rest, he hit upon a homely but very effective expedient. -Having borrowed Mrs. Wildman's "dredging box," he stationed himself -near the entrance of his hives, and gently dusted his bees with flour -as they issued forth. He then betook himself to Hampstead, where he -found his previous surmise confirmed, for there were numbers of his -bees in their livery of white. - -Wildman became noted for the remarkable control he obtained over his -bees, many instances of which he exhibited before the public. Several -of his operations with them were regarded as feats of legerdemain by -the uninitiated, as when he appeared before King George III., with -a swarm of bees hanging in festoons from his chin, or suspended in -a cluster at arm's length. The _Journal of Horticulture_ recently, -in alluding to Wildman, gives the following particulars as to his -performances:-- - - "Near the 'Three Hats,' Islington, was a place of popular - entertainment called 'Dobney's Tea Gardens,' kept by Mrs. Ann - Dobney. These gardens occupied the ground between White Lion Street - and Winchester Place, and were established as far back as 1728. In - 1771, the house was taken for a short time as a boarding school; - but it was soon changed to its original purpose as a place of - amusement, for, in 1772, Daniel Wildman exhibited bees here. This - is a copy of the advertisement:-- - - "'June 20, 1772. Exhibition of bees on horseback! at the Jubilee - Gardens, Islington (late Dobney's), this and every evening, until - further notice (wet evenings excepted). - - "'The celebrated Daniel Wildman will exhibit several new and - amazing experiments, never attempted by any man in this or any - other kingdom before. The rider standing upright, one foot on - the saddle and one on the neck, with a mask of bees on his head - and face. He also rides standing upright on the saddle with the - bridle in his mouth, and, by firing a pistol, makes one part of - the bees march over the table, and the other swarm in the air and - return to their hive again, with other performances too tedious to - insert. The doors open at six; to begin at a quarter before seven. - Admittance:--Box and gallery, 2_s._; the other seats, 1_s._'" - -The secret of Wildman's skilful manipulation is well understood now; it -consisted in a careful holding and disposal of the queen, together with -confidence in the generally inoffensive disposition of bees. Dr. Evans, -whom we have often quoted for his correct information in apiarian -matters, thus speaks of his feats:-- - - "Such was the spell which, round a Wildman's arm, - Twined in dark wreaths the fascinated swarm; - Bright o'er his breast the glittering legions led, - Or with a living garland bound his head. - His dextrous hand, with firm, yet hurtless hold, - Could seize the chief, known by her scales of gold, - Prune, 'mid the wondering train, her filmy wing, - Or o'er her folds the silken fetter fling." - -To recur to our subject. After the days of Wildman, our own -establishment in Holborn became widely known for bee-hives and honey. -Although we never attempted to start a London apiary at all approaching -in extent that of our predecessor, we have occasionally kept bees on -the house-top, both in Holborn and Regent Street. At each of those -situations, we have noticed that the bees bring "pollen" as well as -honey into their hives. Last summer, there was brought under our -notice an illustration of the acuteness of the scent of bees and of -their diligent search for food, proving, too, that if sweets can be -obtained even from unusual sources, the bees will find them out. A poor -woman, who, at the comer of an adjacent street, vends "brandy balls," -"toffee," "rock," and other saccharine compounds--all well known to and -appreciated by most juveniles,--used to receive frequent visits from -our bees. Their visits to the old dame's domain were at first rather -interesting, and if the few pioneers who had the sagacity to find such -a store had kept the secret only to themselves, their company would -not have been objected to. Such selfish policy does not, however, -accord with the social instinct of bees, and these soon informed their -companions of the good fortune provided for them in an archipelago -of sugar islands. Day by day the swarms of these uninvited visitors -increased, until all legitimate customers were beaten off; and the old -dame had to see, not only her hope of gain destroyed, but her stock of -"goodies" sensibly diminishing by the thefts of these brigands of the -air. She could not, or dare not attempt to, drive the intruders away, -so made diligent inquiry as to where the robbers were harboured. Having -traced them to our establishment in Regent Street, she came to implore -of us to move the bees if possible, or she would have to move her -stall, and so lose her "connection" in the "toffee" and "rock" trade. -Wishing not to hinder the poor woman in gaining her livelihood, we -decided on removing our bees into the country. - -It is difficult to assign an exact limit to the distance that bees -will go in search of honey-yielding blossoms. It has been proved by -various experiments that they will fly, say, five or six miles, if the -supplies are scanty within a shorter radius; but bees well understand -that first of all economies, the saving of time, and if they can find -forage near at hand, they prefer it. Hence, other things being equal, -the quantity of honey stored will be in proportion to the contiguity of -good pasturage. In this way it is that the systematic removal of hives, -as practised in many districts, has such a notable effect on the honey -harvest. - -A novel sight for Londoners to witness occurred in June, 1865. A -swarm, having been ordered to be sent into the country the following -morning, was temporarily placed on the leads at the back of our house, -149, Regent Street. The sun shining hot on the hive, or some other -cause, induced the inmates to decamp. A passer-by called in to inform -us that some bees had arrested the progress of a cab. We at once -conjectured that they were those of our missing swarm, the absence -of which had previously puzzled us not a little; so we sent our man -with a straw-hive to bring the truants back, which he succeeded in -doing, followed to the door by a crowd, who were amazed at the sight -of the "'oney-bees," as the Cockney lads called them. Cabby had to be -compensated for the loss of his fare, for the affrighted passengers -had left him in a hurry, so that, altogether, no little commotion -was caused--a crowd so soon collects in London streets. Among the -lookers-on appears to have been a reporter from the _Times_ newspaper, -for, two days afterwards, the following paragraph appeared in the -leading journal:-- - - "A Swarm of Bees in Burlington Street.--On Wednesday afternoon, - about five o'clock, not a little excitement and astonishment was - caused in New Burlington Street, Regent Street, by the circumstance - of a swarm of bees alighting on a cab which had just drawn up at - the Burlington Restaurant. A man having procured a hive, set to - work, and, with assistance, succeeded in securing the whole of - the unexpected visitors, and took them away. A swarm of bees is - rarely, if ever, seen in the streets of London, but it is not an - uncommon occurrence for a swarm to stray considerable distances." - -The reporter was, of course, unaware that, instead of the bees having -"strayed" so far as he represented, they were brought into London by -rail, and had made but a short flight from their temporary home. - -During several years we kept bees in the Zoological Gardens, Regent's -Park, and have there frequently taken full and handsome glasses of -honey. The position of our apiary was on the site now occupied by the -new monkey house. The Society promise to erect a new building for -an apiary in the course of the ensuing summer. The visitors to the -gardens found considerable, interest in watching the bees in our glass -hives, and are now much disappointed at the absence of so entertaining -an exhibition. A collection of these hives are now exhibited by the -Acclimatisation Society of Great Britain, with living bees in them, -at the Fish Department of the Royal Horticultural Gardens, South -Kensington. - -A gentleman residing in St. James's Place has, for some considerable -time past, kept bees in his garden, there. He uses our improved -cottage-hives, and his, bee-keeping is decidedly successful, as he -generally takes, some fine glasses, of honey each season, besides, -leaving sufficient as winter store for the bees. For a London -situation, St. James's Place is a very favourable one; the gardens -behind the houses pleasantly face the Green Park, so that the bees have -an uninterrupted flight to start with. 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 Parks. To those, gardens, -the bees of St. James's Place resort, without waiting for any licence -or certificate from the royal and noble owners of the honey-yielding -preserves. Being within a short distance of our establishment, when -this gentleman's bees swarm, he generally sends to us for assistance in -hiving them. - -The neighbourhood of St. John's Wood and, indeed, almost all the -suburbs of London are favourable for the production of honey. We -mention St. John's Wood because, from the fact of having kept bees -there ourselves, we are able to prove by experience that they do well -in that locality. We have several customers on nearly all sides of the -town, who have each had this year a considerable surplus of honey in -their "supers," after leaving sufficient for the: bees themselves, in -the lower or stock hives. - -We exhibited in our window, in the autumn of 1864, a super of fine -honey from the apiary of Mr. Shirley Hibberd, the proprietor and editor -of the _Gardeners' Weekly Magazine_. It consisted of a box containing -20 lbs. nett weight of honey, and was produced at Stoke Newington, only -3¼ miles from the General Post Office. - -The _Times'_ "Bee-Master," whose letters from Tunbridge Wells have -awakened so much interest in this pleasing pursuit, also commissioned -us to exhibit a "super," produced under his own management in that -locality. Mr. S. B. Fox, at Exeter, had, upwards, of 400 lbs; of honey, -of excellent quality, though one of his apiaries is quite within the -city. - -The last has been an excellent honey-yielding season; our own bees, at -Dorking, Surrey, have produced us large quantities, and the accounts -from nearly all parts of the country coincide in stating that the bees -have, in the years 1864 and 1865; enjoyed unusual opportunities for -accumulation. In not a few localities, the season of 1863 was even more -abundant. - - -WASPS AND MOTHS. - -Bees, have few enemies more formidable, than wasps. The most effectual -method of checking their invasion of hives is to have, as narrow an -entrance, as the bees can do with. If a stock be not, very weak in -numbers, the bees will be well able to guard a small aperture, and can -repel the attacks of those insidious, and merciless robbers. On this -account, the entrance to our cottager-hive, as described at page 74, -may be used. - -The bee-keeper is interested in preventing the increase of wasps; it -is, therefore, 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 nest. - -Should nests be found in the neighbourhood of an apiary, their -annihilation must be accomplished, either by blowing them up with -gunpowder, an operation well understood by most country, lads, or any, -other effectual method. The late Mr. Payne recommended, that a small -quantity of gas tar should be put into the mouth of a wasps' nest, and -if then covered with earth, the total destruction of the wasps will -be accomplished without further trouble. But to use blazing straw for -the purpose is always dangerous in country districts. We have lately -heard of a very ingenious and successful mode of entrapping and killing -wasps. Place some sugar or strongly-sweetened compound on the ground -in a garden, and place over it a square hand-glass, wedged up an inch -or so all round. On this glass, which should have an opening at the -apex, lodge another, but a sound one. The wasps, attracted, by the -sweets, will soon crowd under the lower glass, and, when they have well -feasted, will ascend into the upper one; there, between the two, they -soon become scorched and perish by the heat of the sun shining on the -outer glass. - -The season of 1864 was most productive for the increase of these prime -pests of the apiary, and many hives have severely suffered by their -depredations. When once wasps in any number have gained an entrance -into a hive, the bees can seldom eject them, and the invaders generally -remain until they have freely regaled themselves from the luscious -store. They not only consume the honey, but cause a good deal of worry -to the legitimate inhabitants of the hive, as well as killing the -foremost defenders of it. Wasps being much superior in strength, it -requires at least three bees to master one of them. - -Having suffered loss in our own apiary from the attacks of wasps, we -feel it desirable to give a detailed account of our troubles from that -cause. A Ligurian stock was besieged and worried by wasps to such -an extent, that the bees deserted it on the 5th of September, 1864. -Fortunately, the bees chose a time for their departure just as we -visited the apiary. An unusual turmoil was heard in the hive, such as -is experienced at the time of swarming, and on immediately examining -the entrance, we observed that the bees were quitting in tumultuous -haste. The usual methods that induce bees to settle were tried--amongst -others, that of throwing sand up into the air, so that it should -fall down amongst the bees on the wing; but they were dispersed in -disorder, and their flight extended over three adjacent gardens. We -only discovered the clustered bees by diligent search, as the sequel -will show. Permission being asked of our next-door neighbour, we -searched his garden to see if our bees had alighted there; but found -that they had passed over. Making a similar application to the owner -of the garden adjoining, we entered, having a straw hive in hand, but -no bees were there. After looking diligently all round, and climbing -the wall, thereby gaining a view of the third garden, we perceived -in it unmistakable signs of an unwonted commotion. The occupiers of -the house were intently looking at a particular part of the garden, -and there was a dust-pan and a key, with which the master had been -"tanging the bees," to induce them to settle. We quickly made for the -proper entrance to the garden, and soon discovered our little wanderers -clustered to a large flower-vase. Our neighbours, however, were -sadly disappointed of their prize, for the gardener had hastily been -dispatched into the town to purchase a hive for the welcome colonists. -In depriving our neighbours of a so unexpected and cheaply-acquired -treasure, we could sympathise with their regret, having been much -disheartened half an hour before at our own loss; but, of course, we -could do no other than claim our own bees. We gladly agreed to defray -the expense of the straw hive that had been purchased for the sake of -our truant swarm. After brushing the bees into the hive, and leaving -it propped up with a stick, in order that the stray ones might join, -we returned home for an hour or so, to give them time to settle. Judge -of our vexation when, on returning to fetch the hive home, we found -that the refractory creatures had again taken flight, and that all the -work was to do over again. The wasps were not to blame for this second -flight of the Ligurians; 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 house. Although much -disheartened and perplexed, we at once renewed our search, and, upon -inquiry, found that the missing bees had taken a southerly course -across the turnpike road, and it was therefore necessary to ask -permission to search the gardens of the houses opposite. From one of -these we observed, on looking through the hedge, that the inhabitants -of the' next house were on the _qui vive_. On inquiring whether they -had seen a colony of bees, the wary old dame replied that she "had no -bees but her own," and added that "they were very much excited." Having -asked permission to go through the hedge to look at her bees, we soon -discovered our Ligurians on the top of the old lady's bee-house. There -was no difficulty in identifying our own bees; their yellow rings were -as good as a private mark. Quickly hiving the swarm, we took them home, -and replaced them in the hive they had quitted. It was almost destitute -of honey; but by liberal feeding, and lessening the entrance so that -only one bee at a time could find ingress or egress, we succeeded in -inducing them to rest in their old home. Thus nearly half a day's -exertion was needed to save a fine colony, which would otherwise have -been utterly lost by the power of the relentless wasps. - -Much watchfulness is needed to prevent the loss of swarms, and the -foregoing incident may serve to suggest the necessity of having -hives so located as to be constantly within view, either from the -dining-room, or of those whose duties oblige them to be near the -apiary. If we had not happened to be at hand at the moment this colony -started, it would have been irretrievably lost to us. Many swarms and -colonies are lost, simply because the departure takes place without -anyone witnessing it. 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 described. - -Other formidable enemies of bees are moths. These insects are creatures -of the night, as the wasps are of the day, and they make their way -into the hives under cover of darkness, in spite of the bee-sentinels. -They deposit their eggs in any crevices in or near the hive that they -can find. There the warmth of the hive, or of the sheltered situation, -causes the eggs speedily, to hatch, and then the maggots soon work -their way to the comb and larvæ food, which they greedily devour, -thereby often bringing about the gradual but certain destruction of -the whole community of bees. The best method of, keeping moths outside -the hives is to lessen the entrance, as before alluded to. Also, in -the early spring, the hives should be lifted from their floor-boards, -which must then be made thoroughly clean; and all crevices and corners -about the hive and stand should be scraped, so as to get rid of all -eggs of moths and other insects before the warm weather hatches them -or enables them to do mischief. The bee-moth is not so troublesome -in England as it is in America and some parts of Germany; but still -its encroachments should be carefully guarded against in this country, -for if not, it may easily increase to a very serious extent. In the -season of 1865, wasps were as few as they were numerous the preceding -year; their paucity was attributable either to frosts in May or to -heavy rains in June, which destroyed them in their nests. In general, -wasps are great depredators of wall-fruit, but, in the autumn before -mentioned, the bees occupied the wasps' foraging-ground. Perhaps -never in the memory of bee-keepers did bees feast upon fruit in the -same manner. Various reasons have been assigned for this unusual -occurrence; some thought that as there were so few wasps the bees were -unmolested, 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 rats. Other bee-keepers remarked the sudden -and early termination of the honey-gathering, and conjectured that -the bees, being anxious to make up their winter store, endeavoured to -bring home nectar from the fruit because the weather was unusually -fine. There was one feature which is worth remarking: as far as our -observation extended, the bees did not, like the wasps, break the skin -of sound fruit, but were satisfied with lapping the juice of the ripe -fruit that had the skin already broken. - -An unusual amount of robbing and fighting occurred in the autumn of -1865; the weather remaining fine and warm, and the honey having all but -ceased in the flowers, the bees began to assail each other's hives, -as usual, the strong attacking the weak. In most years, this spirit -of depredation exists, and the bee-keeper should be on his guard not -to tempt the avarice of bees' by exposing honey, either in the comb -or liquid, and also to be very tardy of opening bar and frame hives -at this time of year. If needful to do so (soon after sunrise is the -safest, because there will be few bees about), take the hive to a quiet -corner of the garden, many yards away from the other hives, and do what -is requisite speedily, so as not to expose the honey to the scent of -a host of robbers, who will most unceremoniously pillage, and cause a -terrible commotion. This caution will also be necessary to be kept in -view when removing supers. In fact, 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 September; and this plundering spirit -may exist even in October.[27] - -[Footnote 27: In the spring of the year, great care is also needful as -regards feeding and in opening hives.] - - -DRAINING HONEY FROM THE COMBS. - -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 two. For this purpose, it is better to let the honey run without -squeezing, in order to preserve both its transparency and flavour. - -Take a sharp knife, and slice the combs on both sides, keeping the -knife parallel with the partition wall, so that every cell may be laid -open. Place these broken combs in a sieve, or on a piece of muslin -stretched across and tied round the opening of a pan or large-mouthed -jar. Allow the honey to flow out of the combs spontaneously, and -reserve the squeezing process for a separate jar, so that the honey of -the first drained jar may be perfectly pure, both in appearance and -flavour. That which has pressure put on it will be waxy in flavour and -thick. Some persons recommend that the opened combs be placed in the -sun, as the heat will cause the honey to run more freely. The great -disadvantage of this is, the temptation the honey offers to bees, -who will be eager to gain a share. Honey, whilst in the combs, keeps -remarkably well when left in the supers; if cut out, the combs should -be folded in writing-paper, and sealed up, so as to effectually prevent -the free entrance of air: they should then be placed in a warm, dry -closet. - -Honey, like most vegetable products, should be fresh every year. It -may easily be kept from one season to another; but when kept beyond -that time, unless very carefully stored in a warm temperature, it will -crystallize in the comb, and it is liable to ferment when in jars -separated from the comb. - - -DISEASES OF BEES. - -Dysentery is a disease produced either by long confinement, by -dampness, or by feeding in the winter. The first thing bees do when -disturbed is to fill themselves with food, so that in winter weather, -when they cannot get out to void their fæces, hives should not be -meddled with, otherwise the complaint may be brought on. It is also -engendered in many instances by the state of the weather in winter -months, and is indicated by the yellow colour of the excrement, and -by its being voided upon the floors and at the entrance of the hives, -which bees in a healthy state generally keep clean. All, that can -be done for them when affected is to well clean or to change the -floor-board, and so produce cleanliness. Having made some remarks on -this disease at page 214, in connection with bees sent to Australia, we -will pass on to the more formidable, but happily less common, malady of -"foul brood." - -This disease does not attack the bees themselves, but affects the -larvæ, by causing them to putrefy in the cells, thus destroying all -hope of the rising generation. Bees are exceedingly fond of their -young, and are greatly dispirited when their hives are in this plight. -In common with most pestilential disorders, no satisfactory cause is -assigned for its first appearance. Some apiarians contend, that "foul -brood" is another name for chilled, brood; others, that the queen, by a -freak of nature, deposits some of her eggs the wrong way upwards, and -that these putrefy in the cells and contaminate the others. Whatever -may be the origin, one thing is very certain, "it is catching;" there -is, however, in the circumstance of the adult bees and of those about -emerging from the cells not being injuriously affected thereby, a great -help to its eradication, as will presently be shown. - -There are two kinds of foul brood--one is moist and fœtid, the other is -dry and not contagious, the brood merely drying up in the cells, and, -from its partial character, is probably within the power of the bees -themselves to overcome. In the former, instead of drying up, the brood -remains dark and slimy in the cells, and emits a most unpleasant odour, -perceptible at some distance from the hive. - -In the year 1848, Pastor Dzierzon lost a large number of stocks from -this disease; he, however, was enabled to banish it from his apiary, -and communicated to a German bee-journal very wholesome advice, which -Mr. Langstroth quotes, and from which we make an extract:--"When the -malady makes its appearance in only two or three of the colonies, and -is discovered early (which may readily be done in hives having movable -combs), it can be arrested and cured without damage or diminution of -profit. _To prevent the disease from spreading in a colony, there is -no more reliable and efficient process_ THAN TO STOP THE PRODUCTION -OF BROOD; for where no brood exists, none can perish or putrefy. The -disease is thus deprived both of its aliment and its subjects. The -healthy brood will mature and emerge in due time, and the putrid matter -remaining in a few cells will dry up and be removed by the workers. All -this will certainly result _from a well-timed removal of the queen_ -from such colonies. If such removal becomes necessary in the spring or -early part of the summer, a supernumerary queen is thereby obtained, -by means of which an artificial colony may be started, which will -certainly be healthy if the bees and brood used be taken from healthy -colonies. Should the removal be made in the latter part of summer, the -useless production of brood will at once be stopped and an unnecessary -consumption of honey prevented. Thus, in either case, we are gainers by -the operation." - -In cases where the disease assumes a more malignant character--in -other words, "has got ahead," through "not being nipped in the -bud,"--it will be well to take notice of another quotation from Mr. -Langstroth's book:--"In the spring or summer, when the weather is fine -and pasturage abounds, the following cure is recommended by a German -apiarian:--'Drive out the bees into any clean, hive, and shut them up -in a dark place without food for twenty-four hours; prepare for them -a clean hive, properly fitted up with comb from healthy colonies; -transfer the bees into it, and confine them two days longer, feeding -them with pure honey.'" - -Mr. Woodbury's apiary was severely attacked by this disease in the -spring and summer of 1863. The writer happened to be on a visit to -him at this juncture, and witnessed him withdrawing infected combs -from hives that were literally masses of corruption, the brood-cells -of which, on being opened with a pointed instrument, revealed the -dark brown slimy matter before alluded to, and from which arose a -most unpleasant smell. Mr. Woodbury communicated to the _Journal of -Horticulture_, of July 21, 1863, an exact and graphic account of his -misfortunes, headed "A Dwindling Apiary." 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 purification, -Mr. Woodbury set about endeavouring to accomplish his object, and -was so far successful, that he was able to furnish an article to the -before-named journal of August 4th, under the more cheerful title -of "Convalescent," in which he says: "First, let me indorse the -opinions both of Dzierzon and Rothe, that, except under very especial -circumstances, it is unadvisable to attempt the cure of a foul-breeding -stock: better, far better, to consign its inhabitants to the brimstone -pit; the hive itself, if a straw one, to the flames; the comb to the -melting pot; and appropriate the honey to any purpose, except that of -feeding bees." - -Mr. Woodbury further says: "Before starting, it was requisite to insure -the transfer of the bees to unpolluted hives; 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-stocked. In my own case, this was simply impossible, and I -therefore adopted the practice of another German writer on the subject, -viz., to scrape out the hive very carefully, wash it all over with a -saturated solution of chloride of lime, keeping it closely shut up -for twenty-four hours, and then, after thoroughly washing it with -clean water, exposing it to the sun and air until the smell of the -disinfectant had passed off. This method has the advantage of enabling -one to use a wooden hive again after a lapse of a couple of days, and -is, I believe, thoroughly effectual." - -Mr. Woodbury then captured the queen, secured her in a "cage," and -placed her in a clean empty hive; all her bees were brushed from -their combs into it as rapidly as possible, in order to prevent their -carrying much of the infected honey with them, whilst the combs -themselves were set draining out of the bees' reach, and consigned as -quickly as possible to the melting pot. After the lapse of three or -four days, the queen (still imprisoned) and bees were again transferred -to another clean hive, furnished with a few pure combs, and in this -they were suffered to remain, their queen being released in a day or -two, as soon as they appeared contentedly settled. Mr. Woodbury gives -another important hint that operations of this kind with tainted combs -should be performed out of reach of robber-bees from adjacent hives, -lest they should carry the infection to their respective houses. By -the before-mentioned process, Mr. Woodbury succeeded in completely -extirpating foul brood from his apiary in 1863, and has had no return -of it since. English apiarian writers have made so little allusion to -this disorder, that some of our older bee-keepers contend that modern -hives and foreign bees have something to do with bringing it about. To -show that the disease made its appearance in former days, there is a -chapter on this subject in Bonner's "Bee-Keeper's Companion," published -at Berwick, in 1798, entitled, "An uncommon Disaster which sometimes, -though rarely, happens to Bees," which Mr. Woodbury quotes at length -in the _Journal of Horticulture_. Bonner, after recounting therein -his observations of the dwindling state of his apiary for which he -could not account, says: "He saw plainly that the young were all going -backward in the cells, and that he looked down between the combs, but -was unable to proceed for the stench that the rotten maggots produced." -Mr. Langstroth writes that "Aristotle speaks of a disease which was -accompanied with a disgusting smell, so that there is reason to believe -that foul brood was known two thousand years ago." - -When we take into consideration how sorely our farmers are perplexed -by the cattle plague, known as the rinderpest, concerning which -so many conflicting opinions exist (and the same may be said of -the recommendations for its cure), can we wonder that our little -favourites should occasionally be liable to disorders of this sort, -which puzzle even experienced bee-keepers? In the hope of allaying -unnecessary alarm, we would just add that "foul brood" is not a very -general complaint, and, so far as our observation extends, has been -most fatal in large experimental apiaries, where extensive propagation -has necessarily had to be pushed forward. With the experience and -advice already gained, this disorder may now be said to be deprived of -its terrors. - - -GENERAL REMARKS. - -Every bee-keeper should be a book-keeper; that is, so far as to have a -permanent record of the events of the apiary and the fortunes of his -bees. A book similar to a tradesman's journal would be very suitable -for the purpose. In it he should note down the date of the first -swarm of the season especially, and those of the other swarms also; -and in autumn, the quantity of honey taken from each hive should be -entered, with remarks on the probable size of the various stocks. These -particulars will not only be interesting for the bee-keeper to turn to -in winter, but will be of practical service in enabling him to know the -exact age and probable strength of each stock. The bee-book may also be -contrived to show the total amount of honey that the bees have produced -for their owner, and the net money profit of the apiary. A simple and -clear account like this--provided, by the bye, that it does show a -satisfactory balance--will be very useful for inducing cottagers and -farm-labourers to start bee-keeping. Nothing like ocular demonstration -for this class. The "humane" apiarian will reason with them in vain, -until he shows them a monster "skep" of honey, and mentions the price -that it will fetch in the market When convinced that the depriving -system will pay, the cottager will gladly adopt it. - -A writer in the _Quarterly Review_ gives the following good -advice:--"Don't bore the cottager with long lectures; don't heap upon -him many little books; but give him a hive of the best construction, -show him the management, and then _buy his honey;_ _buy_ all he brings, -even though you should have to give the surplus to some gardenless -widow. But only buy such as comes from an improved hive--and you cannot -easily be deceived in this,--one which preserves the bees and betters -the honey. Then, when you pay him, you may read to him, if you will, -the wise rules of old Butler, _exempli gratiâ_:-- - - "'If thou wilt have the favour of thy bees that they sting thee - not, thou must not be unchaste or uncleanly; thou must not come - among them with a stinking breath, caused either though eating of - leeks, onions, or garlic, or by any other means, the noisomeness - whereof is corrected by a cup of beer; thou must not be given to - surfeiting or drunkenness; thou must not come puffing or blowing - unto them, neither hastily stir among them, nor violently defend - thyself when they seem to threaten thee; but, softly moving by, thy - hand before thy face, gently put them by; and, lastly, thou must - be no stranger to them. In a word (or rather in five words), be - chaste, sweet, sober, quiet, familiar; so they will love thee and - know thee from all others.'" - -Allusion having been made to the profit that may be gained by the -judicious management of bees, we will illustrate that point by relating -an anecdote of a certain French _curé_.[28] It is one which may be -suggestive to some of the rural clergy in this country, who might -almost as easily keep an apiary as they do a garden or an orchard. - -[Footnote 28: This story, in a disguised form, or, as the writer would -say, an improved form, was quoted in the _Cornhill Magazine_ some time -ago. In transforming the bee-keeping _curé_ into an English clergyman, -the effect was cleverly enhanced, especially as to the dismay of the -decorous English prelate in hearing that his poor brother in the Church -had turned "manufacturer;" but then the _vraisemblance_ of the story, -as we have it, was destroyed.] - -A good French bishop, in paying his annual visit to his clergy, was -very much afflicted by the representations they made to him of their -extreme poverty, which, indeed, the appearance of their houses and -families corroborated. Deploring the sad state of things which had -reduced them to such a condition, he arrived at the house of a curate, -who, living amongst a poorer set of parishioners than any he had yet -visited, would, he feared, be in a still more woful plight than the -rest. Contrary, however, to his expectations, he found the appearance -of this remote parsonage to be superior to those he had already -visited. Everything about the house wore the aspect of comfort and -plenty. The good bishop was amazed. "How is this, my friend?" said he; -"you are the first pastor I have met with having a cheerful face and a -plentiful board! Have you any income independent of your cure?" "Yes, -sire," said the pastor, "I have: my family would starve on the pittance -I receive from the poor people that I instruct. If you will walk into -the garden, I will show you the stock that yields me such excellent -interest." On going into the garden, he showed the bishop a long range -of bee-hives. "There," said he, "is the bank from which I draw an -annual dividend, and it is one that never stops payment." His harvest -of honey enabled him almost to dispense with the use of sugar, leaving -him a considerable quantify for disposal in the market; of the coarser -portions he made a tolerable substitute for wine, and the sale of the -wax nearly paid his shoemaker's bill. Ever afterwards, when any of the -clergy complained to the bishop of poverty, he would say to them, "Keep -bees! keep bees!" In this succinct advice--extending it to laity as -well as clergy in rural districts--we heartily join, believing that in -this country a ten-fold greater number of hives might be successfully -kept than are now established. - -In a very practical sense, the oft-repeated lines of Gray are strictly -true:-- - - "Full many a flower is born to blush unseen. - And _waste_ its sweetness on the desert air." - -An apiary in the garden of every village clergyman would afford the -means of economising this unclaimed bounty of Providence. - -An amusing, instance of the fondness of bears for honey is related by a -Muscovite ambassador to Rome, in the "Feminine Monarchie; written out -of Experience by Charles Butler. Printed in the Year 1609,"--a quaint, -but sensible work:-- - - "A neighbour of mine (saith he), in searching in the woods for - honey, slipped down into a great hollow tree, and there sunk into - a lake of honey up to the breast; where--when he had stuck fast - two days, calling and crying out in vain for help, because nobody - in the meanwhile, came nigh that solitary place--at length, when - he was out of all hope of life, he was strangely delivered by - the means of a great bear, which, coming thither about the same - business that he did, and smelling the honey, stirred with his - striving, clambered up to the top of the tree, and then began to - lower himself down backwards into it. The man bethinking himself, - 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 - loins, and withal made an outcry as loud as he could. The bear - being thus suddenly affrighted, what with the handling and what - with the noise, made-up again with all speed possible. The man - held, and the bear pulled, until, with main force, he had drawn him - out of the mire; and then being let go, away he trots, more afeared - than hurt, leaving the smeared swain in joyful fear." - -Bees may be very inexpensively and profitably kept in the cottager's -hive (see page 80), which will be found a very productive one. It is -true that it has not the appliances of windows and bell-glasses; for -the cottager is not supposed so much to care for his hives as a source -of amusement; his object in bee-keeping is simply the profit it may -bring. For those of our readers who wish to have united the facility, -of observing the bees with that of the plentiful production of honey, -we would especially recommend the improved cottage hive, described -at page 69. If inclined to go to a little further expense, the hives -described at pages 51, 62, 77, and 84, all afford constant opportunity -for inspection of the bees, and allow of their working freely in the -most natural manner. The Stewarton hive (page 109) is also a favourite -with those who give the preference to honey, stored in boxes, although -the opportunities for observation are not so great as with some others. - -There are few hobbies which cost so little outlay as the keeping of -bees! Once the "plant" of hives is purchased, there is little, if -any, additional expense, and always a probability of a fair return. -If honey be obtainable, the bees will find it; they work for nothing, -and provide themselves, with sustenance, requiring only a very -little labour from their keepers, and that labour of a pleasing and -instructive, kind. - -To the advanced and skilful apiarian we would especially commend the -use of the bar and frame hives. With these, as we have attempted to -show, the bee-keeper has a full command over his hives and bees. Many -mistakes, it is true, have been made by uninitiated bee-keepers in -using the more elaborate hives. Being struck with the remarkable -facilities afforded by these superior hives for the extraction of -any one comb, and, perhaps, fascinated with their easy sway over so -highly-organized a community, these new-fangled bee-keepers have -acquired a habit of perpetually and incautiously meddling with the -bees. The inevitable results in such cases are, distress to the bees, -impoverishment of the stocks, and loss and vexation to the over-zealous -apiarian. All these things may be avoided, if it is remembered that -there are first steps in bee-keeping, as well as in chemistry, croquet, -or cricket. In bee-keeping, as in floriculture, it is a great point to -know when to "let well alone." There is no florist, however anxious -for a prize, who would be continually pulling up his plants to see -how their roots were growing. Doubtless, the full control which the -bars and frames afford over the inmost recesses of the hives is a -great temptation to the bee-keeper; but if he yields too readily to -it, he will imperil his chance of profit and deprive himself of that -continuous source of interest which a judicious apiarian always enjoys. - -Many persons who are well-informed on most subjects are extraordinarily -ignorant of the natural history of bees and the economy of the -bee-hive. Perhaps we might venture to suggest that more pains should -be taken at schools, or by parents, to inform young persons on this, -in connexion with kindred subjects. As an amusing illustration of the -ignorance referred to, we transcribe an order we received a short time -since from a seminary in the north of England. The young gentleman thus -writes:--"Master ---- presents his compliments to Messrs. Neighbour, -and begs they will send him a swarm of bees; he encloses _six postage -stamps_, and hopes they will send him a _good_ swarm." This embryo -naturalist was evidently of a mercantile turn, and had a mind to buy -in the cheapest market, for in a postscript he adds:--"Please let -it be fourpence, if you can!" We need scarcely say that, in reply, -we endeavoured to enlighten our juvenile correspondent as to what -constituted a swarm of bees, and returned the stamps, with our thanks. - -Much superstition has existed, and, in some quarters, still exists, -among the poor respecting bees. If a death occurs in the family of the -bee-owner, these superstitious folk consider it needful to make the -bees aware of the bereavement by "waking" them; that is, by giving a -few raps at the entrance, and audibly announcing the circumstance. -If this be not done, "no luck," say they, will come of the bees the -following season. Last summer, even near the metropolis, we heard a -cottager bemoaning to his neighbour "his bad luck with his bees," when -the other replied, "Ah! no wonder; you never 'waked' your bees when -your wife died; what can you expect if you omit such needful duty?" -In many parts of France, as well as here, it is a custom on such -occasions to put the bees into mourning, by placing black crape or -some such material round the hives. Bees also receive intelligence when -a marriage or a christening takes place: in these cases, the hives are -draped with red cloth. In fact, 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-keeper. How would these good people -manage with the newly-imported foreign bees, for they can hardly be -expected to have learned our "lingo"? This difficulty is, however, not -"likely" to be experienced, for it is to be hoped that intelligent -bee-keepers do not believe in such nonsense. Fancy a man in this -nineteenth century haranguing his bees after the above-mentioned -fashion! Mr. 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 exposed." A clergyman -told him that he attended a funeral where, as soon as the coffin was -brought from the house, the bees gathered on it so much as to excite -alarm. Some years after this occurrence, being engaged in varnishing -a table, the bees alighted upon it in such numbers as to convince the -clergyman that love of the varnish on the outside, rather than any -respect for the deceased within, was the occasion of their conduct at -the funeral. Mr. Langstroth adds: "How many superstitions, believed -even by intelligent persons, might be as easily explained, if it were -possible to ascertain as fully all the facts connected with them?" -Another infatuation is, that you should on no account part with your -bees for silver money--only for _gold_. This is so far sensible, that -it ensures a respectable price. Certain credulous bee-keepers cannot, -on any account; be induced to part with their bees for money; they -will _barter_, but not _sell_,--to sell bees is, in their view, to lay -themselves open to evil fortune. If these apprehensions are correct, -our punishment will be a severe one, for we have been great offenders -in that way, and seem likely to go on sinning. - -It is scarcely necessary to add that, with the increase of education, -such superstitions and fancies are becoming less and less, and will -soon, it is hoped, be ranked amongst the follies of bygone days. - -The culture of bees would be greatly promoted if a knowledge of it -were considered necessary as one of the regular qualifications of a -gardener. So little time is needed to gain the skill requisite for -the tendance of an apiary, that it seems only reasonable to expect -it of a well-taught gardener, and he should feel a pleasure in the -circumstance of its forming a part of his duties. In Germany, where a -country gentleman's table is kept constantly supplied with fresh honey, -the gardeners are expected to understand the management of hives; and -in Bavaria, modern bee-culture is taught in the colleges to all the -horticultural students. Travellers in Switzerland will call to mind -the almost invariable practice of placing new honey on the breakfast -tables at hotels in that country. - -Some writers on bee-culture attach much importance to the particular -position in which an apiary stands, and the aspect towards which -it faces. A southern, or rather a south-eastern aspect, is the one -which we have already recommended. Our reason for this preference is, -that we deem it very important for the bees to have the first of the -morning sun. Bees are early risers, and should have every inducement -given them for the maintenance of so excellent a practice. A few years -since, many strong opinions were expressed in favour of a northern -aspect for hives. The chief reason given for those opinions, though -very plausible, appears to us to be a very partial and inadequate one. -It was said that, when the hives face the south, the bees may, like -the incautious swallow in the fable, be tempted to fly abroad in the -transient winter sunshine, and then perish in the freezing atmosphere -when a passing cloud intervenes. But it is a very easy matter, if -considered needful, to screen the entrance by fixing up matting so -as to intercept the rays of the sun. At our own apiary we make no -alteration in winter, under the belief that the bees will take care -of themselves and that they seldom venture out when the weather is -unsuitable. - -With hives exposed in the open garden, it is a good practice to wind -hay-bands round them in frosty weather, as such a protection enables -the bees to resist the cold. - -When a thaw occurs, everything, both in and out of doors, has a great -deal of dampness about it. The combs of a hive are not exempt from -this, so that it is advisable to have slight upward ventilation in -winter. Holes the size of a pin's head allow of the escape of a good -deal of bad air, which is generated by the exhalations of the bees, as -well as by the dampness before referred to. These holes, being small, -do not create sufficient draught through the hives to be pernicious; -if closed up by propolis, they are readily reopened with a pin. With -wooden hives in winter, a bell-glass is often found to be useful; it -should be placed over the hole in the crown-board, with a zinc trough -to receive the condensed moisture. - -In summer, bees do much towards ventilating their own stock-hives. The -observant apiarian will not fail to remark how, on a warm day, several -of the little creatures will stand at the entrance, with their abdomens -sightly raised and their twinkling wings in rapid motion, producing a -current of air inwards; while another set are engaged in like manner, -driving the bad air out, so that a supply of pure oxygen is conveyed to -the crowded inmates. In this fanning operation their wings vibrate with -such rapidity, that their shape is as indistinct as are the spokes of a -wheel when revolving in rapid centrifugal motion. - -This important office entails great physical exertion on the part of -the bees, and they relieve each other in detachments. - -Fine colonies are sometimes destroyed by the entrance-way becoming -stopped by some impediment or other, and care is requisite to keep a -watch, that so fatal a catastrophe does not happen, because the bees -(_unless where very ample ventilation is given_), excited by their -imprisonment, make matters worse, by raising the temperature of their -hive to such a pitch, that the combs melt from their foundations, and -the bees themselves are suffocated, presenting, alas! a most woful -spectacle to witness. - -We give this hint because, having ourselves suffered from a similar -cause when workmen have been employed in the vicinity of hives, these -gentlemen, thoughtless of the welfare of the bees, but most careful -of their own convenience, placed a piece of wood across, or otherwise -stopped, the entrances, to prevent the bees coming out. In _summer -weather_ a very short time of confinement in a close hive suffices to -complete the work of desolation; but should the bee-keeper's attention -be drawn to such a state of things, he must immediately raise the hive -from its floor-board, and let the poor bees have all the air possible, -leaving them thus exposed for the purpose of affording them a chance -of revival. When bees are likely to incommode those whose duties -temporarily oblige them to be near the entrances, it is better to move -the hives a few paces (for less loss will be experienced), or else let -the workmen cover their faces with net. The foregoing remarks more -particularly apply to the summer season. In winter or in the spring, -when the weather is cool and the bees are not so numerous, hives may be -shut up even for a day or so without much _ventilation_, and but little -harm will arise therefrom. - -When we send away stocks or swarms, we are always careful to pack them -so as to allow of a full current of air, in order that they may travel -even in the hottest weather. - -Some bee-keepers find an adapting-board convenient for placing -underneath straw supers, as it facilitates their removal. These -boards are made of mahogany half an inch thick, with a hole in the -centre corresponding with that in the stock-hive. We do not consider -it necessary to fix cross sticks in the straw stock-hives, as is -frequently done; but if the apiarian prefers to have his hives so -furnished, there is no serious objection to it. These observations -refer to our cottager's hive (page 80). - -There is another little matter of detail that should be named here; -that is, the necessity of the bee-keeper always having a common hive in -readiness near the bees, so as to be able to secure any swarm which may -unexpectedly start. - - * * * * * - -Here our pleasant task must close. 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 observations. By way -of illustrating the two characters combined, we will quote another -simple idyll, by the German bee-keeper, Herr Braun, whose winter -musings we have already presented to the reader:-- - - - ON THE FIRST FLIGHT OF BEES IN SPRING. - - [_From the German of_ Adalbert Braun.] - - By "A Devonshire Bee-keeper." - - Hark! what is so gaily humming - In the little garden there? - Hark! what is so briskly whizzing - Through the still and silent air? - - Friend, it is our bees--the darlings-- - Now enliven'd by the spring; - Yes, the winter is departed, - And once more they're on the wing. - - Happy he, who winter's perils - All his stocks brings safely through; - Thank Him, of all good the Giver-- - Faithful Watchman He, and true. - - Of my own are none departed, - All as yet unhurt remain; - Though no longer rich in honey, - Yet is spring returned again! - - Come, and let us view them nearer-- - Enter by the garden gate;-- - So--stand still and watch their doings-- - Light your pipe, and patient wait. - - See how busily they traverse - To their pasturage and back, - That they may by toil unwearied - Save the commonwealth from wrack. - - Look, O look, what loads of pollen - Bring they in with heedful care. - Nurslings, fear not; for your cravings - Here's sufficient and to spare. - - How they dart and how they hurtle - Through the genial balmy air! - To the mountains--to the meadows-- - 'Tis the scent attracts them there. - - There they dexterously rifle - Nectar from each flow'r in bloom. - Toil they for our honey-harvest, - For us fill the honey-room. - - Yes, our bees, our darling darlings, - We salute you all to-day; - For your life is our enjoyment-- - Winter's sleep has pass'd away. - - Grant prosperity, O Heaven! - To the new-born honey-year-- - Give thy favour--give thy blessing-- - To these objects of our care. - - Now let each attentive guardian - In devoted service strive - For the proud, the matron-monarch-- - Sov'reign of the honey-hive. - - So that we may learn by watching - Who that in the noon-tide glance, - Or in midnight's darkest moments, - Summons her to Hymen's dance.[29] - - Ev'ry bee-hive calls for patience, - Whilst great Haller's lessons teach - Without patience Nature's secrets - None successfully can reach. - - T. W. Woodbury, _Mount Radford, Exeter_. - -[Footnote 29: This point cannot now be considered doubtful, but it must -be remembered that Herr Braun's verses were written twenty years ago.] - -In conclusion, we would remind all bee-keepers who earnestly desire -success, and who hope to draw pecuniary profit from their pursuit, -of the golden rule in bee-keeping:--"Keep your stocks strong." In -exercising the assiduous attention and persevering effort which that -maxim enjoins, they will not only be regarded as, _bee-keepers_, -but, as Mr. Langstroth says, will acquire a right to the title of -_bee-masters_. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - - - - -APPENDIX. - - -TESTIMONIALS OF THE PRESS. - - * * * * * - - -GREAT EXHIBITION, 1851. - -The "Working Apiary" in the Great Exhibition of 1851 will long live in -the remembrance of the many thousand visitors who witnessed with much -interest the matchless industry of its busy occupants. - -We extract the following from many notices that appeared in the public -journals relative thereto. - -In noticing the hives exhibited in the Crystal Palace, I would say, -first and foremost, in my opinion, stands Mr. Taylor's Eight-bar Hive -and Messrs. Neighbour, and Son's Improved Cottage Hive, both exhibited -by Messrs. Neighbour.--_J. H. Payne, see "Cottage Gardener," Nos. 169, -170._ - -_From the "Illustrated London News."_ - -Messrs. Neighbour's Apiary consists of a large glass case, with parts -of the sides covered with perforated zinc for the sake of ventilation. -This apiary contains three hives: first, Neighbour's Ventilating -Box-Hive, containing from 15,600 to 20,000 bees, which were hived on -the 30th of April of the present year, the day before that of the -opening of the Great Exhibition; Neighbour's Observatory Glass-Hive, -containing about the same number as the box-hive; and a two-storied -square box-hive, with sloping roof. From this latter, however, the -bees decamped within a week after they had been hived, owing to some -disturbance, or perhaps to the dislike taken by the bees to their new -habitation. The Ventilating Box-Hive is in shape square, having windows -and shutters. The entrance is at the back, enabling the bees to go -to Kensington Gardens, or other resorts, when they please. Above the -wooden box is placed a bell-glass, into which the bees ascend to work -through a circular opening in the top of the square box. In the top -of the bell-glass is an aperture, through which is inserted a tubular -trunk of perforated zinc to take off the moisture from within. The -Observatory Hive is of glass, with a superior crystal compartment, an -opening being formed between the two; the bees are at present forming -a comb in this upper glass, which affords a very interesting sight, -as, generally speaking, the bees are in such a cluster when at work, -that one can scarcely view their mathematically-formed cells. A straw -cover is suspended over the upper compartment by a rope over a pulley, -which cover is raised up by the attendant at pleasure. The larger or -bottom compartment rests on a wooden floor, which has a circular groove -sinking therein to receive the bell-glass. A landing place projecting, -as usual, with sunken way, to enable the bees to pass in and out of -their habitation, completes this contrivance. - -In addition to Mr. Neighbour's Crystal Apiary, he also exhibits a -Cottager's Straw Hive, Taylor's Amateur Bee-Hive, a Glass Hive, Nutt's -Patent Collateral Hive, the Ladies' Observatory Hive, Neighbour's -Improved Cottage Hive, and Payne's Cottage Hive. - -The Cottager's Hive is simply that of the form we find in use in most -parts of the country, where the industrious cottagers or their wives, -by a little attention to their interesting little labourers, are -enabled to add something to their usually scanty earnings. This kind of -hive is usually made of straw, resting on a circular wooden board, with -part of the board or floor projecting in front as a landing-place for -the bees, which enter under the edge of the straw by means of a sinking -in the floor. - -Taylor's Amateur's Bee-Hive consists of three small square boxes, one -above another, with a roof over the top story, the ventilation being -effected by perforations under the eaves; each side of every story -has a window and shutter. The landing-place is in front of the bottom -story, and the entrance to the hive is a long slit about three-quarters -of an inch high. - -The Glass Hive, or Ladies' Observatory Hive, is similar to that in -which the bees are at work in Mr. Neighbour's Apiary already mentioned, -but on account of the number of bees at work therein, and the extent -of comb already effected, the interior perches cannot be seen. These -wooden perches are arranged in parallel lines, leaving a space next the -glass all round, the whole being framed together with a bar at right -angles, and resting on an upright support in the middle. - -The Improved Cottage Hive of the same exhibitor consists of a straw -circular lower compartment, having windows and outside shutters. A -thermometer is placed just inside one of the windows. The floor is of -wood, with a landing-place and sunken way, as already mentioned in -some of the other hives. In the top, which is also of wood, are three -circular perforations, each of about two inches in diameter, above -which are placed as many bell-glasses. There is a small hole in the -top of each of the glasses, through which a perforated tubular trunk -is inserted for the sake of taking off the moisture from the interior -of the hive. Within the glass is a feeding-trough of zinc, circular in -shape, with a floating perforated floor, on which the bees alight, and -in the winter season regale themselves with the honey which is found -in the various perforations, as it floats up to the level of the honey -contained in the small filling-trough, through which the honey, or -beer and sugar, is poured. The glasses are covered with a straw cap, -removable at pleasure. - -Messrs. Neighbour's contributions are completed with tin perforated -fumigators, by the use of which the bees are stupefied for a while, -when required to be moved from one hive to another, and specimens of -honey and honeycomb of the season 1850. - -_From the "Express."_ - -Bees and Bee-Hives.--In the North-East Gallery, directly under the -Transept, are arranged, by Messrs. Neighbour, of Holborn, several -descriptions of bee-hives, which it will be interesting to many of our -readers to examine, as this branch of rural economy is claiming much -general and deserved attention throughout the country. The novelty of -these hives consists in the facilities that are afforded in taking -therefrom, at any time of the gathering season, the purest honey, -without destroying or even injuring the bees, thus humanely superseding -the barbarous and hateful system of murdering these interesting insects -to obtain the produce of their industry. - -Immediately adjoining the group of untenanted bee-hives may be observed -living hives with the bees most industriously at work. These useful -little creatures have been highly honoured by the Executive Committee, -for of all the animal workers that contribute to the interest of the -Exhibition, they alone are allowed therein to display their matchless -ingenuity and skill. By a simple contrivance, the bees are allowed -egress and ingress without in the least degree molesting the visitors, -thus enabling the admirers of the works of nature to view the whole -process of forming the cells and depositing the honey therein. - -Within these few days, Messrs. Neighbour have added to the Apiary a -bee-hive constructed entirely of glass, protected by a cover neatly -made of straw, but so contrived that on application to the attendant -it can be removed instantly, thus illustrating more particularly the -curious workmanship of these amusing insects. - -Her Majesty the Queen and the Prince Consort, with the Royal Children, -were some time engaged in watching with deep interest the busy scene -before them, and putting many questions relating to the habits and -economy of the honey-bee. - - * * * * * - - -INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, 1862. - -_From the "Illustrated London News," August 16, 1862._ - -One of the most interesting and instructive objects in the Exhibition -is a transparent hive, in which the bees may be seen at full work. -Among the collection of bee-hives exhibited by Messrs. Neighbour and -Son, is one of glass, stocked with a colony of Italian Alp bees. Here -the queen-bee may be seen surrounded by her subjects, which pay the -most deferential attention to their sovereign. Through an aperture -cut in the wall, the busy throng of bees are continually passing and -repassing. They go out at their pleasure into the open court, fly over -the annexe into the grounds of the Horticultural Society and other -adjacent gardens, and return laden with sweets. - -_From the "Journal of Horticulture," October 21, 1862._ - -G. Neighbour, and Sons, 149, Regent Street, and 117, Holborn, No. -2157, have a very handsome and complete stall, on ascending the steps -of which we found a flourishing stock of Ligurians, apparently not at -all ashamed of the public position which they occupied, and working -vigorously in the full light of day. The queen, one of the largest -and finest-coloured we have met with, was perambulating the combs -and receiving the homage of her subjects, stopping frequently to -deposit an egg in every empty cell. The hive itself was a "Woodbury -Unicomb," handsomely got up in mahogany, invented, as its name -implies, by our valued correspondent, "A Devonshire Bee-keeper," the -construction of which will be readily understood by an inspection of -the engraving at page 102. Its distinctive features are the adaptation -of the movable-bar system to unicomb-hives, by which any colony in -an apiary of "Woodbury hives" can be placed in the unicomb-hive in a -few minutes, and the use of "outside venetians," or "sun-blinds," as -they are called, instead of the usual impervious shutters. By this -contrivance light is never excluded, so that when the hive is open -for inspection, all its inmates continue their avocations with their -accustomed regularity, and a quiet and orderly scene is presented to -the spectator instead of the hubbub and confusion which ensues in -ordinary unicomb-hives. On the left-hand side of the unicomb hangs -a beautifully-executed drawing of a Ligurian queen-bee magnified, -together with the queen-worker and drone of _Apis Ligustica_, of the -natural size. Immediately under the drawing is placed a square glass -super, containing nearly forty pounds of the finest honeycomb. On the -right of the unicomb-hive is another super of the same description, -containing nearly thirty pounds of the purest honey. These supers -are, undoubtedly, by far the finest in the Exhibition, and are the -first worked in England by Ligurian bees, being from the apiary of -"A Devonshire Bee-keeper." In addition to these, the most striking -objects, are shown Neighbour's Improved Single Box and Cottage -Hives, Taylor's Bar-Hives, Woodbury Frame and Bar-hives, the new -Bottle-feeder, and bee apparatus of every description. It will be -apparent from the foregoing, that Messrs. Neighbour's stall is well -worth inspection, although the various novelties it contains appear to -have met with but scant appreciation by the Jury, who merely awarded -to them that "honourable mention" so lavishly accorded to far less -deserving objects. - -_From the "Illustrated News of the World" September 6, 1862._ - -One of the most interesting and instructive objects is the honey-bee -at full work in transparent hives. In the International Exhibition, -Class 9, Eastern Annexe, Messrs. Neighbour and Son of Holborn and -Regent Street, exhibit, amongst a collection of the most approved bee -hives and apparatus, a glass hive, stocked with a colony of Italian -Alp bees. The hive is so constructed as to admit of easily seeing the -queen surrounded by the working bees. Contrary to the long-established -notion that the bees work only in the dark, this hive is completely -open to broad daylight. The bees do not manifest the least dislike to -the exposure, and they are not discomfited when light is occasionally -admitted for inspecting them. 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 case. The -queen may be seen depositing the eggs in the cells; in this manner she -goes on multiplying the species, the working-bees surrounding her, and -paying the most deferential attention, with their heads always towards -her. Not the least interesting part is to watch the entrance; facility -is afforded for doing so, the sunken way communicating with the hive -being covered with a flat piece of glass. The busy throng pass and -repass through the aperture cut in the wall, so that the bees go out -at their pleasure into the open court, fly over the Annexe into the -Horticultural and other adjacent gardens, and return laden with crystal -sweets gathered from the flowers. The novelty of being able to inspect -living bees, and those of a new variety, as easily as goods in a shop -window, will well repay the trouble of finding Messrs. Neighbour's -stand. These gentlemen will no doubt cheerfully give any information -that may be required. - -_From the "Gardener's Weekly Magazine," September 1, 1862, Conducted by -Shirley Hibberd, Esq., F.R.H.S._ - -Neighbour and Son, 149, Regent Street, London (2157).--This is the -most important of the exhibitions in this department. The "bees at -work" are in hives open to the inspection of visitors, the bees passing -out through tubes to the open air, and not being visible within the -building, except through the glass of the hives; The collection of -hives of all kinds is complete and interesting, and we subjoin a figure -of the stand (see page 102) to show how bees as well as hives may be -exhibited conveniently. Amongst the various contrivances exhibited -by Messrs. Neighbour, Nutt's Collateral Hive has an important place, -and though very fancifully got up, and therefore very attractive to -amateur bee-keepers, we must make the same objection to it as we have -above to other forms of the same from different makers. The Single-box -Hive, the Taylor's Shallow Eight-bar Hive, are the best bee-boxes in -this collection, and every way admirable. Here are no fancy ventilators -which the bees will close up, nor provoking side boxes which they -will hesitate to enter, and from which it will be hard to dislodge -them in order to get them to winter in the "pavilion." Whoever begins -bee-keeping with either of these will have a fair chance of success. -The most popular of the hives is that called the "Improved Cottage." -Its popularity, no doubt, is due to the compromise between wood -and straw which it accomplishes. People cannot get rid of the idea -that a bee-hive _must_ be made of straw, though it is a material so -ill-adapted for union of swarms, supering, and other operations of -advanced bee-culture. 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 system." It consists of stock-hive, -small super-hive, and straw cover, and is on the principle of Payne's, -which, has been most successful among country-people who have got so -far as to prefer keeping to killing their bees. The "Woodbury Bar and -Frame Hive" is a novel construction, combining all the best features -of the best bar boxes, and adding some new ones of great value and -importance. We recommend every bee-keeper to become possessed of -this admirable contrivance, with which Mr. Woodbury has accomplished -wonderful things in the multiplication of the new race of Ligurian -bees. In general form and proportions it resembles Taylor's and -Tegetmeier's boxes, but in the arrangement of the bars it is unique. -The stock-box is furnished with ten movable bars and frames, after the -German plan. Each bar has a projection running along the under side; -this ridge is chosen by the bees for the foundation of combs, rendering -guide-combs unnecessary. The supers have glass sides and eight bars, so -that the operator need never be in doubt when to add another box above, -or take away the harvest. - -The "Unicomb," or one-comb observatory hive, is intended solely for -purposes of observation, and though furnished with doors to keep -up a uniform degree of heat, Messrs. Neighbour have found in their -experience at the Regent's Park Gardens and elsewhere, that the bees -manifest no dislike to a continual exposure to light. As this elegant -contrivance can be placed in the window of a drawing-room, it is -adapted to the amusement and instruction of the family circle, as well -as to the more serious objects of the entomologist and scientific -apiarian. All that is necessary is to connect the outlet with the open -air by means of a length of tubing or wooden tunnel, and the bees pass -in and out without obtaining access to the room, and all the mysteries -of the hive are open to daily observation. There are numerous other -hives, bee-feeders, bee-armour, &c., &c., which we have not space to -notice, but which we advise our apiarian friends to inspect, as the -collection of Messrs. Neighbour illustrates fully every department of -this interesting subject. - - * * * * * - - -BATH AND WEST OF ENGLAND AGRICULTURAL SHOW AT EXETER, IN JUNE, 1863. - -_From the "Journal of Horticulture" June 23, 1863._ - -A novel feature in the Exhibition of the Bath and West of England -Agricultural Society, which took place at Exeter list week, was the -stall of Messrs. Neighbour and Sons, in which were exhibited bees at -work in glass hives, and apiarian appliances of every description. -There were two Ligurian stocks of bees at full work, one in a -full-sized Woodbury Unicomb Hive, having been brought from London For -the occasion, and the other a smaller hive of the same description, -being from the neighbouring apiary of our valued correspondent, "A -Devonshire Bee-keeper." Amongst the hives exhibited, the Woodbury -Frame Hive in straw appeared both novel and good, whilst amongst the -apparatus, artificial combs, and the stereotyped plates for making -them, seemed to us the most worthy of attention. - -There was a remarkably curious specimen of artificial combs, or -partition wall, partially fabricated into complete comb by the bees, -which struck us as being well worth examination, showing, as it did, -the various stages by which this transformation is effected, and being -calculated to throw light on the problem as to the mode in which bees -construct their combs. It is almost unnecessary to state that this -unique and instructive stall was crowded throughout the week, and we -hope its financial results were such as will lead Messrs. Neighbour to -continue their attendance at the Society's meetings. - -_From the "Western Times" Exeter, June 12, 1863._ - -For the Little Busy Bee.--Next to the poultry tents, and set back -against the yard fencing, is the exhibition of Messrs. George -Neighbour and Sons, 127, High Holborn, and 149, Regent Street, London, -inventors and manufacturers of improved bee-hives for taking honey -without the destruction of the bees. The savage knows where to find -the nest of the wild bee, and how to get at his honey; but all the -improvement upon the covetousness of the savage made by the long after -ages of the world to modern times, was to find the means of luring the -pattern of industry to a convenient atelier, where he might be more -easily first murdered and then robbed. Their habits early attracted the -attention of some of the best observers of ancient as well as modern -times. Cicero and Pliny tell of the philosopher Hyliscus quitting human -society, and retiring to the desert to contemplate their peaceful -industry. The ancient poet, in his _Sic vos vobis_, plaintively sings -over bee and beast living, or rather dying, not for themselves, but -the lord of creation, yet was it left to modern times--very modern -times--to join the sentiment of humanity to the rapacity of the -barbarian. Mr. 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 bee, and also subsidiarily of promoting its comfort during its -busy and useful life. We are not allowed to forget here that we have -residing in our city one of the first apiarians in the kingdom--Mr. -Thomas Woodbury, of Mount Radford. If the bee-philosophy be his hobby, -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 object. One proof of his genius in this his -favourite department of action, is seen among this collection of Mr. -Neighbour's, in the "Woodbury Unicomb Hive." It might be, when closed -up, for aught that appears, a neat case of books; but on opening two -doors of the Venetian blind pattern, back and front, we see between the -glass walls the insect city exposed to view, with all the population in -action. There it may be seen - - "How skilfully she builds her cell; - How neat she spreads her wax; - And labours hard to store it well - With the sweet food she makes." - -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 work. "Neighbour's Unicomb Observatory Hive" is -a great novelty, being constructed with glass slides, the hidden -mysteries of the hive being exposed to the full light of day. "Huber's -Book or Leaf Hive" is constructed to facilitate the object of the -scientific apiarian. But the class of hives which will most interest -those desirous of promoting bee-keeping among the many will be those -for the cottage. There can be no doubt that many a poor cottager in the -country, if he could be made to see the advantage it would be to him, -and were taught the most economical and successful way of managing this -species of "live stock," would add thereby something considerable to -his small earnings in the course of a summer. Members of Cottage Garden -Societies have turned their attention to it very generally; but to -get the thing well afloat, requires in every district the devotion of -some earnest enthusiast who will take up the apostolic rule of action -"This one thing I do." There is the No. 5 "Improved Cottage Hive," in -which three bell glasses are employed, enabling you to take a glass -of the purest honey from the hive in the most vigorous period of the -season. Then there are other hives of simpler construction and less -expensive, but all illustrative of the sentiment of humanity which -seeks to preserve from wanton destruction those useful and interesting -auxiliaries to our luxury and comfort. This comparatively unimportant -stand, in point of size, cannot but attract the attention of a large -number of visitors, especially of the ladies and the clergy, who are -desirous of promoting the cultivation of the bee among the poor. To -heighten the interest for the curious, in one of Mr. Woodbury's hives -the bees are all alive and at it, and for those who are disposed to -go further into the subject, information is available touching this -fashionable, profitable, and domesticated member of the apiarian -family, the Ligurian or Italian Alp bee. Our old dark-coated delver -is threatened with supercession, just as the black rat was driven off -by the Norwegian invader, now in possession,--as the old races of -cattle are being metamorphosed in the sleek, shapely, beef-bearing, -small-boned animals of the present time. - -_From the "Devon Weekly Times" June 12, 1863,_ - -Bees.--Messrs. Neighbour & Sons, of London, are exhibitors of two -Woodbury Unicomb Hives, showing the royal and common bees in full work. -These hives are very ingeniously constructed, and were invented by Mr. -T. Woodbury, of Mount Radford. Among other apiarian attractions, we -may mention the improved Cottage and Cottager's Hives, which are well -worthy the notice of those for whom they are designed, and the Ladies' -Observatory Hive. The Messrs. Neighbour also exhibit Ligurian bees. - - -_From "Woolmer's Exeter Gazette" June 12, 1863._ - -Improved Bee-Hives.--At a stand near the poultry tents are exhibited -Neighbour's Improved Bee-hives for the taking of honey without the -destruction of bees. The hives are stocked with the famous Ligurian -bee. The Unicomb Observatory Hive is constructed with glass sides, so -that the whole of the movements of the Apiarian colony are visible, -including the proceedings of the queen and her court. This and some -of the other descriptions of hives manufactured by Messrs. Neighbour -are invented by T. W. Woodbury, Esq. They are furnished with movable -bars, after the German fashion. Each bar has a projection along the -underside; this ridge being waxed, induces the bees to build parallel -combs, thus obviating the necessity for a guide-comb. This description -of hive is best suited for the Ligurian or Italian Alp bee. Stocks -of this species, now so much in repute, may be obtained of Messrs. -Neighbour, 149, Regent Street, London. - - * * * * * - - -ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW, NEWCASTLE, 1864. - -_From the "Northern Daily Express" July 22 (published at Newcastle)._ - -A Model Factory.--Stand 194.--G. Neighbour and Sons, Regent Street, -and High Holborn, London. We have heard of model farms and model -lodging-houses for the working classes, but it was reserved for the -Royal Agricultural Society's Meeting in 1864 to introduce to our notice -a model factory, where we may see representatives of the working -classes busily engaged in their daily avocations. The stand which we -have quoted above may afford fruitful study to such philanthropists as -the Earl of Shaftesbury, who make it their benevolent aim to elevate -the masses, and the lesson here given from actual life will not be lost -upon working men themselves. There are several striking features worthy -of notice in the "model factory." We can clearly perceive that it has -been established on a principle which is essential to the success -of any great concern--namely, the principle of a good understanding -amongst the operatives themselves, and between them and the head of -the establishment. What strikes us in this model factory is the unity -of action which reigns throughout. There is no jostling of rival -interests, and no misunderstandings or cross purposes. The operatives -in this establishment are so numerous that we question if any one has -as yet been able to count their number, and yet all seem to be working -in perfect harmony, their joint labour continually leading to one -beautiful and sublime result. Another feature specially noticeable -in the establishment in question is the principle of subordination. -Singular to say, that while the operatives are males[30], the foreman -of this model factory is a female; but that circumstance need not -shock the sensibilities of our fair friends any more than it ought -to offend the prejudices of the sterner sex, inasmuch as the mighty -empire of Great Britain is ruled by the gentle hand of a female; and -moreover, in the one case as in the other, the presiding genius, -amid all her official cares and duties, takes care to preserve the -modesty of her sex. She never in the slightest degree obtrudes herself -needlessly on public observation, and probably on that very account -the respect shown to her by her subjects is the more profound and -devoted. There is, however, one particular in which we would take -leave to demur to the idea of this factory being in every respect -regarded as a "model." We have not been able to discover that there is -any particular period of the day in which the operatives are allowed -to take refreshments. We, in England, have been accustomed to regard -the dinner-hour somewhat in the light of a sacred institution. And if -the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society mean to set this up as -a model institution, we are of opinion that some explanation on this -point is desirable. Indeed, we have not been able to discover that -the operatives in this establishment take any refreshment whatever. -If they do, it must be "on the sly," vulgarly speaking. There is one -peculiarity, however, which must tend to popularize this institution, -and which has sensed to make it one of the most attractive objects on -the show ground. 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 extent, and -perhaps wisely so. As you approach the door you see an intimation In -legible characters, "No admission except on business." This may be -very proper, but it is rather tantalising. In the model factory which -we are now describing all the operations are open to inspection. Every -action is patent to the eye of the spectator. This has been effected -by a skilful contrivance, and it is this contrivance, in fact, which -has entitled the inventor to obtain a place in the show ground for his -model factory, which he describes by the somewhat ambiguous term "a -new implement." But our readers may wish to learn what is the staple -manufacture of this wonderful workshop. We reply--"honey." The factory -we speak of is nothing more nor less than a bee-hive; or, to quote from -the catalogue, "An Unicomb Observatory Bee-hive," with living Italian -Alpine bees at full work; it was invented by T. W. Woodbury, of Exeter, -and is improved and manufactured by the exhibitors. As implied by its -name, this hive has one comb, so that both sides are fully exposed to -the light of day, thus allowing of an easy inspection of the queen-bee, -surrounded by her retinue. - -[Footnote 30: The reporter was in error as to the sex of the workers.] - - * * * * * - - -BEES AND BEE-HIVES AT THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S MEETING AT -PLYMOUTH. - -_From the "Journal of Horticulture" August 22, 1865._ - -Living bees at work are always attractive, not only to bee-keepers, -but to the general public. Messrs. Neighbour and Sons' exhibition -formed no exception to this general rule, for their stand was at all -times densely crowded. The chief object of interest was the Woodbury -Unicomb Observatory Hive, in which was a stock of Ligurian bees, with -a very fine queen surrounded by her yellow Italian subjects. Messrs. -Neighbour also exhibited a square Woodbury glass hive stocked with -English bees, in which the position of the bars and frames, with bees -and combs, could be very distinctly seen. Both these colonies were -brought from Mr. A. Neighbour's apiary, near London. The bees obtained -egress and ingress by means of a covered way nearly three feet long, -which appeared but little to inconvenience them, whilst, being covered -with glass, it added not a little to the interest with which they -were observed. In the wall of the shed were small apertures, with -alighting-boards fixed on the outside, and although the public passed -in crowds before these unprotected entrances, no one was stung, nor -were the bees themselves interfered with or molested--a warning notice -appended to the outside being universally attended to, and a respectful -distance maintained. - -Amongst Messrs. Neighbour's collection were the Woodbury Straw -Bar-and-Frame, Neighbour's Improved Cottage, the Ladies' Observatory, -Cottager's, and many low-priced straw hives on the improved system. -The impressed wax sheets, with specimens of combs partially worked -therefrom, were interesting and curious. The bottle-feeder, -bee-dresses, india-rubber gloves, and other apiarian appliances also -received, and were worthy of, much attention. - -By way of illustrating the fruits of the honey-harvest of the present -year, Messrs. Neighbour had a square super of fine white honeycomb from -the apiary of our esteemed correspondent, Mr. Woodbury, and an octagon -glass super from our valued contributor, Mr. S. Bevan Fox, both of -which admirable specimens were most highly commended. - -[Illustration] - - - - -INDEX. - - - A. - - Acclimatising bees 213, 249 - Adapting-board 96, 162, 183 - Age of bees 10, 11 - Anatomy of bees (Plates I and a), description of 31 - Anecdotes of, 240, 242, 245, 246 - Anger of bees 149, 163, 190 - Antennæ (Plate I) 38 - ---- act as a barometer 39 - Apiary, best time to set up an 21 - ---- exterior and interior of an 138, 139 - Artificial swarming 169, 182 - ---- time for 171 - Artificial comb 157 - Aspect 64, 248 - Australia, sending bees to 213 - - - B. - - Baby-bee, cradle of 16 - ---- emerging from the cell 17 - Bar, improved 90 - Bar and frame-hives 84 - ---- manipulation of 15 - ---- advantages of 168, 174, 178 - ---- changing after winter 178 - ---- recommended 243 - Bee-dress or protector 27, 115, 148, 170 - ---- necessity for 149, 165 - Bee-decoy, to attract swarms 25 - Bees live in society 3 - ---- lesson to man 11 - ---- young 17 - ---- cluster outside hives 23 - ---- peaceful whilst swarming 27 - ---- should not be fed in winter 141 - ---- tempted to rob 140 - ---- reduced size of 168 - ---- at the International Exhibition of 1862 213 - ---- breath, human, obnoxious to 149, 190 - ---- artificial scent ditto 190 - Bee-keeping in London 215 - ---- Zoological and Horticultural Gardens 221 - Bee-keeping, profit arising from 239 - Bee-hives (modern):-- - Huber's book or leaf hive 118 - Neighbour's cottager's:-- - Description of 80 - Neighbour's improved cottage:-- - Description of 68 - Care necessary to keep a good store of food 75 - Neighbour's improved cottage without window:-- - Description of 76 - Neighbour's unicomb observatory:-- - Description and application of 98 - Exhibited in Paris, 1855 101 - Prize medal 101 - Neighbour's single-box:-- - Description of and directions for 63 - Keep glass warm 65 - Nutt's collateral:-- - Description of 51 - Taking surplus honey 58 - Stewarton hive:-- - Description of 109 - Directions for management 112 - Nadir box, value of 117 - Extra boxes required 118 - Taylor's improved cottage:-- - Description of 96 - Taylor's amateur's eight-bar wood:-- - Description of 65 - Stand for ditto 67 - Taylor's eight-bar straw 96 - Woodbury bar and frame:-- - Description of 84 - Straw ditto 85 - Glass ditto 88 - Special advantages of straw 86 - Origin of 86 - Manipulation with 157 - Super 93 - Putting on 162 - Woodbury Unicomb:-- - Construction of 102 - Modes of tenanting 106, 107 - How transferred to box-hive 108 - Bee-houses, advantage of 123 - ---- engravings of houses to contain twelve hives 126, 127 - ---- object of colouring alighting-boards 126 - ---- loss of queens 127 - Bee-house to contain nine hives, engraving 128 - Bell-glasses 133 - Bottle-feeder 140 - ---- directions for using 142 - Breathing of bees 43 - Brood, royal 9, 175, 179 - ---- wire cover for (engraving of) 175 - - - C. - - Cells, contracted size of 168 - Cells, royal, _see_ Brood. - Changing old stocks to new hives not to be attempted - by inexperienced 182 - ---- old hives into humane ones 183 - ---- old stocks to frame-hives 184 - Classes for whom bee-keeping has interest 1 - Combs, value of 152 - ---- must not be jarred 149 - ---- how fixed in frames 160 - ---- ensuring regularity of 67, 90, 152, 161, - (_note_) 184 - ---- artificial, description of 151 - ---- how fixed in frames 160 - Compound bar-frame 91 - Cottagers, way to convince, of the humane system 139 - Cover for square hives 67, 55 - ---- for round hives 81, 131, 132 - Crown-board 34, 87 - - - D. - - Dampness in hives in winter injurious 75, 86, 148 - Depriving system, special advantages of 19, 82 - Diseases of bees 231 - Dividing hives, reason why they do not answer 173 - Driving bees, directions for 179 - Drone, description of 11 - Drones, massacre of 14 - Dysentery 215, 232 - - - E. - - Eggs of bees (Plate 2, fig. 7) 16 - ---- how made into queens 15 - ---- position in the hive 16 - ---- time hatching 17 - Engraved pressing roller 150 - Entrance to hives 52, 74, 86 - ---- stopped, danger therefrom 250 - Epitaph on brimstoned bees 20 - Evans, poet of the bees (note on) 4 - ---- 'poetry of,' 7, 11, 12, 23, 24, 142 - Evening thoughts in January 129 - - - F. - - Feeding 54, 64, 75, 79, 140, 143 - Feet of bees 42 - Food necessary (_note_) 140 - Foul brood 232 - Frames 89 - ---- should hang true 91 - ---- how kept perpendicular 91 - ---- manipulation with 157 - French bishop, anecdote of 240 - Fructifying flowers, bees useful for 194 - Fumigator box 145 - ---- tube 147 - - - G. - - Gardeners ought to be bee-keepers 247 - General remarks 238 - Glasses, bell 133, 154 - ---- must be kept warm 65 - Guide-comb for glasses 135 - ---- for bars 68, 97 - ---- _note_ 161 - - - H. - - Hive should be ready for swarm 27, 71, 250 - Hives, _see_ Bee-hives. - Hearing of bees, sense of 38 - Honey-bag (Plate II, figs. 1 and 2) 44 - ---- way to drain from comb 230 - ---- cutters 145 - ---- dew 199 - Human breath obnoxious 147 - Huber (Francis), life of 121 - - - I. - - Improved cottage-hive 68 - ---- comb-bar 90 - Impressed wax sheets 151 - Impregnation of queen 6, 13 - Increase of bees 18 - India-rubber gloves 27, 149, 159 - Insects, cleansing hives from 125 - Interchange of combs for strengthening weak - hives 92, 168 - Italian Alp Bee (Plate I, figs. 1, 2, 3), not - all of them yellow 33 - ---- description of 200 - ---- German bee-keeper's opinion 203 - ---- great honey-collecting powers 203 - ---- Hermann's book on 205 - ---- introduction into England 203 - ---- importation of queens unsuccessful in - many instances 206 - ---- plan of uniting foreign queens to English - stocks (_note_) 207 - - - J. - - _Journal of Horticulture_, 208, 217 - - - K. - - Keeping bell-glasses warm 65 - ---- boxes 116 - - - L. - - Legs of bees 40 - Ligurian honey-bee, _see_ Italian Bee. - Loyalty of bees 5, 99, 104 - - - M. - - Mortar not necessary for closing crevices 82 - Moths, how to prevent 228 - - - N. - - Neglect of bee-keeping 1 - Neighbour's hives, _see_ Bee-hives. - New bottle-feeder 140 - Number of eggs in the season 5 - Nutt's hive, _see_ Bee-hives - Nutt, Thos. (the late) 60 - - - O. - - Ornamental zinc cover 131 - - - P. - - Pasturage for bees 197 - ---- honey yielding flowers 198 - ---- wild flowers best 199 - Poison of sting 48 - Pollen, food for infant-bees 193 - ---- how collected 193, 194 - ---- brush (Plate I, fig. 1, 2_b_.) - ---- basket, 2_b*_, description of 41 - Putting in super-hives and bell-glasses, 56, 64, 65, 72, - 79, 81, 83, 110, 113 - Propolis, or bees' cement 195 - - - Q. - - Queen (Plate I, fig. 1), description of 4 - ---- movements of, laying eggs 5 - Queen, marriage day 7, 13, 177 - ---- attachment of bees to 7 - ---- disrespect until fertile 8 - ---- jealousy of her rivals 8, 175 - ---- dismay of bees at loss of 9 - ---- raised from worker 10 - ---- longevity of 10 - ---- old one goes with first swarm 22 - ---- leaves the hive only in fine weather 23 - ---- in super-hives 59, 83 - ---- loss of 9, 127, 174 - - - R. - - Roller, engraved pressing 150 - Robber-bees 140 - Royal brood 9, 175 - - - S. - - Spiracles 41 - Spring, good time to commence bee-keeping 21 - Sprinkling bees 146, 165 - Stands for hives-- - ---- engravings 62, 69 - ---- for Nutt's 84 - ---- Woodbury 54, 94 - ---- Stewarton hive, _see_ Bee-hives. - Sting of worker-bee, (Plate II, fig. 4) 46, 189 - ---- queen 5, 8 - Stocks, ventilated for travelling 251 - ---- why called so 162 - ---- best kept strong 19, 57, 117 - Stomach (Plate II, figs, 1 and 2 _hh_) 44, 45 - Supers, glass 133, 134, 135 - ---- straw 81 - ---- for Woodbury hives, engraving 93, 162 - Superstitions 245 - Swarming, usual time of year for 21 - ---- cause of 22 - ---- agitation before 23 - ---- usual time of day for 24 - ---- desirable to prevent 30, 56 - ---- consequence of a second flight of 26 - ---- how to hive 28, 71 - ---- means of preventing second flight 26 - ---- two sometimes depart from their respective - hives at same time, and mingle 27 - ---- care to prevent loss of 26 - ---- time for removing 28 - ---- care to be exercised with 53, 64, 71 - ---- first most valuable 29 - ---- second, cause of 29 - ---- how to restore 30 - ---- premonitory symptoms of 29 - - - T. - - Taking honey 58, 73, 115, 163 - Taylor's hives, _see_ Bee-hives 21 - Thomson's "Seasons," extract from 21 - Thorax (Plate II, fig. 1) 40 - - - U. - - Unicomb hives 6, 17, 97, 102 - - - V. - - Ventilation 51, 71, 73, 124, 249 - - - W. - - Wasps, how to prevent the increase of 223 - ---- attack of 225 - Water essential 200 - Weighing hives, importance of 185 - ---- engraving of Salter's spring balance 186 - Wildman 215 - ---- marvellous feats of 217 - Woodbury hives, _see_ Bee-hives. - ---- super, _see_ Supers. - Worker-bee, description of 15 - ---- number in a hive 15, 28 - - - Z. - - Zinc covers 131, 132 - - - NEIGHBOUR'S - IMPROVED BEE-HIVES, - - FOR - - TAKING HONEY WITHOUT THE DESTRUCTION - OF THE BEES. - - [Illustration] - - DRAWINGS AND DETAILED LISTS FORWARDED ON RECEIPT - OF TWO POSTAGE STAMPS. - - £ _s._ _d._ - - 1. Nutt's Collateral Bee-Hive 5 5 0 - Stand for ditto, 16_s._ - - 2. Neighbour's Improved Single-box Hive 3 3 0 - Stand for ditto, 10_s._ 6_d._ - - 3. Taylor's Shallow-box or Eight-bar Hive, - complete with cover 3 10 0 - Stand for ditto, 10_s._ 6_d._ - - 5. Neighbour's Improved Cottage Hive 1 15 0 - Stand for ditto, 10_s._ 6_d._ - - 6. An Improved Cottage Hive, without windows 1 8 0 - - 7. The Ladies' Observatory or Crystal Hive, - complete 2 5 0 - - 8. The Cottager's Hive 0 10 6 - - 9 & 10. Bee-Feeders each 5_s._ and 0 4 0 - - 11 & 12. Fumigators each 2_s._ and 0 2 6 - - 13. Honey Cutters per pair 0 5 0 - - 14. Taylor's Improved Cottage Hive 1 1 0 - With Stand, £1. 10_s._ - - 15. Fountain Bee-Feeder 0 6 0 - - 18. Taylor's Eight-bar Straw Hive, complete 2 12 0 - Stock Hive, only 15_s._ - - 19. Huber's Book or Leaf Hive 2 5 0 - - 20. Neighbour's Unicomb Observatory Hive 3 3 0 - - 45. Woodbury Straw Bar and Frame Hive - (Stock Hive) 1 5 0 - - 46. Woodbury Unicomb Hive 6 10 0 - Stand, 24_s._ - - 47. Common Cottagers' Hive 0 5 6 - - 48. Woodbury Bar and Frame Hive, complete, - with outside cover and super 3 10 0 - Stand for ditto, 10_s._ 6_d._ - - 50. Stewarton Hive 1 1 0 - Floor-boards for ditto, 3_s._ - - 24. Taylor's Glasses 7_s._ and 0 4 6 - - Payne's Ditto 0 3 0 - - 25. Bell Glass 0 4 0 - - 26. " 0 2 0 - - 27. " 0 1 0 - - 28. " without knob and flat top to put on - the table inverted, with lid 0 4 6 - - 29. Zinc Cover each 10_s._ and 0 15 0 - - 30. Shallow Glasses (new shape) - each 5_s._ 6_d._ and 0 3 6 - - 31. Bee Dress and Protector 6_s._, by post 0 7 4 - - 37. Zinc Cover 1 1 0 - - 38. Ornamental ditto 2 5 0 - - 39. Bee-House to contain Two Hives 4 4 0 - - 40. " " Twelve Hives - £15. and 19 10 0 - - 44. Bottle-Feeder 0 2 6 - - 48. Engraved Pressing Roller 0 7 6 - - 49. Impressed Wax Sheets or Artificial - Combs, per dozen 0 6 0 - - 50. India-rubber Gloves per pair 0 5 6 - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber Note - - -The Appendix ends on page 271. However, the Index which begins two -pages afterward start at page 269. Therefore, the Index was renumbered -starting at 273. The item numbers for the Price List at the end of the -book are not in numerical order and there are some repeated numbers. No -attempt was made to correct this. On page 144, the word "bee-keeper" -in the first line of "ZINC FOUNTAIN BEE-FEEDER" was changed to -"bee-feeder". - - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE APIARY; OR, BEES, -BEE-HIVES, AND BEE CULTURE (1866) *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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- max-width: 100%; -} -/* comment out next line and uncomment the following one for floating figright on ebookmaker output */ -.x-ebookmaker .figright {float: none; text-align: center; margin-left: 0;} -/* .x-ebookmaker .figright {float: right;} */ - -.textleft { - float: left; - clear: left; - margin-left: 0; - margin-bottom: 0em; - margin-top: 0em; - margin-right: 0em; - padding: 0; - text-align: center; - page-break-inside: avoid; - max-width: 100%; -} - - -/* Footnotes */ -.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} - -.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: - none; -} - -/* Poetry */ -.poetry-container {text-align: center; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} -.poetry {text-align: left; margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%;} -/* uncomment the next line for centered poetry in browsers */ -.poetry {display: inline-block;} /* */ -.poetry .stanza {margin: 1em auto;} -.poetry .verse {text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em;} -/* large inline blocks don't split well on paged devices */ -@media print { .poetry {display: block;} } -.x-ebookmaker .poetry {display: block;} - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - - -.antiqua {font-family: "Old English Text MT", "Lucida Calligraphy", "Perpetua", "Times New Roman", - Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5em; padding-top: 1em;} - -/* Poetry indents */ -.poetry .indent0 {text-indent: -3em;} -.poetry .indent1 {text-indent: -2.5em;} -.poetry .indent18 {text-indent: 6em;} -.poetry .indent2 {text-indent: -2em;} -.poetry .indent3 {text-indent: -1.5em;} -.poetry .indent5 {text-indent: -0.5em;} -.poetry .indent9 {text-indent: 1.5em;} - - - - </style> - </head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The apiary; or, bees, bee-hives, and bee culture (1866), by Alfred Neighbor</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The apiary; or, bees, bee-hives, and bee culture (1866)</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>being a familiar account of the habits of bees, and the most improved methods of management, with full directions, adapted for the cottager, farmer, or scientific apiarian</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Alfred Neighbor</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: July 11, 2022 [eBook #68500]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Tom Cosmas developed from files made available on The Internet Archive and placed in the Public Domain</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE APIARY; OR, BEES, BEE-HIVES, AND BEE CULTURE (1866) ***</div> - - - - -<div class="figcenter" id="cover" style="width: 345px;"> - <img src="images/cover.png" width="345" height="550" alt="The Apiary; Or, Bees, Bee-hives, and Bee-culture, by by Alfred Neighbour" /> -</div> - - - -<div class="figcenter" id="Plate_I" style="width: 400px;"> - <div class="tdr">Plate I.</div> - <a href="images/plate_1_lg.png"><img src="images/plate_1.png" width="400" height="650" alt="" /></a> - <div class="tdc">E. W. Robinson Delt. et Scp. 1865.</div> - <p class="tdc">Click on image to view larger sized.</p> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h1 class="nobreak">THE APIARY;<br /> - -<span class="vsmall">OR,</span><br /> - -<span class="smaller">BEES, BEE-HIVES, AND BEE-CULTURE.</span></h1> -</div> - - -<p class="tdc"> -BEING A FAMILIAR ACCOUNT OF THE HABITS OF BEES AND THE<br /> -MOST IMPROVED METHODS OF MANAGEMENT, WITH FULL<br /> -DIRECTIONS, ADAPTED FOR THE COTTAGER, FARMER,<br /> -OR SCIENTIFIC APIARIAN.<br /> -</p> - - -<h2>By ALFRED NEIGHBOUR.</h2> - - - -<p class="ind2em">"Beaucoup de gens aiment les abeilles; je n'ai vu personne qui lea aima médiocrement: -on se passionne pour elles."—<span class="smcap">Gelieu</span>.</p> - - -<p class="pmt4 pmb4 tdc"> -LONDON:<br /> -KENT AND CO., PATERNOSTER ROW;<br /> -<br /> -GEO. NEIGHBOUR AND SONS,<br /> -149, REGENT STREET, AND 127, HIGH HOLBORN;<br /> -AND ALL BOOKSELLERS.<br /> -1866.<br /> -</p> - - -<p class="pmt4 pmb4 tdc">FOLKARD AND SON,<br /> -PRINTERS,<br /> -DEVONSHIRE STREET, QUEEN SQUARE.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 417px;"> - <img src="images/page3.png" width="417" height="90" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE_SECOND_EDITION">PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.</h2> -</div> - - -<div class="textleft" style="width: 44px;"> - <img src="images/letter_i.png" width="44" height="54" alt="I" /> -</div> - -<p class="p0">T 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 -publication.</p> - -<p>No greater proof could have been afforded of the -rapid advance which the pursuit of bee-keeping is now -making in this country.</p> - -<p>In the hope of rendering the present volume more -useful and instructive than its predecessor, and also in -acknowledgment of the kind approbation with which -our earlier efforts have been received, we have made -several additions, and trust that the same may prove -acceptable to our readers.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_i">- i -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="pref1ed" style="width: 406px;"> - <img src="images/pref1ed.png" width="406" height="78" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE_TO_THE_FIRST_EDITION">PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.</h2> -</div> - - -<div class="textleft" style="width: 55px;"> - <img src="images/letter_o.png" width="55" height="53" alt="O" /> -</div> - -<p class="p0">UR apology for preparing a bee-book is a very -simple one. We are so frequently applied to -for advice on matters connected with bees and bee-hives, -that it seemed likely to prove a great advantage, alike to -our correspondents and ourselves, if we could point to a -"handy book" of our own, which should contain full -and detailed replies sufficient to meet all ordinary inquiries. -Most of the apiarian manuals possess some -special excellence or other, and we have no wish to -disparage any of them; yet, in all, we have found a -want of explanations relating to several of the more -recent improvements.</p> - -<p>It has more especially been our aim to give explicit -and detailed directions on most subjects connected with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_ii">- ii -</span> -the hiving and removing of bees, and also, to show -how, by judicious application of the "depriving" system, -the productive powers of the bees may be enormously -increased.</p> - -<p>We need say little here as to the interest that attaches -to the apiary as a source of perennial pleasure for the -amateur naturalist. Many of the hives and methods of -management are described with a direct reference to -this class of bee-keepers, so that, besides plain and -simple directions suitable for cottagers with their ordinary -hives, this work will be found to include instructions -useful for the scientific apiarian, or, at least, valuable, -for those who desire to gain a much wider acquaintance -with the secrets of bee-keeping than is now usually possessed. -We would lay stress on the term "acquaintance," -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 them. Such explicit directions are herein given as -to how the right operations may be performed at the -right times, that a novice may at once commence to use -the modern hives. The word "new-fangled" has done -good service for the indolent and prejudiced, but we -trust that our readers will be of a very different class.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_iii">- iii -</span> -Let them give a fair trial to the modern appliances for -the humane and depriving system of bee-keeping, and -they will find offered to them an entirely new field of -interest and observation. At present, our continental -neighbours far surpass us as bee-masters; but we trust -that the following season, if the summer be fine, will -prove a turning point in the course of English bee-keeping. -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 before.</p> - -<p>Our task would have lost half its interest, did we not -hope that it would result in something beyond the encouragement -of a refined and interesting amusement -for the leisurely classes. The social importance of bee-keeping, -as a source of pecuniary profit for small farmers -and agricultural labourers, has never been appreciated -as it deserves. Yet these persons will not, of themselves, -lay aside the bungling and wasteful plan of -destroying the bees, or learn without being taught the -only proper method, that of deprivation. Their educated -neighbours, when once interested in bee-keeping, -will be the persons to introduce the more profitable -system of humane bee-keeping. The clergy especially, -as permanent residents in the country, may have great<span class="pagenum" id="Page_iv">- iv -</span> -influence in this respect. There is not a rural or -suburban parish in the kingdom in which bee-keeping -might not be largely extended, and the well-being of all -but the very poorest inhabitants would be greatly promoted. -Not only would the general practice of bee-keeping -add largely to the national resources, but that -addition would chiefly fall to the share of those classes -to whom it would be of most value. Moreover, in the -course of thus adding to their income, the uneducated -classes would become interested in an elevating and -instructive pursuit.</p> - -<p>It is curious to observe that honey, whether regarded -as a manufactured article or as an agricultural product, -is obtained under economical conditions of exceptional -advantage. If regarded as a manufactured article, we -notice that there is no outlay required for "labour," nor -any expense for "raw material." The industrious -labourers are eager to utilize all their strength: they -never "combine" except for the benefit of their master, -they never "strike" for wages, and they provide their -own subsistence. All that the master-manufacturer of -honey has to do financially is, to make a little outlay -for "fixed capital" in the needful "plant of hives" -and utensils—no "floating capital" is needed. Then,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_v">- v -</span> -on the other hand, if we regard honey as an agricultural -product, it presents as such a still more striking -contrast to the economists' theory of what are the -"requisites of production." Not only is there no outlay -needed for wages, and none for raw material, but -there is nothing to be paid for "use of a natural -agent." Every square yard of land in the United -Kingdom may come to be cultivated, as in China, -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 utilize.</p> - -<p>The recent domestication in England of the Ligurian -or "Italian Alp" bee adds a new and additional source -of interest to bee-culture. We have, therefore, gone -pretty fully into this part of the subject; 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 apiarians.<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> 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 bees. We can dispel these fears by stating -that we have not unfrequently found that hybrid queens possess -the surprising fecundity of the genuine Italian ones, whilst the -English stocks in course of time become strengthened by the -infusion of foreign blood.</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_vi">- vi -</span></p> - -<p>We are under many obligations for the advice and -assistance that we have on many occasions received -from Mr. T. W. Woodbury, of Exeter, whose apiarian -skill is unrivalled in this country. Our acknowledgments -are also due to Mr. Henry Taylor, author of an -excellent "Bee-keeper's Manual," for his help and -counsel during the earlier years of our apiarian experience. -Both the before-mentioned gentlemen have frequently -communicated to us their contrivances and -suggestions, without thought of fee or reward for them. -In common with most recent writers on bee-culture, we -are necessarily largely indebted to the standard works -of Huber and succeeding apiarians. From the more -recent volume of the Rev. L. L. Langstroth we have -also obtained useful information. But having ourselves, -of later years, had considerable experience in the manipulation -and practical management of bees, we are -enabled to confirm or qualify the statement of others, as -well as to summarize information gleaned from many -various sources.</p> - -<p>Let it be understood, that we have no <i>patented devices</i><span class="pagenum" id="Page_vii">- vii -</span> -to push: we are free to choose out of the many apiarian -contrivances that have been offered of late years, and -we feel perfectly at liberty to praise or blame as our -experience warrants us in doing. It does not follow -that we necessarily disparage hives which are not -described herein; we have sought, as much as possible, -to indicate the <i>principles</i> on which <i>good hives</i> must be -constructed, whatever their outward size or shape. All -through the work, 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 overcome. 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 bees.</p> - -<p>Some persons may consider we have used too many -poetical quotations in a book dealing wholly with matters -of fact. We trust, however, that the examination of the -extracts will at once remove that feeling of objection.</p> - -<p>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 insects.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_viii">- viii -</span></p> - -<p>Although bees have neither reason nor religion for -their guide, yet from them man may learn many a -lesson of virtue and industry, and may even draw from -them thoughts suggestive of trust and faith in God.</p> - -<p>We beg leave to conclude our preface, and introduce -the subject, by the following extract from Shakspeare, -who, without doubt, kept bees in that garden at Stratford -wherein he used to meditate:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent9">"So work the honey-bees;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Creatures that, by a rule in Nature, teach</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The art of order to a peopled kingdom.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">They have a king and officers of sorts;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Where some, like magistrates, correct at home;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Others, like merchants, venture trade abroad;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Others, like soldiers, armed in their stings,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Make boot upon the Summer's velvet buds,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Which pillage they, with merry march, bring home</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To the tent royal of their emperor:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Who, busied in his majesty, surveys</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The singing masons building roofs of gold;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The civil citizens kneading up the honey;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The poor mechanic porters crowding in</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Their heavy burdens at his narrow gate;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The sad-eyed justice, with his surly hum.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Delivering o'er to executors pale</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The lazy, yawning drone."</div> - </div> - <p class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Shakspeare's</span> <i>Henry V., Act I., Scene 2.</i><br /></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xv">- xv -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="toc_header" style="width: 408px;"> - <img src="images/toc_header.png" width="408" height="63" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="TABLE_OF_CONTENTS">TABLE OF CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - -<table class="tblcont" style="width: 35em; margin: 0 auto;" summary="toc"> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Preface</span>—Introductory</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p class="caption3">SECTION I.</p> - -<table class="tblcont" style="width: 35em; margin: 0 auto;" summary="toc"> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Natural History of the Inhabitants of the Hive 3</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">The queen</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#THE_QUEEN">4</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">The drone</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#THE_DRONE">11</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">The worker bee</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#THE_WORKER_BEE">15</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Eggs of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#EGGS">16</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Increase of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#INCREASE_IN_BEES">18</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Swarming</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#SWARMING">21</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p class="caption3">SECTION II.</p> - -<table class="tblcont" style="width: 35em; margin: 0 auto;" summary="toc"> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Anatomy and Physiology of the Bee</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#II_ANATOMY_AND_PHYSIOLOGY">31</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Head</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#HEAD">34</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Thorax, or Chest</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#THORAX">40</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Abdomen</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#ABDOMEN">44</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xvi">- xvi -</span></p> - -<p class="caption3">SECTION III.<br /> - -<span class="smcap">Modern Bee-Hives.</span></p> - -<table class="tblcont" style="width: 35em; margin: 0 auto;" summary="toc"> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Nutt's Collateral Hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#III_MODERN_BEE-HIVES">50</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Neighbour's Improved Single-Box Hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#NEIGHBORS_HIVE">62</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Taylor's Amateur Shallow Box or Eight-bar Hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#TAYLORS_HIVE">65</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Neighbour's Improved Cottage</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#NEIGHBORS_IMPROVED">68</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Improved Cottage, without Windows</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#IMPROVED_COTTAGE">76</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Ladies' Observatory or Crystal Bee-hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#LADIES_OBSERV">77</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Cottagers' Hive for taking Honey in Straw Caps - without the Destruction of the Bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#COTTAGERS_HIVE">80</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Woodbury Bar and Frame Hives:—Wood</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#WOODBURY_HIVE">84</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Straw</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#WOODBURY_STRAW">85</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Glass</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#WOODBURY_GLASS">88</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Frame</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#FRAME">89</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Improved Comb Bar</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#IMPROVED_COMB_BAR">90</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Compound Bar and Frame</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#COMPOUND_BAR_FRAME">91</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Super and Cover</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#COVERS">93</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Taylor's Improved Cottage Hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#TAYLORS_IMP_COTTAGE_HIVE">96</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> " Eight-Bar Straw</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#EIGHT_BAR_STRAW">95</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Neighbour's Unicomb Observatory Hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#NEIGHBORS_UNICOMB">97</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Woodbury</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#WOODBURY_UNICOMB">102</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Stewarton or Ayrshire Hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#STEWARTON_HIVE">109</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Huber's Hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#HUBERS_HIVE">118</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p class="caption3">SECTION IV.<br /> - <span class="smcap">Exterior Arrangements and Apparatus.</span></p> - -<table class="tblcont" style="width: 35em; margin: 0 auto;" summary="toc"> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Bee House to contain Two Hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#IV_EXTERIOR_ARRANGEMENTS_AND_APPARATUS">123</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> " " Twelve Hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#BEE-HOUSE_12">126</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> " " Nine Hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#BEE-HOUSE_9">128</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Evening Thoughts in January - <span class="pagenum" id="Page_xvii">- xvii -</span></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#EVENING_THOUGHTS">129</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Ornamental Zinc Cover</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#ORNAMENTAL_ZINC_COVER">131</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Zinc Cover</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#ZINC_COVER">132</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Taylor's Cover of Zinc</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#TAYLORS_ZINC_COVER">132</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Bell Glasses</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#BELL_GLASSES">133</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Taylor's Glasses</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#TAYLORS_BELL_GLASSES">133</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Payne's Glass</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#FLAT-TOPPED_GLASS">134</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Taylor's Bell Glass with lid</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#page135">135</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Guide-Comb for Glasses</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#GUIDE_COMB">135</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Exterior and Interior of an Apiary</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#page138">138</a> and <a href="#page139">139</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">The New Bottle-Feeder</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#BOTTLE_FEEDER">140</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Round Bee-Feeder</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#ROUND_FEEDER">143</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Zinc Fountain Bee-Feeder</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#ZINC_FEEDER">144</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Honey Cutters</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#HONEY_CUTTERS">145</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Fumigator</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#BOX_FUMIGATOR">145</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Tube Fumigator</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#TUBE_FUMIGATOR">147</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Bee-Dress or Protector</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#BEE_DRESS">148</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Engraved Pressing Roller, for the Guidance<br /> - of Bees in the Construction of Honey-comb<br /> - on the Bars</td> - <td class="tdr vbot"><a href="#ENGRAVED_PRESS">150</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Impressed Wax Sheets for Artificial Combs</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#IMPRESSED_SHEETS">151</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<p class="caption3">SECTION V.</p> - -<table class="tblcont" style="width: 35em; margin: 0 auto;" summary="toc"> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Manipulation and Uses of Bar and Frame Hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#MANIPULATION_AND_USES_OF_BAR_AND_FRAME_HIVES">157</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Putting on Super Hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#PUTTING_ON_SUPER">162</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Taking out Frames with Combs</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#TAKING_OUT_FRAMES">163</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Advantages of Bar and Frame Hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#ADVANTAGES">168</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Artificial Swarming</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#ART_SWARMING">169</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Royal Brood</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Queen Cages</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Driving<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xviii">- xviii -</span></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#DRIVING">179</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Changing Old Stocks to New Hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#CHANGING">182</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Weighing Hives, &c.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#WEIGHING_HIVES">185</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<p class="caption3">SECTION VI.<br /> - <span class="smcap">Miscellaneous Information.</span></p> - -<table class="tblcont" style="width: 35em; margin: 0 auto;" summary="toc"> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Stings: their Prevention and Cure</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#VI_MISCELLANEOUS_INFORMATION">189</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Pollen, or Food for Infant-Bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#POLLEN">193</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Propolis, or Bees' Cement</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#PROPOLIS">195</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Pasturage for Bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#PASTURAGE">197</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">The Ligurian or Italian Alp Bee</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#LIGURIAN">200</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Living Bees at the International Exhibition<br /> - of 1862, Sending Bees to Australia, &c.</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#LIVING_BEES">213</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Bee-keeping in London</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#BEE-KEEPING_IN_LONDON">215</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Wasps and Moths</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#WASPS">223</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Draining Honey from the Combs</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#DRAINING_HONEY">230</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Diseases of Bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#DISEASES">232</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">General Remarks</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#GENERAL_REMARKS">238</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">On the First Flight of Bees in Spring</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#FIRST_FLIGHT">250</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<p class="caption3">APPENDIX.<br /> - <span class="smcap">Testimonials of the Press.</span></p> - -<table class="tblcont" style="width: 35em; margin: 0 auto;" summary="toc"> -<tr> - <td class="tdl" colspan="2">Great Exhibition of 1851:—</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> From the "Cottage Gardener"</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#APPENDIX">255</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> " "Illustrated London News"</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#APPENDIX">255</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> " "Express"</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#APPENDIX">255</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl" colspan="2">International Exhibition of 1862:—</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> From the "Illustrated London News"</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_259">259</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> " "Journal of Horticulture" - <span class="pagenum" id="Page_xix">- xix -</span></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_259">259</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> " "Illustrated News of the World"</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_261">261</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> " "Gardener's Weekly Magazine"</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_261">261</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl" colspan="2">Bath and West of England Agricultural Show at Exeter in June, 1863:—</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> From the "Journal of Horticulture"</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_264">264</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> " "Western Times"</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_264">264</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> " "Devon Weekly Times"</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_267">267</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> " "Exeter Gazette"</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_267">267</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl" colspan="2">Royal Agricultural Show, Newcastle, 1864:—</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> From the "Northern Daily Express"</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_268">268</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Royal Agricultural Show, Plymouth, 1865:—</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> From the "Journal of Horticulture"</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_270">270</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="caption3">ERRATUM.</p> - -<p class="tdc">At eleventh line from bottom of <a href="#Page_111">page 111</a>, for "three," read "those."</p> - -<p class="tdc">[Transcriber Note: Correction seems to have been made.]</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xxi">- xxi -</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="DESCRIPTION_OF_PLATES">DESCRIPTION OF PLATES.</h2> -</div> - - -<h3><a href="#Plate_I">PLATE I.</a>—(<span class="smcap">Frontispiece.</span>)</h3> - -<table style="width: 80%;" summary="items"> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">1.</td> - <td class="tdl">Queen-Bee.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">1<i>a</i>.</td> - <td class="tdl">Antenna of ditto.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">1<i>b</i>.</td> - <td class="tdl">Hind leg of ditto.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">1<i>c</i>.</td> - <td class="tdl">Front view of head of ditto.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">1<i>d</i>.</td> - <td class="tdl">Mandible of ditto.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">2.</td> - <td class="tdl">Worker, or imperfect female.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">2<i>a</i>.</td> - <td class="tdl">Antenna of ditto.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">2<i>b</i>.</td> - <td class="tdl">Hind leg of ditto, inner side showing the pollen-brushes.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">2<i>b</i>*.</td> - <td class="tdl">Ditto, outer side showing the pollen-basket.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">2<i>c</i>*.</td> - <td class="tdl">Side view of head.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">2<i>c</i>.</td> - <td class="tdl">Back view of ditto, showing the junction of the gullet with - the thorax, and position of the tongue and its appendages.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">2<i>d</i>.</td> - <td class="tdl">Mandible.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">3.</td> - <td class="tdl">Male, or drone.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">3<i>a</i>.</td> - <td class="tdl">Antenna of ditto.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">3<i>b</i>.</td> - <td class="tdl">Hind leg of ditto.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">3<i>c</i>.</td> - <td class="tdl">Front view of head of ditto.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">3<i>d</i>.</td> - <td class="tdl">Mandible of ditto.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">A.</td> - <td class="tdl">Enlarged view of the wing. B. Hind edge of fore wing<br /> - showing the thickened margin, and fore edge of hind<br /> - wing, showing the hooks, which hold on to the thickened<br /> - margin of the fore wing and keep them together during flight.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xxii">- xxii -</span></p> - - -<h3><a href="#Plate_II">PLATE II.</a>—<span class="smcap">Page 31.</span></h3> - -<table style="width: 80%;" summary="items"> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">1.</td> - <td class="tdl">Body of a bee divested of antennæ, legs, and wings, showing<br /> - the anatomy of the thorax and natural position of the stomach.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">5*</td> - <td class="tdl">The eyes.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>a.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The ocelli.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>bbb.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The muscles that move the wings.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>c.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The external covering of the thorax.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>ee.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The bases of the wings.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>d.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The honey-bag, or first stomach.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>f.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The ventricle, or true stomach, distended with food.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>g.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The rectum.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>h.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The biliary vessels.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>i.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">Portion of the membranous tissue lining the inner surface of<br /> - the segments, and enclosing the stomach and intestines.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>q.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The stomach emptied of its contents, to show the muscular<br /> - contraction of the ventricle.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>d.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The honey-bag.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>f.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The ventricle.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>g.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The rectum.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>h.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The biliary vessels.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>i.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The ligula, or tongue, and its appendages.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>l.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The base of the ligula.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>m.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">Maxillary palpi.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>n.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The maxilla.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>o.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The labial palpi.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>p.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The tongue.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">4.</td> - <td class="tdl">The sting and its muscles.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>g.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">The attachment of the muscles to the outer covering of the - abdomen.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xxiii">- xxiii -</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>r.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">Muscles that move the sting.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>s.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">Curved base of the sheaths that enclose the sting.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>t.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">Poison-bag.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>u.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">Glands connected with the poison-bag.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>v.</i></td> - <td class="tdl">Honey-plates covering the muscles <i>r</i>, and to which the<br /> - sheaths of the stings are attached at <i>s</i>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">**.</td> - <td class="tdl">Base of sting connecting with the poison-bag <i>t</i>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">4*.</td> - <td class="tdl">Magnified view of point of sting, showing the serrations on - each side.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">5.</td> - <td class="tdl">Three hexagonal prisms of a bee's eye (Swammerdam).</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">6.</td> - <td class="tdl">Abdominal plates of the bee, detached to show the wax-cells.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">7.</td> - <td class="tdl">Eggs of bee, natural size, and magnified (from Reaumur)</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">8.</td> - <td class="tdl">Helminthimorphous, or apodal larva of a bee (Reaumur).</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">- 1 -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page1" style="width: 410px;"> - <img src="images/page1.png" width="410" height="73" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h1 class="nobreak">THE APIARY;<br /> - -<span class="vsmall">OR,</span><br /> - -<span class="smaller">BEES, BEE-HIVES, AND BEE-CULTURE.</span></h1> -</div> - - -<div class="textleft" style="width: 53px;"> - <img src="images/letter_t.png" width="53" height="53" alt="T" /> -</div> - -<p class="p0">HERE are two classes of persons for whom -bee-culture should have a strong interest, and -two distinct purposes for which the pursuit may be -followed. First, there is the cottager or small farmer, -who, in thousands of instances, might add considerably -to his income by bee-keeping; and, secondly, there is the -man of "retired leisure" and refinement, who, in the -personal tendance of an apiary, would find an easy and -interesting occupation, and one which could not fail to -quicken his faculties of general scientific observation. -Moreover, in contemplating the wonderful skill, industry, -and prevision of his insect-artisans, the bee-keeper would -find in his apiary constant illustrations of creative -wisdom.</p> - -<p>Amongst the humbler classes in the rural districts, the -neglect of bee-keeping is to be attributed to an exaggerated -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">- 2 -</span> -idea of the trouble needful for the care of a few -hives, and also to ignorance of the easier and more -profitable methods of modern management. Many of -the wealthier country or suburban residents, also, are -averse to the personal trouble which they fancy needful -in keeping an apiary; and, perhaps, some gentlemen -are more afraid than they would like to own of that very -efficient weapon of defence with which the honey bee is -provided. But the prejudices against bees are quite unnecessary; -bees are as tractable as they are intelligent, -and it is the purpose of this little book to show that bee-culture -is an easy and safe, as well as a deeply interesting, -pursuit. Possibly, also, some who do us the favour -to read our detailed explanations will see how the rural -clergyman, or the benevolent landlord, who keeps an -apiary of his own, may be of signal service to his poorer -neighbours in explaining to them the mysteries of bee-keeping.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page2" style="width: 274px;"> - <img src="images/page2.png" width="274" height="95" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">- 3 -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 417px;"> - <img src="images/page3.png" width="417" height="90" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="I_NATURAL_HISTORY">I.—NATURAL HISTORY OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE HIVE.</h2> -</div> - - -<div class="textleft" style="width: 52px;"> - <img src="images/letter_e.png" width="52" height="52" alt="E" /> -</div> - -<p class="p0">VERY hive or bee colony comprises in summer -three distinct classes of bees, each class having -functions peculiar to itself, and which are essential to -the well-being of the whole community. As each bee -knows its own proper duties, they all work harmoniously -and zealously together, for the common weal. Certain -apparent exceptions to the good-fellowship of the bees -will be hereafter noticed, but those arise out of essential -conditions in the social economy of the bee community. -That <i>honey bees</i> should live in society, as they do in hives, -is absolutely needful. A bee, in an isolated condition, is -a very helpless, delicate little creature, soon susceptible -of cold, and paralysed thereby, unless able to join her -companions before night comes on. By congregating -in large numbers, bees maintain warmth, whatever the -external temperature may be.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">- 4 -</span></p> - -<p>The three classes of bees are:—the queen-bee, with -the pupæ or embryos intended for queens; the working -bees; and the drones, or male bees.</p> - - -<h3 id="THE_QUEEN">THE QUEEN.</h3> - -<p>Appropriately styled, by German bee-keepers, the -mother-bee, is the only perfectly developed female -among the whole population of each separate colony. -Thus her majesty indisputably sways her sceptre by a -divine right, because she lives and reigns in the hearts -of loving children and subjects.</p> - -<p>Dr. Evans<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> introduces the queen-bee to our notice -thus:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"First of the throng, and foremost of the whole.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">One 'stands confest the sovereign and the soul.'"</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> Dr. Evans—who may be styled the poet-laureate of the bees—lived -at Shrewsbury, where he practised as a physician. His -poem on bees is written with great taste and careful elaboration, -and it describes the habits of bees with a degree of accuracy only -attainable after continuous scientific observation.</p> - -</div> - -<p>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 wings; her legs are -longer, and are not furnished with either brushes or -baskets as those of the working bee, for, being constantly -fed by the latter, she does not need those implements; -the upper surface of her body is of a brighter black than -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">- 5 -</span> -the other bees, whilst her colour underneath is a yellowish -brown;<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> her wings, which do not extend more than -half the length of her body, are sinewy and strong; her -long abdomen tapers nearly to a point; her head is -rounder, her tongue more slender, and not nearly so -long, as that of the working bee, and her sting is -curved. Her movements are measured and majestic; as -she moves in the hive the other bees form a circle round -her, none venturing to turn their backs upon her, but all -anxious to show that respect and attention due to her -rank and station. Whenever, in the exercise of her -sovereign will, the queen wishes to travel amongst her -subjects, she experiences no inconvenience from overcrowding; -although the part of the hive to which she is -journeying may be the most populous, way is immediately -made, the common bees tumbling over each other to get -out of her path, so great is their anxiety not to interfere -with the royal progress.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">[3]</a> Yellow Italian queens form an exception in point of colour. -See frontispiece, fig. I.</p> - -</div> - -<p>It is the chief function of the queen to lay the eggs from -which all future bees originate, the multiplication of the -species being the purpose of her existence; and she follows -it up with an assiduity similar to that with which the -workers construct combs or collect honey. A queen is -estimated to lay in the breeding season from 1,500 to -2,000 eggs a-day, and in the course of one year is -supposed to produce more than 100,000 bees. This is -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">- 6 -</span> -indeed a vast number; but when there is taken into consideration -the great number required for swarms, the -constant lessening of their strength by death in various -ways, and the many casualties attending them in their -distant travels in search of the luscious store, it does not -seem that the case is over-stated.</p> - -<p>In a Glass Unicomb Hive,—which we shall hereinafter -describe,—all the movements of the queen-bee may be -traced; she may be seen thrusting her head into a cell -to discover whether it be occupied with an egg or honey, -and if empty, she turns round in a dignified manner and -inserts her long body—so long, that she is able to deposit -the egg at the bottom of the cell; she then passes on to -another, and so continues industriously multiplying her -laborious subjects. It not unfrequently happens when -the queen is prolific, and if it be an early season, that -many eggs are wasted for want of unoccupied cells; for -in that case the queen leaves them exposed at the -bottom of the hive, when they are greedily devoured by -the bees.</p> - -<p>The queen-bee, unlike the great majority of her -subjects, is a stayer at home; generally speaking, she -only quits the hive twice in her life. . The first occasion -is on the all-important day of her marriage, which -always takes place at a great height in the air, and -generally on the second or third day of her princess-life; -she never afterwards leaves the hive, except to lead off -an emigrating swarm. Evans, with proper loyalty, has -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">- 7 -</span> -duly furnished a glowing epithalamium for the queen-bee -thus:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"When noon-tide Sirius glares on high,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Young love ascends the glowing sky,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">From vein to vein swift shoots prolific fire,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And thrills each insect fibre with desire;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Then Nature, to fulfil thy prime decree,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Wheels round, in wanton rings, the courtier Bee;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Now shyly distant, now with bolder air,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">He woos and wins the all-complying fair;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Through fields of ether, veiled in vap'ry gloom</div> - <div class="verse indent1">They seek, with amorous haste, the nuptial room;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As erst the immortal pair, on Ida's height,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Wreath'd round their noon of joy ambrosial night."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>The loyalty and attachment of bees to their queen is -one of their most remarkable characteristics; they constantly -supply her with food, and fawn upon and caress -her, softly touching her with their antennæ—a favour -which she occasionally returns. When she moves about -the hive, all the bees through whom she successively -passes pay her the same homage; those whom she -leaves behind in her track close together, and resume -their accustomed occupations.</p> - -<p>The majestic deportment of the queen-bee and the -homage paid to her is, with a little poetic licence, thus -described by Evans:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"But mark, of royal port and awful mien,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Where moves with measured pace the insect Queen!</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Twelve chosen guards, with slow and solemn gait,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Bend at her nod, and round her person wait."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">- 8 -</span></p> -<p>This homage is, however, only paid to matron queens. -Whilst they continue princesses, they receive no distinctive -marks of respect. Dr. Dunbar, the noted Scotch apiarian, -observed a very striking instance of this whilst experimenting -on the combative qualities of the queen-bee -"So long," says he, "as the queen which survived the -rencontre with her rival remained a virgin, not the -slightest degree of respect or attention was paid her; -not a single bee gave her food; she was obliged, as -often as she required it, to help herself; and in crossing -the honey cells for that purpose, she had to scramble, -often with difficulty, over the crowd, not an individual of -which got out of her way, or seemed to care whether she -fed or starved: but no sooner did she become a mother, -than the scene was changed, and all testified towards her -that most affectionate attention, which is uniformly exhibited -to fertile queens."</p> - -<p>The queen-bee, though provided with a sting, never -uses it on any account, except in combat with her sister-queens. -But she admits of no rival to her throne; almost -her first act, on coming forth from the cell, is an attempt -to tear open and destroy the cells containing the pupæ -of princesses likely to become competitors. Should it so -happen that another queen of similar age does exist in -the hive at the same time, the two are speedily brought -into contact with each other, in order to fight it out and -decide by a struggle, mortal to one of them, which is to -be the ruler;—the stronger of course is victorious, and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">- 9 -</span> -remains supreme. This, it must be admitted, is a wiser -method of settling the affair than it would be to range -the whole hive under two distinct banners, and so create -a civil war, in which the members of the rival bands -would kill and destroy each other for matters they individually -have little or no concern about: for the bees care -not which queen it is, so long as they are certain of having -one to rule over them and perpetuate the community.</p> - -<p>After perusing the description given above of the -attachment of bees to their queen, it may be easy to -imagine the consternation a hive is thrown into when -deprived of her presence. The bees first make a diligent -search for their monarch in the hive, and then -afterwards rush forth in immense numbers to seek her. -When such a commotion is observed in an apiary, the -experienced bee-master will repair the loss by giving a -queen: the bees have generally their own remedy for -such a calamity, in their power of raising a new queen -from amongst their larvæ; but if neither of these means -be available, the whole colony dwindles and dies. The -following is the method by which working bees provide -a successor to the throne when deprived of their queen -by accident, or in anticipation of the first swarm, which -is always led by the old queen:—</p> - -<p>They select, when not more than three days old, an egg -or grub previously intended for a worker-bee, and then -enlarge the cell so selected by destroying the surrounding -partitions; they thus form a royal cradle, in shape -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">- 10 -</span> -very much like an acorn cup inverted. The chosen -embryo is then fed liberally with a peculiar description -of nurture, called by naturalists "royal jelly"—a pungent -food, prepared by the working bees exclusively for -those of the larvae that are destined to become candidates -for the honour of royalty. Should a queen be forcibly -separated from her subjects, she resents the interference, -refuses food, pines, and dies.</p> - -<p>The whole natural history of the queen-bee is in itself -a subject that will well repay for continuous study. Those -who desire to follow it, we would refer to the complete -works of <span class="smcap">Huber</span>—the greatest of apiarians,—<span class="smcap">Swammerdam</span>, -<span class="smcap">Bevan</span>, <span class="smcap">Langstroth</span>, &c. The observations upon -the queen-bee needful to verify the above-mentioned -facts can only be made in hives constructed for the purpose, -of which the "Unicomb Observatory Hive" is the -best. In ordinary hives the queen is scarcely ever to be -seen; where there are several rows of comb, she invariably -keeps between them, both for warmth and to be -more secure from danger. The writer has frequently -observed in stocks which have unfortunately died, that -the queen was one of the last to expire; and she is -always more difficult to gain possession of than other -bees, being by instinct taught that she is indispensable to -the welfare of her subjects.</p> - -<p>The queen enjoys a far longer life than any of her -subjects, her age generally extending to four, or even -five years. The drones, which are mostly hatched in the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">- 11 -</span> -early spring, seldom live more than three or four months, -even if they should escape the sting of the executioner, -to which they generally fall victims. The worker-bee, it -is now a well-ascertained fact, lives from six to eight -months, in no case exceeding the latter; so that we may -reckon that the bees hatched in April and May expire -about the end of the year; and it is those of the autumn -who carry on the duties of the hive until the spring and -summer, that being the time when the greatest number -of eggs are laid. The population of a hive is very small -during the winter, in comparison with the vast numbers -gathering produce in the summer,—produce which they -themselves live to enjoy but for a short period. So that -not only, as of old, may lessons of industry be learned -from bees, but they also teach self-denial to mankind, -since they labour for the community rather than for themselves. -Evans, in describing the age of bees, thus paraphrases -the well known couplet of Homer, in allusion -to the fleeting generations of men:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"Like leaves on trees the race of bees is found.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Now green in youth, now withering on the ground;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Another race the spring or fall supplies,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">They droop successive, and successive rise."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - - -<h3 id="THE_DRONE">THE DRONE.</h3> - -<p>The drones are male bees; they possess no sting, are -more hairy and larger than the common bee, and may -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">- 12 -</span> -be easily distinguished by their heavy motion, thick-set -form, and louder humming. Evans thus describes -the drones:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent18">"Their short proboscis sips</div> - <div class="verse indent0">No luscious nectar from the wild thyme's lips;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">From the lime leaf no amber drops they steal,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Nor bear their grooveless thighs the foodful meal:</div> - <div class="verse indent0">On others' toils, in pampered leisure, thrive</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The lazy fathers of the industrious hive;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Yet oft, we're told, these seeming idlers share</div> - <div class="verse indent0">The pleasing duties of parental care;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">With fond attention guard each genial cell,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And watch the embryo bursting from the shell."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>But Dr. Evans had been "told" what was not correct -when he sought to dignify drones with the office of -"nursing fathers,"—that task is undertaken by the -younger of the working bees. No occupation falls to -the lot of the drones in gathering honey, nor have they -the means provided them by Nature for assisting in the -labours of the hive. The drones are the progenitors of -working bees, and nothing more; so far as is known, -that is the only purpose of their short existence.</p> - -<p>In a well-populated hive the number of drones is computed -at from one to two thousand. "Naturalists," says -Huber, "have been extremely embarrassed to account -for the number of males in most hives, and which seem -only a burden to the community, since they appear to -fulfil no function. But we now begin to discern the object -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">- 13 -</span> -of Nature in multiplying them to such an extent. As -fecundation cannot be accomplished within the hive, and -as the queen is obliged to traverse the expanse of the -atmosphere, it is requisite that the males should be -numerous, that she may have the chance of meeting -some one of them in her flight. Were only two or three -in each hive, there would be little probability of their -departure at the same instant with the queen, or that -they would meet her in their excursions; and most of the -females might thus remain sterile." It is important for -the safety of the queen-bee that her stay in the air should -be as brief as possible: her large size and slowness -of flight render her an easy prey to birds. It is not -now thought that the queen always pairs with a drone -of the <i>same</i> hive, as Huber seems to have supposed. The -drone that happens to be the selected husband is by no -means so fortunate as at first sight may appear, for it is -a law of nature that the bridegroom does not survive -the wedding-day. Her majesty, although thus left, a -widowed, is by no means a sorrowful, bride, for she soon -becomes the happy mother of a large family. It cannot -be said that she pays no respect to the memory of -her departed lord, for she never marries again. Once -impregnated,—as is the case with most insects,—the -queen-bee continues productive during the remainder of -her existence. It has, however, been found that though -old queens cease to lay worker eggs, they may continue -to lay those of drones. The swarming season being -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">- 14 -</span> -over,—that is about the end of July,—a general massacre -of the "lazy fathers" takes place. Dr. Bevan, in the -"Honey Bee," observes on this point: "The work of the -drones being now completed, they are regarded as useless -consumers of the fruits of others' labour; love is at -once converted into hate, and a general proscription -takes place. The unfortunate victims evidently perceive -their danger, for they are never at this time -seen resting in one place, but darting in and out of the -hive with the utmost precipitation, as if in fear of being -seized."</p> - -<p>Their destruction is thought, by some, to be caused by -their being harassed until they quit the hive; but Huber -says he ascertained that the death of the drones was -caused by the stings of the workers. Supposing the -drones come forth in May, which is the average period -of their being hatched, their destruction takes place -somewhere about the commencement of August, so that -three months is the usual extent of their existence; but -should it so happen that the usual development of the -queen has been retarded, or that the hive has by chance -been deprived of her, the massacre of the drones is -deferred. In any case, the natural term of the life of -drone-bees does not exceed four months, so that they are -all dead before the winter, and are not allowed to be -useless consumers of the general store.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">- 15 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="THE_WORKER_BEE">THE WORKER-BEE.</h3> - -<p>The working bees form, by far, the most numerous -class of the three kinds contained in the hive, and least -of all require description. They are the smallest of the -bees, are dark brown in colour, or nearly black,<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> and -much more active on the wing than are either drones or -queens. The usual number in a healthy hive varies from -twelve to thirty thousand; and, previous to swarming, -exceeds the larger number. The worker-bee is of -the same sex as the queen, but is only partially developed. -Any egg of a worker-bee—by the cell being -enlarged, as already described, and the "royal jelly" -being supplied to the larva—may be hatched into a -mature and perfect queen. This, one of the most -curious facts connected with the natural history of bees, -may be verified in any apiary by most interesting experiments, -which may be turned to important use. With -regard to the supposed distinctions between "nursing" -and working bees, it is now agreed that it only consists -in a division of labour, the young workers staying at -home to feed the larvæ until they are themselves vigorous -enough to range the fields in quest of supplies. But, for -many details of unfailing interest, we must again refer -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">- 16 -</span> -our readers to the standard works on bees that have -already been named.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="label">[4]</a> Italian workers form an exception in point of colour. See -<a href="#Plate_I">Plate I., fig. 2</a>.</p> - -</div> - - -<h3 id="EGGS">THE EGGS OF BEES.</h3> - -<p>It is necessary that some explanation should be given -as to the existence of the bee before it emerges from the -cell.</p> - -<p>The eggs (<a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., fig. 7</a>) of all the three kinds of -bees, when first deposited, are of an oval shape, and of -a pearly-white colour. In four or five days the egg -changes to a worm, and in this stage is known by the -names of larva or grub (<a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., fig. 8</a>), in which state -it remains four to six days more. During this period it -is fed by the nurse-bees with a mixture of farina and -honey, a constant supply of which is given to it. The -next transformation is to the nymph or pupa form. The -nurse-bees now seal up the cells with a preparation -similar to wax, and then the pupa spins round itself a -film or cocoon, just as a silkworm does in its chrysalis -state. The microscope shows that this cradle-curtain is -perforated with very minute holes, through which the -baby-bee is duly supplied with air. No further attention -on the part of the bees is now requisite, except a proper -degree of heat, which they take care to keep up—a -position for the breeding cells being selected in the -centre of the hive, where the temperature is likely to be -most congenial.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">- 17 -</span></p> - -<p>Twenty-one days after the egg is first laid (unless -cold weather should have retarded it) the bee quits -the pupa state, and, nibbling its way through the waxen -covering that has enclosed it, comes forth a winged -insect. The eggs of drones require twenty-four days, -and those of queens sixteen days, to arrive at maturity, -and are hatched in warm summer weather, a higher -temperature being necessary. In the Unicomb Observatory -Hives, the young bees may distinctly be seen as -they literally fight their way into the world, for the other -bees do not take the slightest notice, nor afford them any -assistance. We have frequently been amused in watching -the eager little new-comer, now obtruding its head, -and anon compelled to withdraw into the cell to escape -being trampled on by the apparently unfeeling throng, -until at last it has succeeded in making its exit. The -little grey creature, after brushing and shaking itself, -enters upon its duties in the hive, such as the nursing -before alluded to, or secreting wax, and in (say) 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 Aristotle, and which has in our -day been rendered familiar even to infant minds through -the nursery rhymes of Dr. Watts.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">- 18 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="INCREASE_IN_BEES">INCREASE OF BEES.</h3> - -<p>Every one is familiar with the natural process of -"swarming," by which bees provide themselves with -fresh space, and seek to plant colonies to absorb their -increase of population. But the object of the bee-master -is to train and educate his bees, and in so -doing he avoids much of the risk and trouble which is -incurred by allowing the busy folk to follow their own -devices. The various methods for this end adopted by -apiarians all come under the term of the "depriving" -system, and they form part of the great object of humane -and economical bee-keeping, which is to save the bees -alive instead of slaughtering them, as under the old -clumsy system. A very natural question is often asked:—How -is it that, upon the depriving system, where our -object is to prevent swarming, the increase of numbers -is not so great as upon the old plan? It will be seen -that the laying of eggs is performed by the queen only, -and that there is but one queen to each hive; so that -where swarming is prevented, there remains only one -hive or stock, as the superfluous princesses are not allowed -to come to maturity. If all those princesses were to -become monarchs, or mother-bees, and to emigrate with -a proportionate number of workers, increase would be -going on more rapidly; but the old stock would be so -impoverished thereby as possibly to yield no surplus -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">- 19 -</span> -honey, whilst the swarms might come off too late for -them to collect sufficient store whereon to grow populous -enough to withstand the winter.</p> - -<p>With bees, as with men, "union is strength;" and it -is often better to induce them to remain as one family, -rather than to part numbers at a late period of the -honey-gathering season, without a prospect of supporting -themselves, and so perish from cold and hunger -during the ordeal of the winter season. Would it not -in such cases have been better for the little folk, to have -kept under one roof through the winter, and to have -been able to take full advantage of the following early -spring? This is one of the great secrets of successful -bee-keeping.</p> - -<p>Our plan of giving additional store-room will, generally -speaking, prevent swarming. This stay-at-home -policy, we contend, is an advantage; for instead of the -loss of time consequent upon a swarm hanging out preparatory -to flight, all the bees are engaged in collecting -honey, and that at a time when the weather is most -favourable and the food most abundant. Upon the old -system, the swarm leaves the hive simply because the -dwelling has not been enlarged at the time when the -bees are increasing. The emigrants are always led off -by the old queen, leaving either young or embryo queens -to lead off after-swarms, and to furnish a mistress for -the old stock, and carry on the multiplication of the -species. Upon the antiquated and inhuman plan, where -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">- 20 -</span> -so great a destruction takes place by the brimstone -match, breeding must, of course, be allowed to go on to -its full extent to make up for such sacrifices. Our chief -object under the new system' is to obtain honey free from -all extraneous matter. Pure honey cannot be gathered -from combs where storing and breeding are performed -in the same compartment. For fuller explanations -on this point, we refer to the various descriptions -of our improved hives in a subsequent section of this -work.</p> - -<p>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 hour." The ancients in Greece and -Italy took the surplus honey and spared the bees, and -now for every intelligent bee-keeper there are ample -appliances wherewith to attain the same results. Mr. -Langstroth quotes from the German the following -epitaph, which, he says, "might be properly placed -over every pit of brimstoned bees":—</p> - -<p class="tdc"> -<span class="antiqua">Here rests,</span><br /> -<br /> -CUT OFF FROM USEFUL LABOUR,<br /> -<br /> -<span class="smaller">A COLONY OF</span><br /> -<br /> -<span class="gesperrt"><b>INDUSTRIOUS BEES,</b></span><br /> -<br /> -<span class="smaller">BASELY MURDERED</span><br /> -<br /> -BY ITS<br /> -UNGRATEFUL AND IGNORANT<br /> -OWNER.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">- 21 -</span></p> - -<p class="p0">And Thomson, the poet of "The Seasons," has recorded -an eloquent poetic protest against the barbarous practice, -for which, however, in his day there was no, alternative:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"Ah! see where, robbed and murdered in that pit.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Lies the still-heaving hive! at evening snatched,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Beneath the cloud of guilt-concealing night,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And fix'd o'er sulphur! while, not dreaming ill,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The happy people, in their waxen cells,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Sat tending public cares.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Sudden, the dark, oppressive steam ascends,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And, used to milder scents, the tender race</div> - <div class="verse indent1">By thousands tumble from their honied dome,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Into a gulf of blue sulphureous flame!"</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>It will be our pleasing task, in subsequent chapters, to -show "a more excellent way."</p> - - -<h3 id="SWARMING">SWARMING.</h3> - -<p>The spring is the best period at which to commence -an apiary, and swarming-time is a good starting-point -for the new bee-keeper. The period known as the -swarming season is during the months of May and June. -With a very forward stock, and in exceedingly fine -weather, bees do occasionally swarm in April. The -earlier the swarm, the greater is its value. If bees -swarm in July, they seldom gather sufficient to sustain -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">- 22 -</span> -themselves through the winter, though by careful feeding -they may easily be kept alive, if hived early in the -month.</p> - -<p>The cause of a swarm leaving the stock-hive is, that -the population has grown too large for it. Swarming is -a provision of Nature for remedying the inconvenience of -overcrowding, and is the method whereby the bees seek -for space in which to increase their stores. By putting -on "super-hives," the required relief may, in many -cases, be given to them; but should the multiplication of -stocks be desired, the bee-keeper will defer increasing -the space until the swarm has issued forth. In May, -when the spring has been fine, the queen-bee is very -active in laying eggs, and the increase in a strong, -healthy hive is so prodigious that emigration is necessary, -or the bees would cease to work.</p> - -<p>It is now a well-established fact that the old queen -goes forth with the first swarm, preparation having been -made to supply her place as soon as the bees determine -upon the necessity of a division of their commonwealth. -Thus the sovereignty of the old hive, after the first -swarm has issued, devolves upon a young queen.</p> - -<p>As soon as the swarm builds combs in its new abode, -the emigrant-queen, being impregnated and her ovaries -full, begins laying eggs in the cells, and thereby speedily -multiplies the labourers of the new colony. Although -there is now amongst apiarians no doubt that the old -queen quits her home, there is no rule as to the composition -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">- 23 -</span> -of the swarm: old and young alike depart. Some -show unmistakable signs of age by their ragged wings, -others their extreme youth by their lighter colour; how -they determine which shall stay and which shall go has -not yet been ascertained. In preparation for flight, bees -commence filling their honey bags, taking sufficient, it is -said, for three days' sustenance. This store is needful, -not only for food, but to enable the bees to commence -the secretion of wax and the building of combs in their -new domicile.</p> - -<p>On the day of emigration, the weather must be fine, -warm, and clear, with but little wind stirring; for the -old queen, like a prudent matron, will not venture out -unless the day is in every way favourable. Whilst her -majesty hesitates, either for the reasons we have mentioned, -or because the internal arrangements are not -sufficiently matured, the bees will often fly about or hang -in clusters at the entrance of the hive for two or three -days and nights together, all labour meanwhile being -suspended. The agitation of the little folk is well described -by Evans:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"See where, with hurried step, the impassioned throng</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Pace o'er the hive, and seem, with plaintive song,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">T' invite the loitering queen; now range the floor,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And hang in cluster'd columns from the door;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Or now in restless rings around they fly,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Nor spoil thy sip, nor load the hollowed thigh;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">E'en the dull drone his wonted ease gives o'er,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Flaps his unwieldy wings, and longs to soar."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">- 24 -</span></p> - -<p class="p0">But when all is ready, a scene of the most violent agitation -takes place; the bees rush out in vast numbers, -forming quite a dark cloud as they traverse the air.</p> - -<p>The time selected for the departure of the emigrants -is generally between 10 <span class="allsmcap">A.M.</span> and 3 <span class="allsmcap">P.M.</span>; most swarms -come off within an hour of noon. It is a very general -remark that bees choose a Sunday for swarming, and -probably this is because then greater stillness reigns -around. It will not be difficult to imagine that the careful -bee-keeper is anxious to keep a strict watch, lest he -should lose such a treasure when once it takes wing. -The exciting scene at a bee-swarming has been well -described by the apiarian laureate:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"Up mounts the chief, and, to the cheated eye,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Ten thousand shuttles dart along the sky;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As swift through æther rise the rushing swarms,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Gay dancing to the beam their sunbright forms;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And each thin form, still lingering on the sight,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Trails, as it shoots, a line of silver light.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">High poised on buoyant wing, the thoughtful queen,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In gaze attentive, views the varied scene,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And soon her far-fetched ken discerns below,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The light laburnum lift her polished brow,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Wave her green leafy ringlets o'er the glade.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Swift as the falcon's sweep the monarch bends</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Her flight abrupt: the following host descends;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Round the fine twig, like clustered grapes they close</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In thickening wreaths, and court a short repose."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>In many country districts it is a time-honoured custom<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">- 25 -</span> -for the good folks of the village to commence on such -occasions a terrible noise of tanging and ringing with -frying-pan and key. This is done with the absurd notion -that the bees are charmed with the clangorous din, -and may by it be induced to settle as near as possible to -the source of such sweet sounds. This is, however, quite -a mistake: there are other and better means for the -purpose. The practice of ringing was originally adopted -for a different and far more sensible object—viz., for the -purpose of giving notice that a swarm had issued forth, -and that the owner was anxious to claim the right of -following, even though it should alight on a neighbour's -premises. It would be curious to trace how this ancient -ceremony has thus got corrupted from the original -design.</p> - -<p>In case the bees do not speedily after swarming manifest -signs of settling, a few handfuls of sand or loose -mould may be thrown up in the air so as to fall among -the winged throng; they mistake this for rain, and then -very quickly determine upon settling. Some persons -squirt a little water from a garden engine in' order to -produce the same effect.</p> - -<p>There are, indeed, many ingenious devices used by -apiarians for decoying the swarms. Mr. Langstroth -mentions a plan of stringing dead bees together, and -tying a bunch of them on any shrub or low tree upon -which it is desirable that they should alight; another -plan is, to hang some black woven material near the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">- 26 -</span> -hives, so that the swarming bees may be led to suppose -they see another colony, to which they will hasten to -attach themselves. Swarms have a great affinity for -each other when they are adrift in the air; but, of -course, when the union has been effected, the rival -queens have to do battle for supremacy. A more ingenious -device than any of the above is by means of a -mirror, to flash a reflection of the sun's rays amongst a -swarm, which bewilders the bees, and checks their flight. -It is manifestly often desirable to use some of these endeavours -to induce early settlement, and to prevent, if -possible, the bees from clustering in high trees or under -the eaves of houses, where it may be difficult to hive -them.</p> - -<p>Should prompt measures not be taken to hive the bees -as soon as the cluster is well formed, there is danger of -their starting on a second flight; and this is what the -apiarian has so much to dread. If the bees set off a -second time, it is generally for a long flight, often for -miles, so that in such a case it is usually impossible to -follow them, and consequently a valuable colony may be -irretrievably lost.</p> - -<p>Too much care cannot be exercised to prevent the -sun's rays falling on a swarm when it has once settled. -If exposed to heat in this way, bees are very likely to -decamp. We have frequently stretched matting or -sheeting on poles, so as to intercept the glare, and thus -render their temporary position cool and comfortable.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">- 27 -</span></p> - -<p>Two swarms sometimes depart at the same time, and -join together; in such a case, we recommend that they -be treated as one, by putting them into a hive as before -described, taking care to give abundant room and not -to delay affording access to the super hive or glasses. -They will settle their own notions of sovereignty by one -queen destroying the other. There are means of separating -two swarms, if done at the time; but the operation -is a formidable one, and does not always repay -even those most accustomed to such manipulation.</p> - -<p>With regard to preparations for taking a swarm, our -advice to the bee-keeper must be the reverse of Mrs. -Glass's notable injunction as to the cooking of a hare. -Some time before you expect to take a swarm, be sure -to have a suitable hive in which to take it, and also every -other requisite properly ready. Here we will explain -what was said in the introduction as to the safety of -moving and handling bees. A bee-veil or dress will -preserve the most sensitive from the possibility of being -stung. This article, which may be bought with the -hives, is made of net close enough to exclude bees, but -open enough for the operator's vision. It is made to go -over the hat of a lady or cap of a gentleman; it closes -round the waist, and has sleeves fastening at the -wrist. A pair of photographer's india-rubber gloves -completes the full dress of the apiarian, who is then invulnerable, -even to enraged bees. But bees when -swarming are in an eminently peaceful frame of mind; -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">- 28 -</span> -having dined sumptuously, they require to be positively -provoked before they will sting. Yet there may be one -or two foolish bees who, having neglected to fill their -honey bags, are inclined to vent their ill-humour on the -kind apiarian. When all is ready, the new hive is held -or placed in an inverted position under the cluster of -bees, which the operator detaches from their perch with -one or two quick shakes; the floor-board is then placed -on the hive, which is then slowly turned up on to its base, -and it is well to leave it a short time in the same place, -in order to allow of stragglers joining their companions.</p> - -<p>If the new swarm is intended for transportation to a -distance, it is as well for it to be left at the same spot -until evening, provided the sun is shaded from it: but if -the hive is meant to stand in or near the same garden, -it is better to remove it within half an hour to its permanent -position, because so eager are newly-swarmed -bees for pushing forward the work of furnishing their -empty house, that they sally forth at once in search of -materials.</p> - -<p>A swarm of bees, in their natural state, contains from -10,000 to 20,000 insects, whilst in an established hive -of Italian bees they number 40,000 and upwards. Five -thousand bees are said to weigh one pound; a good -swarm will weigh from three to five pounds. We have -known swarms not heavier than 2½ pounds that were in -very excellent condition in August as regards store for -the winter.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">- 29 -</span></p> - -<p>Hitherto, all our remarks have had reference to first -or "prime" swarms; these are the best, and when a -swarm is purchased, such should be bargained for.</p> - -<p>Second swarms, known amongst cottage bee-keepers -as "casts," usually issue from the hive nine or ten days -after the first has departed. It is not always that a -second swarm issues, so much depends on the strength -of the stock, the weather, and other causes; but should -the bees determine to throw out another, the first hatched -queen in the stock-hive is prevented by her subjects from -destroying the other royal princesses, as she would do if -left to her own devices. The consequence is that, like -some people who cannot have their own way, she is -highly indignant; and, when thwarted in her purpose, -utters, in quick succession, shrill, angry sounds, much -resembling "<i>Peep, peep</i>," commonly called "piping," -but which more courtly apiarians have styled the <i>vox -regalis</i>.</p> - -<p>This royal wailing continues during the evening, and -is sometimes so loud as to be distinctly audible many -yards from the hive. When this is the case, a swarm -may be expected either on the next day, or at latest -within three days. The second swarm is not quite so -chary of weather as the first; it was the <i>old</i> lady who -exercised so much caution, disliking to leave home except -in the best of summer weather.</p> - -<p>In some instances, owing to favourable breeding seasons -and prolific queens, a third swarm issues from the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">- 30 -</span> -hive; this is termed a "colt:" and, in remarkable instances, -even a fourth, which in rustic phrase is designated -a "filly." A swarm from a swarm is called a -"maiden" swarm, and, according to bee theory, will -again have the old queen for its leader.</p> - -<p>The bee-master should endeavour to prevent his -labourers from swarming more than once; his policy is -rather to encourage the industrious gathering of honey, -by keeping a good supply of "supers" on the hives. -Sometimes, however, he may err in putting on the -supers too early or unduly late, and the bees will then -swarm a second time, instead of making use of the store-rooms -thus provided. In such a case, the clever apiarian, -having spread the swarm on the ground, will select the -queen, and cause the bees to go back to the hive from -whence they came. This operation requires an amount -of apiarian skill which, though it may easily be attained, -is greater than is usually possessed.</p> - - -<div class="figcenter" id="page30" style="width: 183px;"> - <img src="images/page30.png" width="183" height="57" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" id="Plate_II" style="width: 395px;"> - <div class="tdr">Plate II.</div> - <a href="images/plate_2_lg.png"><img src="images/plate_2.png" width="395" height="642" alt="" /></a> - <div class="tdc">E. W. Robinson Delt. et Scp. 1865.</div> - <p class="tdc smaller">Click on image to view larger</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">- 31 -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 417px;"> - <img src="images/page3.png" width="417" height="90" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="II_ANATOMY_AND_PHYSIOLOGY">II.—ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE BEE.</h2> -</div> - - -<div class="textleft" style="width: 49px;"> - <img src="images/letter_a.png" width="49" height="54" alt="A" /> -</div> - -<p class="p0">LTHOUGH 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 methods, it requires but -little apology for thus apparently deviating from our -prescribed course, 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 assist, and since it will at once be admitted -that a knowledge of their habits is not only interesting to -the bee-keeper, but enables him to conduct his apiary in -accordance therewith.</p> - -<p>Of the insect tribe, the bee is certainly the most distinguished; -with the exception of the silkworm, none can -approach her in ministering to the wants, or rather to -the luxuries, of the human family. The instinct bees -possess for feeding on flowers, bringing home honey and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">- 32 -</span> -pollen, and secreting wax, entitles them to our close consideration -of their structure and of the tools provided -them by Nature for carrying on their handiwork.</p> - -<p>In a treatise of this kind, intended to be of a popular -character, we shall endeavour to place these details -before our readers in a concise and simple manner, -avoiding as much as may be technical terms, and referring -those who wish to go more deeply into this branch -of the subject to the works of Bonnet, Huber, Kirby -and Spence, Dr. Bevan, &c. .</p> - -<p>In the course of our description, we shall frequently -have to refer to the steel engravings, Plates I. and II., -drawn by Mr. E. W. Robinson, artist to the Entomological -Society of London, who has most carefully dissected -bees we sent him for the purpose, subjected these -dissections to the microscope, and skilfully produced the -accompanying illustrations, which will so much assist us -in our agreeable task. These delineations are so clear, -that a little explanation will suffice to bring home to the -understanding of the curious the component parts of the -bee, and the uses to which the various members are -applied.</p> - -<p>Because the bee is so small an insect, its organization -ought not to be neglected to be investigated. "The -bee is little among such as fly, but her fruit is the chief -of sweet things." The enlightened Boyle, when contemplating -the wonders of Nature, declared that his astonishment -had been more excited by the mite than by the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">- 33 -</span> -elephant; and that his admiration dwelt "not so much -on the <i>clocks</i> as on the <i>watches</i> of creation."<a id="FNanchor_5" href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_5" href="#FNanchor_5" class="label">[5]</a> Dr. Bevan.</p> - -</div> - -<p>The figures 1, 2, and 3, <a href="#Plate_I">Plate I</a>., in the frontispiece, -respectively represent the exterior forms of the queen, -the worker, and the drone. They are thus coloured to -illustrate the Yellow Italian Alp, or Ligurian bee, now -deservedly held in such high estimation by bee-keepers, -and of whose good qualities we shall, in a -subsequent section of this work, have occasion more -fully to treat. All the bees constituting a stock may not -be of quite so bright a colour as those represented: the -old bees differ in appearance from the younger ones;—darkened -bodies and ragged wings, not grey hairs and -wrinkled faces, are the signs of old age; so that with bees -(especially Ligurians), as with the gentler sex of the human -race, there is appointed a period both of youth and beauty.</p> - -<p>The anatomical structure of our English bee is much -the same as that of the Italian;<a id="FNanchor_6" href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> a description of the one -will therefore serve for the other. The most apparent -difference consists in the colour. The English bee is of a -blackish brown; both varieties have their bodies wholly -covered with close-set hairs. These hairs deserve particular -attention, because, although so small, each hair is -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">- 34 -</span> -<i>feather-shaped</i>, consisting of a stem and branches somewhat -analogous to the feathers of birds. This form is -extremely serviceable to the insect, when revelling in the -corolla of flowers, to collect the farina, and, besides thus -useful, is peculiarly adapted for retaining animal heat.<a id="FNanchor_7" href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_6" href="#FNanchor_6" class="label">[6]</a> Naturalists consider the Italian bee a very superior race, -and that the various organs are stronger and of greater capacity; -it is, however, not easy to define the precise anatomical -superiority.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_7" href="#FNanchor_7" class="label">[7]</a> "Naturalist's Library."</p> - -</div> - -<p id="HEAD">The insect is divided into three parts—the <i>head</i>, the -<i>thorax</i> or <i>chest</i>, and the <i>abdomen</i>.</p> - -<p>The head of the queen (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate I., fig. 1 <i>c</i></a>), as also that -of the drone (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate I., fig. 3 <i>c</i></a>), is rounder than that of -the worker-bee. The latter (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate I, fig. 2 <i>c</i></a>) is of a -triangular shape, and much flattened, as in <a href="#Plate_I">Plate I., -fig. 2* <i>c</i></a>, which shows the side view. In common with -other creatures, the head contains the inlet for nutrition, -and is the seat of the principal organs of sensation.</p> - -<p>In the figures before alluded to may be seen the -double visual apparatus with which bees are provided. -The oval divisions on each side of the head are the two -eyes, the secondary organs of vision being the three small -eyes on the top of the head, called the <i>ocelli</i>. We shall -first describe the two larger eyes, which, as seems to be -the case with all insects, are immovable, and have neither -irides nor pupils, nor eyelids to cover them, but are protected -from the dust or pollen of flowers by a number of -small hairs, as well as by a horny tunicle, which defends -and secures them from injury. The multitude of hexagonal -lenses which compose the eye of a bee make it -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">- 35 -</span> -appear, when viewed through a microscope, exactly like -honey-comb.<a id="FNanchor_8" href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> A German writer computes that in each -eye there are 3,500 lenses. In <a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., fig. 5</a> represents -three of these hexagonal prisms or lenses, magnified.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_8" href="#FNanchor_8" class="label">[8]</a> Dr. Bevan.</p> - -</div> - -<p>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 food, and then, having determined the point, -no matter how far off, they fly homewards with the -directness of a cannon ball, and alight at the door -of their own habitation, though the country around may -be crowded with hives: but on reaching the entrance, -their vision appears defective, for they then feel their -way with the antennæ as if totally blind; and should -the hive have been moved a little, they will rise again -into the air to obtain a more distant view, suited to the -lengthened focus of their sight.</p> - -<p>When a stock or swarm is brought from a distance, -bees do not take their departure at once, but reconnoitre -awhile, visiting surrounding objects so as to well know -the spot again, in order to return thereto.</p> - -<p>The precise purpose or use of the three small eyes -does not appear to be exactly known, except that they -are intended to heighten the general sense of seeing -which the creature so peculiarly requires. Some naturalists -suggest that they are to give a defensive vision -upwards from the cups of flowers.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">- 36 -</span></p> - -<p>The mouth of the bee is a most complex structure, -marvellously adapted for its duties, and consists of the -mandibles, the ligula, or tongue, also called the proboscis, -and other less important parts. The mandibles -are the two sides of the upper jaw. <a href="#Plate_I">Plate I., fig. 1 <i>d</i></a>, -shows the mandible of the queen, which, similar to that -of the drone (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate I., fig. 3 <i>d</i></a>), is provided with two -teeth, whilst the mandible of the worker (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate I., fig. 2 <i>d</i></a>) -is without teeth. The latter having to manipulate the -wax with smoothness, the teeth would doubtless be -objectionable. These mandibles are strong, horny, and -sharp-pointed, to assist in breaking down food between -them, and, in other respects, constitute serviceable tools -with which to seize their enemies, destroy the drones, &c. -The tongue (<a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., fig. 3</a>), or proboscis, is a long, -slender projection, flattish in form, and about the thickness -of a bristle. It has about forty cartilaginous rings, -each of which is fringed with minute hairs, having also -a small tuft of hair at its extremity, where it is somewhat -serrated. The tongue acts by rolling about, sweeping -or lapping up, by means of the fringes around it, everything -to which it is applied; thus, when a bee alights -upon a flower, it pierces the petals and stamina, where -the nectar is secreted, deposits its collection on the -tongue, which, when withdrawn into the mouth, propels -the gathered material into the gullet (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate I., fig. 2 <i>c</i></a>) at -its base, and from thence passes into the various internal -organs, to which reference will be made hereafter. At -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">- 37 -</span> -times, in building combs, the tongue is used as a trowel, -with which the minute scales of wax are deposited in -their appropriate places, and the desired finish is given -to the cells. This organ was formerly described by -naturalists as a hollow tube, but we now know, by dissection, -that this is not the case, but that it acts as a -brush, and, by a peculiar muscular contraction externally, -draws the liquid into the mouth. Thus, when a bee is -imbibing food, the rings of the abdomen have a vibratory -motion similar to pumping, showing to the casual observer -that suction is rapidly going on in some form or other.</p> - -<p>The labial palpi (<a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., fig. 3 <i>o</i></a>) rise from the base -of each side of this lapping instrument, and are also -ciliated exteriorly; outside these are the lower jaws, -or maxillæ (<a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., fig. 2 <i>n</i></a>), similarly provided with -hairs. When the jaws (<a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., fig. 3 <i>n</i> and <i>o</i></a>) close -on the tongue, they form a sheath or defence thereto.</p> - -<p>With the mandibles of the upper jaw opening right and -left, and the maxillæ or lower jaws, which serve to hold -the object laboured upon, the insect prepares its work -for the sweeping-up apparatus of the lower parts. Thus, -when combs become mouldy, or in any way unfit receptacles -for brood or honey, these tools provided by Nature -serve the place of hands, and the bees are able to chop -up in small pieces, and remove from their dwelling, whatever -lumber of this kind may be offensive to them. The -whole of this apparatus, while perfect in action in an -expanded state, can be folded or coiled together when -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">- 38 -</span> -not in use, so as to form one strong and well-protected -instrument.</p> - -<p>The antennæ (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate I., figs. 1<i>a</i>, 2<i>a</i>, 3<i>a</i></a>,) are most -important instruments, and are planted between or below -the eyes and a little below the ocelli, one on either side: -they consist of a number of tubular joints, each having a -separate motion; being thus jointed throughout their -whole length, they are, therefore, capable of every -variety of flexure, and their extremities are exquisitely -sensitive. With the antennæ, these insects recognise -their queen, and appear to communicate to each other -their joys and sorrows. For instance, if a colony be deprived -of its queen, bees may be seen rushing about the -hive, and, with a nervous twinge, crossing their antennæ -and conveying the intelligence of their forlorn state. -The sense of touch is here most acute. Huber points -out a moonlight night as the best time for observing the -antennæ in this respect. The bees guarding against -the intrusion of moths, and not having light enough to -see fully, circumambulate their doors like vigilant sentinels, -with the antennæ stretched right before them; and -woe to the moth that comes within reach—the instant it -is felt, its death follows. The sense of hearing has been -denied bees, whilst others contend that these organs are -situate in their antennæ. The sounds which bees emit, -particularly at swarming time, are conclusive that they -possess this faculty; the only reason for arriving at an -opposite conclusion seems to be, that no precise organ of -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">- 39 -</span> -hearing can be found. Naturalists are now more united -in the opinion that the seat of hearing is here located. -The antennæ are said to have also another office, viz., -that they act as a barometer, by which bees know the -state of the weather and are premonished of storms; so -that this pair of horns play an important part, since such -useful faculties are thus combined. In the dark recesses -of the hive the antennas are exceedingly serviceable, and -may truly be denominated "eyes to the blind." Bees -possess acutely the senses of taste and smell. In consequence -of their being detected occasionally lapping the -impure liquids from stable or other fœtid drains, Huber -considered the former the least perfect of their senses. -It is now ascertained that bees, like most animals, are -fond of salt; and in spring, more especially, their instinct -teaches them that salt is beneficial for their health after -their winter confinement, and they therefore resort to -dunghills and Stagnant marshes, from which they are, -doubtless, able to extract saline draughts.</p> - -<p>It cannot be denied, however, that, according to our -ideas, bees' taste is otherwise at fault; it sometimes -happens that, where onions and leeks abound and are -allowed to run to seed, bees are so anxious to -complete their winter stores, that, from feeding on -these plants, a disagreeable flavour is communicated to -the honey. Again, the fact, well known in history, related -by Xenophon in the retreat of the Ten Thousand, -that bees in Asia Minor extracted honey from plants which -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">- 40 -</span> -had not only a disagreeable but a poisonous tendency to -man, shows that it is quite possible, where such poisonous -plants abound, for the bees to extract the juices without -any injury to themselves.</p> - -<p>The sense of smell, so largely possessed by bees, is -extremely serviceable to them. Attracted by the fragrance -of flowers, bees may be seen winging their way -a considerable distance in an undeviating course, even -sometimes in the face of weather which one might have -thought they would not have braved.</p> - -<p id="THORAX">The thorax or chest approaches in figure to a sphere, -and is united to the head by a thread-like ligament. -This is the centre of the organs of motion. Here are -attached both the muscles that move the legs and wings, -and the legs and wings themselves.</p> - -<p>In <a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., fig. 1</a>, <i>b, b, b</i>, show the muscles that move -the wings; <i>e, e</i>, the bases of the wings.</p> - -<p>The wings consist of two pairs of unequal size, which -are hooked to one another. In <a href="#Plate_I">Plate I., fig. <span class="allsmcap">A</span></a>, will be seen -the margins of the two wings. In fig. <span class="allsmcap">B</span> are the eighteen -or twenty hooks placed on the anterior margin of -the hinder wing, whilst the posterior margin of the -fore wing is beautifully folded over to receive them, -so that, when distended for flying, the two wings on -each side act as one to steady their movements in -flight.</p> - -<p>The bee has six legs, three on either side. Each -leg is composed of several joints, having articulations -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">- 41 -</span> -like a man's arm, for the thigh, the leg, and the foot. -The foremost pair of these are the shortest; with them -the bee unloads the little pellets from the baskets on her -thighs: the middle pair are somewhat longer, and the -hindmost the longest of all. On the outside of the -middle joint of these last there is, in each leg, a small -cavity, in the form of a marrow spoon, called the -"pollen basket." In <a href="#Plate_I">Plate I., fig. 2 <i>b</i></a> shows the inner -side of the hind leg and pollen brush; 2 <i>b*</i>, same figure, -the outer side and pollen basket.</p> - -<p>The legs are covered with hairs, more particularly -the edges of the cavity mentioned, in which the kneaded -pollen requires to be maintained securely. In this they -convey those loads of pollen which are so constantly -seen carried into a hive.</p> - -<p>This basket, or pollen groove, in the thigh is peculiar -to the worker; neither queen nor drone have anything -of the kind.</p> - -<p>Another provision of the bee's limbs consists in a -pair of hooks attached to each foot, with their points -opposite to each other, by means of which the bees -suspend themselves from the roof or sides of hives, and -cling to each other as they do at swarming time or -prior to and during the formation of new comb, thus -forming a living curtain. In these circumstances, each -bee, with its two fore claws, takes hold of the two -hinder legs of the one next above it.</p> - -<p>This mode of suspension is, no doubt, agreeable to -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">- 42 -</span> -them, although the uppermost bees appear to be -dragged by the weight of the whole. Wildman supposed -that bees had a power of distending themselves -with air, to acquire buoyancy, and thus lessen the -burden of the topmost bees. They find no difficulty -in extricating themselves from the mass; the most -central of the group can make its way without endangering -the stability of the grape-like cluster.</p> - -<p>Bees are able to walk freely in an inverted position, -either on glass or other slippery substances. The -peculiar mechanism of their feet, which enables them -to do so, consists in their having in the middle of -each hook a thin membranous little cup or sucker -that is alternately exhausted and filled with air. Flies -have the same beautiful apparatus—hence a fly commonly -selects the ceiling for a resting-place. These -little air-cups, or exhausted receivers, may be seen -by applying a strong magnifying-glass to a window -that has a bee traversing the reverse side. The -edges of these little suckers are serrated, so as to close -against any kind of surface to which their legs may be -applied. This apparatus may be also serviceable for -gathering the pollen before transmitting it to the baskets -on the hind legs. Besides these appendages and apparatus -of the thorax, that region is traversed by the -œsophagus or gullet (the opening to which will be -found in <a href="#Plate_I">Plate I, fig. 2 <i>c</i></a>), on its way to the digestive -and other organs, situate in the third part of the insect—viz.,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">- 43 -</span> -the abdomen. The covering of the thorax, with -the external covering of the gullet, may be seen in the -drawing of the magnified dissected body of the bee -(<a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., fig. 1</a>).</p> - -<p>The breathing apparatus of bees is a very remarkable -feature: they have no lungs, but, instead, air-vessels -or tubes, ramifying through every part of the frame. -These openings, called "spiracles," are found in the -sides of their bodies, behind the wings. Two of the -openings are located in the thorax, and one on each -side of the scales of the abdomen.</p> - -<p>These air-vessels would be difficult to show in a drawing, -the multitude of hairs which protect them are in the -way of getting at a very distinct delineation. The writer -has traced their oval form by the aid of Messrs. Smith -and Beck's "Binocular Microscope," and exceedingly -interesting objects they appeared. From the circumstance -of bees breathing through these orifices in their -bodies, it will not be difficult to understand how sadly the -little creatures must be inconvenienced when, by accident, -they fall on loose mould, and thus have their breathing -pores choked with dust: it also shows how needful it is -to prevent bees being besmeared with honey (by using -bad appliances for feeding), which is still more injurious -to them. These air-vessels are the only real circulating -system, as bees have neither lungs, heart, liver, -nor blood. It appears, however, that a white fluid matter, -called "chyle," which, in degree, answers the purpose -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">- 44 -</span> -of blood, is produced in the intestines, nourishes the -body, receives the oxygen from the air-vessels, and generates -that animal warmth so necessary for the insect's -well-being. Bees have the power of counteracting superabundant -heat by perspiration. Not unfrequently, on a -hot summer's morning, a good deal of moisture may be -noticed at the entrance of a crowded hive, which the -inmates have been enabled to throw off. This is a healthy -sign, because a sign of great numerical strength.</p> - -<p id="ABDOMEN">The abdomen, attached to the posterior part of the -thorax by a slender ligament, has, for an outer covering, -six folds or scales of unequal breadth, overlapping each -other, and contains the honey-bag, or first stomach, the -ventricle, or true stomach (<a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., figs. 1 and 2<i>f</i></a>), with -other intestines, to be hereafter referred to.</p> - -<p>The honey-bag (<a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., figs. 1 and 2, <i>d</i></a>) is an -enlargement of the gullet, and, although called the first -stomach, no digestion takes place here. In shape it is -like a taper oil flask; when full, it is about the size of a -small pea, and so transparent that the colour of the honey -may be seen through it. This sac, as it is sometimes -called, is susceptible of contraction, and so organized as -to enable the bee to disgorge a part of its contents at -pleasure, to fill the honey-cells of the hive. 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 stomach.</p> - -<p>A short passage (<a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., figs. 1 and 2, <i>f</i></a>) leads to the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">- 45 -</span> -ventricle or true stomach, which is somewhat larger. This -receives the food from the honey-bag, for the nourishment -of the bee and the secretion of wax. The stomach, -like the honey-bag, has a considerable number of muscles, -which are brought into play to help the digestive and -other organs. The biliary vessels (<a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., figs. 1 and -2, <i>h, h</i></a>) receive the chyle from the digested food in the -stomach, which from thence is conveyed to all parts of -the body for its support.</p> - -<p>Formerly, naturalists thought that wax was elaborated -from pollen; but it is now fully known that it is the animal -fat of the bees, and to produce it requires a considerable -consumption of honey to supply the drain upon -the system. Whilst this secretion is going on, bees keep -themselves very still. In order to pass through the pores -of the abdomen, the wax is, no doubt, a liquid oily matter, -which, on making its appearance outside the abdominal -rings, thickens, and exudes from under the four medial -rings, in flakes like fish scales, one on either side; so that -there are eight of these secreting cavities, which are -peculiar to the worker: they are not found either in the -queen or drone. The shape of these cavities is that of -an irregular pentagon, and the plates of wax, being -moulded in them, exhibit accordingly the same form -(see <a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., fig. 5, <i>w</i></a>).</p> - -<p>No direct channel of communication between the -stomach and these receptacles, or wax-pockets, has yet -been discovered; but Huber conjectures that the secreting -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">- 46 -</span> -vessels are contained in the membrane which lines -these receptacles, and which is covered with a reticulation -of hexagonal meshes, analogous to the inner coat of -the second stomach of ruminant quadrupeds.</p> - -<p>The little plates of wax are withdrawn by the bee itself, -with its hind feet, carried to the mouth with its fore feet, -where the wax is made soft and ductile. When a cluster -or swarm is placed in a new hive, and the bees suspend -themselves in the form of a garland, as before described, -it seems feasible that the lower bees pass their secretions -up the living ladder to the uppermost ones, to be moulded -by them into those beautiful white hexagonal shapes of -which new comb is composed. 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 them, just as our labourers convey building -material to the artisan on the scaffold above. This -work of comb-building is carried forward in warm -weather; a cold temperature interferes with the secretion -of wax.</p> - -<p>The last important organ of the abdomen is the sting: -this small but effective weapon is situate close to the -stomach, and is found in the queen and worker, but is -absent in the drone. Our engraving (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate 11., fig. 4</a>) -exhibits the sting of the worker-bee, with its muscles and -attachments: <i>r</i> shows the muscles that move the sting, -and <i>q</i> the curved base of the sheath that encloses the -sting.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">- 47 -</span></p> - -<p>Much beautiful mechanism is observed on a microscopic -examination of this weapon and its appendages, so -powerful in comparison with their bulk. The sting is -composed of three separate portions, <i>i. e.</i>, two sheaths -(as seen in <a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., fig. 4</a>) and the barb. The sheaths, -which are attached to the powerful muscles on either -side at <i>s</i>, are first protruded in the act of stinging, and, -clasping the barb, enables the insect to bury it in the flesh -to the depth of one-twelfth of an inch; at the same time, -by a muscular contraction, the poison is forced along the -groove, and the barb enters the wound, causing the -well-known painful effects which arise from the sting of -a bee.</p> - -<p>The darts composing this instrument are furnished -with teeth or barbs, set obliquely on their outer side, -which give it the appearance of an arrow, and by which -it is retained in the wound until the poison has been -ejected.</p> - -<p>If the sufferer could only command himself so as to -remain perfectly passive, the bee might be able to draw -in these barbs which protrude beyond the sheath, and -would then have a chance of withdrawing the sting: the -little insect would consequently inflict less pain, and -might perhaps escape paying the penalty of her life. -It generally happens, however, that the excitement of -both parties is so great, that the poor bee leaves behind -the whole apparatus, and even part of her intestines, -so that her death is the result, and the wound is more -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">- 48 -</span> -severe. The sting is about the sixth part of an inch -long, and is largest at the base. Here are situated the -glands or ducts (<a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., fig. 4, <i>u</i></a>). By these the poison -is secreted, and passed into the poison-bag (<a href="#Plate_II">Plate II., -fig. 4, <i>f</i></a>), which acts as a reservoir for retaining it till -required.</p> - -<p>On the subject of the sting, Paley remarks:—"The -action of the sting affords a beautiful example of the -union of chemistry and mechanism: of chemistry, in -respect to the venom, which in so small a quantity can -produce such powerful effects; of mechanism, as the -sting is not a simple, but a compound instrument. The -machinery would have been comparatively useless had it -not been for the chemical process, by which, in the -insect's body, honey is converted into poison; and, on -the other hand, the poison would have been ineffectual -without an instrument to wound, and a syringe to inject -the fluid."</p> - -<p>As before stated, the drone has no sting, but, in place -thereof, the organs of reproduction. And now, in concluding -this section, we would remark the wonderful -mechanism and finish all the works of the Great Master -Builder unfold. In the works of man we see, perhaps, a -piece of mechanism of unquestioned beauty and excellence; -but there is a bolt here or screw there that might -have been dispensed with, and does not possess any definite -use, whilst in the works of Nature everything has a -place; we may not at once comprehend the exact -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">- 49 -</span> -purpose of some intricate parts, but that only implies -that we have not made a thorough investigation. The -most minute hair serves its required end. "Canst thou -by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the -Almighty unto perfection?"</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page49" style="width: 107px;"> - <img src="images/page49.png" width="107" height="114" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">- 50 -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 417px;"> - <img src="images/page3.png" width="417" height="90" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="III_MODERN_BEE-HIVES">III.—MODERN BEE-HIVES.</h2> -</div> - - -<h3>NUTT'S COLLATERAL HIVE.</h3> - -<div class="textleft" style="width: 53px;"> - <img src="images/letter_t.png" width="53" height="53" alt="T" /> -</div> - -<p class="p0">HE late Mr. Nutt, author of "Humanity to -Honey Bees," may be regarded as a pioneer of -modern apiarians; we therefore select his hive wherewith -to begin a description of those we have confidence -in recommending. Besides, an account of Mr. Nutt's -hive will necessarily include references to the various -principles which subsequent inventors have kept in -view.</p> - -<p>Nutt's Collateral Hive consists of three boxes placed -side by side (<span class="allsmcap">C, A, C</span>), with an octagonal box b on the top, -which covers a bell-glass. Each of the three boxes is -nine inches high, nine inches wide, and eleven inches -from back to front. Thin wooden partitions, in which -six or seven openings corresponding with each other are -made, divide these compartments, so that free access -from one box to the other is afforded to the bees; this -communication is stopped, when necessary, by a zinc -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">- 51 -</span> -slide passing down between each box. The octagonal -cover B is about ten inches in diameter and twenty high, -including the sloping octagonal roof, surmounted with -an acorn as a finish. There are two large windows in -each of the end boxes, and one in the centre box. -Across the latter is a thermometer, scaled and marked -so as to be an easy guide to the bee-master, showing -him, by the rise in temperature, the increased accommodation -required; this thermometer is a fixture, the indicating -part being protected by two pieces of glass, to -prevent the bees from coming between it and the window, -and thereby obstructing the view.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page51" style="width: 320px;"> - <img src="images/page51.png" width="320" height="325" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p><span class="allsmcap">D D</span> are ventilators. In the centre of each of the end<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">- 52 -</span> -boxes is a double zinc tube, reaching down a little below -the middle: the outer tube is a casing of plain zinc, with -holes, about a quarter of an inch wide, dispersed over it; -the inside one is of perforated zinc, with' openings so -small as to prevent the escape of the bees; a flange or -rim keeps the tubes suspended through a hole made to -receive it. The object in having double tubing is to -allow the inner one to be drawn up, and the perforations -to be opened by pricking out the wax, or rather the -propolis, with which bees close all openings in their -hives. These tubes admit a thermometer, enclosed in a -cylindrical glass, to be occasionally inserted during the -gathering season; it requires to be left in the tube for -about a quarter of an hour, and on its withdrawal, if -found indicating ninety degrees or more, ventilation -must be adopted to lower the temperature. The ornamental -zinc top D must be left raised, and is easily kept -in that position by putting the perforated part a little on -one side.</p> - -<p>The boxes before described are placed on a raised -double floor-board, extending the whole length—viz., -about thirty-six inches. The floor-board projects a few -inches in front. In the centre is the entrance (as our -engraving only shows the back of the hive, we must -imagine it on the other side); it is made by cutting a -sunken way, of about half an inch deep and three inches -wide, in the floor-board, communicating only with the -middle box; it is through this entrance alone that the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">- 53 -</span> -bees find their way into the hive, access to the end boxes -and the super being obtained from the inside. An -alighting-board is fitted close under the entrance, for -the bees to settle upon when returning laden with homey. -This alighting-board is removable for the convenience of -packing. The centre, or stock-box <span class="allsmcap">A</span>, called by Mr. -Nutt the <i>Pavilion of Nature</i>, is the receptacle for the -swarm. For stocking this, it will be necessary to tack -the side tins so as to close the side openings in the -partition, and to tack some perforated zinc over the -holes at top; the swarm may then be hived into it just -the same as with a common hive. A temporary bottom -board may be used if the box has to be sent any distance, -or a cloth may be tied round to close the bottom (the -latter plan is best, because allowing plenty of air); and -when brought home at night, the bees being clustered -at the top, the cloth or temporary bottom must be removed, -the box gently placed on its own floor-board, and -the hive set in the place it is permanently to occupy. -<span class="allsmcap">E E</span> are two block fronts, which open with a hinge. A -semicircular hole, three inches long and two inches wide -in the middle, is cut in the upper bottom-board, immediately -under the window of each box; these apertures -are closed by separate perforated zinc slides. These -blocks, when opened, afford a ready means of reducing -the temperature of the side boxes, a current of air being -quickly obtained, and are also useful for allowing the -bees to throw out any refuse.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">- 54 -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page54" style="width: 149px;"> - <img src="images/page54.png" width="149" height="89" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The centre <span class="allsmcap">F</span> is a drawer, in which is a feeding-trough, -so constructed that the bees -can descend through the opening -before mentioned on to a false -bottom of perforated zinc. Liquid -food is easily poured in by pulling -out the drawer a little way; the bees readily -come down on to the perforated zinc, and take the food -by inserting their probosces through the perforations, -with no danger of being drowned. Care must be exercised -that the food is not given in such quantity as to -come above the holes; by this means; each hive has a -supply of food accessible only to the inmates, with no -possibility, when closely shut in, of attracting robber-bees -from other hives.</p> - -<p>The exterior of these hives is well painted with two -coats of lead colour, covered with two coats of green, -and varnished. Notwithstanding this preservation, it is -absolutely essential to place such a hive under a shed -or cover of some sort, as the action of the sun and rain -is likely to decay the wood, whilst the extreme heat of -a summer sun might cause the combs to fall from their -foundations.</p> - -<p>Neat and tasteful sheds may be erected, either of zinc -supported by iron or wooden rods, or a thatched roof -may be sustained in the same manner, and will form a -pretty addition to the flower-garden.</p> - -<p>When erecting a covering, it will be well to make it a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">- 55 -</span> -foot or two longer, so as to allow of a cottage hive on -either side, as the appearance of the whole is much improved -by such an arrangement.</p> - -<p>The following directions, with some adaptation, are -from "Nutt on Honey-Bees":—</p> - -<p>"In the middle box the bees are to be first placed: in -it they should first construct their beautiful combs, and -under the government of one sovereign, the mother of -the hive, carry on their curious work, and display their -astonishing architectural ingenuity. In this box, the -regina of the colony, surrounded by her industrious, -happy, humming subjects, carries on the propagation of -her species, deposits in the cells prepared for the purpose -by the other bees thousands of eggs, though she -seldom deposits more than one egg in a cell at a time: -these eggs are nursed up into a numerous progeny by -the other inhabitants of the hive. It is at this time, when -hundreds of young bees are daily coming into existence, -that the collateral boxes are of the utmost importance, both -to the bees domiciled in them and to their proprietors; -for when the brood become perfect bees in a common -cottager's hive, a swarm is the necessary consequence. -The queen, accompanied by a vast number of her subjects, -leaves the colony, and seeks some other place in -which to carry on the work Nature has assigned her. -But as swarming may, by proper precaution and attention -to this mode of management, generally be prevented, -it is good practice to do so, because the time -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">- 56 -</span> -necessarily required to establish a new colony, even supposing -the cottager succeeds in saving the swarm, -would otherwise be employed in collecting honey, and in -enriching the old hive. Here, then, is one of the features -of this plan—viz., <i>the prevention of swarming</i>. The period -when symptoms of swarming begin to present themselves -may be known by an unusual noise, the appearance -of more than common activity among the bees in -the middle box, and, above all, by a sudden rise of temperature, -which will be indicated by the quicksilver in -the thermometer rising to seventy-five degrees, as scaled -on the thermometer in the box; when these symptoms -are apparent, the bee-master may conclude that additional -space is required. The top sliding tin should now -be withdrawn from under the bell-glass, which will open -to the bees a new store-room; this they will soon occupy, -and fill with combs and honey of pure whiteness, if the -weather be favourable for their uninterrupted labour. It -may be well here to mention, that if the glass have a small -piece of clean worker comb attached to the perforated -ventilating tube, the bees will more speedily commence -their operations in it. When the glass is nearly filled, -which in a good season will be in a very short space of -time, the bees will again require increased accommodation; -this will also be indicated by the thermometer -further rising to eighty-five degrees. The end box, as -thereon marked, must now be given them. Previously to -drawing up a slide to enlarge their crowded house, the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">- 57 -</span> -manager should carefully take off the empty end box he -intends to open to them, and thoroughly cleanse it, and -then smear or dress the inside of it with a little liquid -honey. Thus prepared, he must return the box to its -proper situation, and then withdraw the sliding tin that -hitherto has cut it off from the middle box; by so doing, -the store-room is again enlarged. The bees will commence -operations in this new apartment. This simple -operation, performed at the proper time, generally prevents -swarming; by it the queen gains a vast addition to -her dominions, and, consequently, increasing space for the -multiplying population of her domicile. Provided the -weather continue fine, and the thermometer has risen to -ninety-five degrees, as marked on the scale, the remaining -tin may be also withdrawn, thereby giving the bees -admittance to another box. There is now no lack of -store-rooms or of employment for our indefatigable -labourers. The cylinder thermometer is required to be -occasionally dropped into the ventilating tube of the side -boxes to ascertain their temperature; for, if exceeding -or approaching that of the middle box, it must be -reduced by ventilating: this is done by raising the zinc -tops, to allow the air to pass through the perforations. -The grand object of this system is to keep the end boxes -and the bell-glass cooler than the pavilion or middle -box, so as to induce the queen to propagate her species -there and there only, and not in the depriving part of -the hive; by this means the side and upper combs are -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">- 58 -</span> -in no way discoloured by brood. The queen requires a -considerable degree of warmth; the middle box does -not require more ventilation than the additional openings -afford. The bees enjoy coolness in the side boxes, and -thereby the whiteness and purity of the luscious store are -increased."</p> - -<p>After the foregoing directions for the working of the -hive, it remains to be told how to obtain possession of -the store, and to get rid of our industrious tenants from -the super and end boxes, of which the super glass will -be almost sure to be filled first, having been first given to -them. The operation of taking honey is best performed -in the middle of a fine sunny day. The mode we prefer -is as follows:—Pass an ordinary table-knife all round -underneath the rim of the glass, to loosen the cement, -properly called propolis; then take a piece of fine wire, -or a piece of string will do, and, having hold of the two -ends, draw it under the glass very slowly, so as to allow -the bees to get out of the way. Having brought the -string through, the glass is now separated from the hive; -but it is as well to leave the glass in its place for an hour -or so; the commotion of the bees will then have subsided: -and another advantage we find is, that the bees suck up -the liquid and seal up the cells broken by the cutting off. -You can then pass underneath the glass two pieces of -tin or zinc; the one may be the proper slide to prevent -the inmates of the hive coming out at the apertures, the -other tin keeps all the bees in the glass close prisoners. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">- 59 -</span> -After having confined the bees in the glass for a short -time, you must see whether they manifest symptoms of -uneasiness, because, if they do not, it may be concluded -that the queen is among them. In such a case, replace -the glass, and recommence the operation on a future -day. It is not often that her majesty is in the depriving -hive or glass; but this circumstance does sometimes -happen, and the removal at such a time must be avoided. -When the bees that are prisoners run about in great -confusion and restlessness, the operator may conclude -that the queen is absent, and that all is right. The -glass may be taken away a little distance off, and placed -in a flower-pot or other receptacle, where it will be -safe when inverted and the tin taken away: the bees -will then be glad to make their escape back to their -hive. A little tapping at the sides of the glass will -render their tarriance uncomfortable, and the glass may -then be taken into a darkened room or out-house, with -only a small aperture admitting light, which must be -open; the bees, like all insects, make towards the light, -and so escape. The bee-master should brush them off -with a feather from the comb as they can be reached; -but on no account, if there are many bees, should the -glass be left, because the bees that are in the glass will -gorge themselves to their full, and speedily bring a host -of others from the adjacent hives, who, in a very little -time, would leave only the empty combs. It is truly -marvellous how soon they will carry all the store back -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">- 60 -</span> -again, if allowed to do so. An empty glass should be -put on to the hive in place of the full one, as it will -attract the bees up, thereby preventing the too close -crowding of the hive; and, if the summer be not too far -advanced, they will work more honey-comb in it.</p> - -<p>The removal of the end boxes is a somewhat similar -process, but they should on no account be taken away, -at the same time as the glass, or, indeed, at a time -when any other hive is being—<i>robbed</i> we were going to -say, for it is robbery to the bees: they intended the -honey for their winter food, and are much enraged at -being deprived of it. First shut down the dividing tin; -the bees in the end box are now prisoners separated -from the hive; keep them so half an hour, and then take -away the box bodily to another part of the garden, or -into the dark out-house, as before recommended.</p> - -<p>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 Spalding, -in Lincolnshire. Having been disabled during a considerable -period by rheumatic fever, he devoted all his -attention to bees, at a time when bee-culture was but -little valued; and, although it must be admitted that two -boxes were used side by side long before Mr. Nutt's -day, still it is due to him to state that the adoption -of three boxes was entirely his own idea, and that, -so far as he then knew, the collateral system was -his original invention. His statements have been -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">- 61 -</span> -severely criticised, and it does appear almost incredible -that the weight of honey which he names could have -been produced in one season. 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 would, -doubtless, be very large. If Mr. Nutt has given his little -favourites too much praise, it will be only charitable now -to account for his statements by an excess of zeal and -enthusiasm in this his study of bee-culture. 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-keeping, some of whom, whilst they condemned -his statements, have themselves written really -useful and practical works on the subject, which otherwise -might possibly never have appeared. As the monks -of old kept the lamp of religion burning, however dimly, -until a more enlightened age, so Thomas Nutt may have -assisted in a somewhat similar manner by energetically -propounding his views, and thereby causing other apiarians -to rise up, whose names are now as familiar to us -as household words, and whose works posterity will -value. The writer of these pages has often accompanied -Mr. Nutt on his visits to his patrons in the -neighbourhood of London, and seen him perform his -operations regardless of the anger of the bees, and free -from all fear of their stings. He often expatiated on the -cruelty of the brimstone match and suffocation, denouncing -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">- 62 -</span> -the barbarous custom in the following terms: "You -may as well kill the cow for her milk, or the hen for her -eggs, as the bee for its honey; why continue to light the -fatal match, when every cottager in England has the -means of saving this most useful and valuable insect?"</p> - - -<h3 id="NEIGHBORS_HIVE">NEIGHBOUR'S IMPROVED SINGLE BOX HIVE.</h3> - -<p>We have introduced the "Single Box Hive" to suit -the convenience of those who, though desirous of keeping -bees on the improved principle, do not wish to incur -the expense or devote the space which is necessary for -Nutt's hive.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page62" style="width: 446px;"> - <img src="images/page62.png" width="446" height="317" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">- 63 -</span></p> - -<p>It consists of a lower or stock-box <span class="allsmcap">A</span>, eleven inches -square, nine inches deep, with three large windows, a -thermometer <span class="allsmcap">D</span>, as in Nutt's, being fixed across the front -one, protected at the sides by strips of glass, to prevent -the bees obscuring the quicksilver from sight, <span class="allsmcap">B</span> is a cover -the same size as the lower hive, large enough to allow -space for a bell-glass nine inches wide, six inches deep. -<span class="allsmcap">E</span> is the ventilator between the glass and the stock-hive, intended -to prevent the queen travelling into the super hive, -and also, by cooling the hive, to endeavour to prevent -swarming; a sloping pagoda roof, with an acorn top, completes -the upper story. A floor-board with a block front, -as in Nutt's collateral, forms the base, the entrance being -sunk, as before described, and furnished with zinc slides -to reduce or close it as may be required. To stock a -hive of this description, it is necessary to send the stock-box -to the party with whom you have agreed for the -supply of a swarm. In the evening of the day the hive -is thus tenanted, remove it to the position it is designed -permanently to occupy; if the swarm has to be procured -from a distance, and is transported by rail or other conveyance, -a perforated zinc slide should be substituted for -the plain slide that covers the top, and a large piece or -perforated zinc must also be tacked to the bottom after -the swarm has settled in. Thus securely confined, with a -free circulation of air throughout, bees that have been' -swarmed the day before may be safely sent any distance -that will allow of their being released the day after; -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">- 64 -</span> -because bees, though they provision themselves for a -couple of days, cannot with safety be confined in an -empty hive much longer.</p> - -<p>Having now, we will suppose, procured your swarm, -and placed it in a south or south-east aspect, you may, -with advantage if the weather be wet, give a little -liquid food: the feeding in this hive is performed at the -top of the stock-box, where the glass is worked. Our -round feeding pan, or the new feeding bottle, may here -be used. Any fancy as to the position may be indulged -in, but must be settled on by the time the bees are set at -liberty, because any alteration afterwards is detrimental -to the working of the hive. The bees, on first issuing -forth, carefully mark their new abode and the surrounding -objects, so that, if a change be made, they are completely -thrown out in their observations, which confuses -them not a little, and occasions loss. Bees always return -to the same spot; it is the locality that they know, and -if the hive is moved a less distance than a mile, thousands -return to the spot on which the hive has been accustomed -to stand.</p> - -<p>Allow your bees to collect honey and build their combs -for ten days or a fortnight. Much now depends on the -weather; if fine, by this time they will require additional -room, which will be indicated by the thermometer <span class="allsmcap">D</span> -rapidly rising; 100 degrees is the swarming point. The -hive must be kept below this by ventilation.</p> - -<p>Access must now be given to the flat bell-glass at the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">- 65 -</span> -top, which is done by withdrawing the top slide. In a -few hours, sometimes immediately, the work of comb-building -begins in the glass—all the sooner, if a piece of -clean empty comb be placed therein.</p> - -<p>It is of service to keep the glass warm by means of a -worsted or baize bag; it prevents the temperature from -falling at night, when much comb-building is carried on, -providing the heat is not allowed to escape. Probably, -if all goes on well, in three weeks the glass will be -found filled with fine white honey-comb. When you -find that the comb is well sealed up, it is time to take it -off; but if the cells are unfilled and unsealed, let the -labourers complete their work—a little experience will -soon enable the bee-keeper to determine this point.</p> - -<p>The plan to be adopted for taking glasses of honey, -comb is the same as described for Nutt's hive.</p> - - -<h3 id="TAYLORS_HIVE">TAYLOR'S AMATEUR SHALLOW BOX OR -EIGHT-BAR HIVE.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page66" style="width: 439px;"> - <img src="images/page66.png" width="439" height="509" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>Taylor's Amateur Hive, as seen by reference to the -engraving, consists of three boxes—the lower one, <span class="allsmcap">A</span>, is -the stock-box, in which the swarm is first placed; <span class="allsmcap">B</span> is -the first super; and <span class="allsmcap">C</span>, the centre box: all three boxes are -of the same diameter, viz., thirteen and a half inches -square inside, <span class="allsmcap">A</span>, the stock-box, is seven and a half -inches deep; <span class="allsmcap">B</span>, six and a half inches: both are fitted with -eight moveable bars, each bar being one inch and an -eighth wide, with spaces of half an inch between, and all -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">- 66 -</span> -easily removed by unscrewing the crown-board, in which -are two openings closed by zinc slides. The middle box, -<span class="allsmcap">C</span>, has no bars, and is still shallower than either of the -other boxes, being five inches deep. In many localities -and seasons, the third box may not be required. Each -box has two windows, one at the back and another at -the side, a zinc shutter, sliding in a groove, excluding -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">- 67 -</span> -light and retaining warmth. The box <span class="allsmcap">C</span> differs from -the others in another respect; instead of bars, it has a -grating made by seven openings, each half an inch wide -and nine inches long: these three boxes stand on a stout -floor-board, in which is cut the entrance way, four inches -wide and three-eighths of an inch high. The floor-board -projects so as to support an outer cover of half-inch wood, -surmounted by a sloping roof. This is an effectual protection -from the weather, and is necessary when hives are -exposed; of course, if placed in a bee-house, such protection -may be dispensed with. The outer case is well -painted, of a green colour, and when it is used the hive -may be placed in any part of the garden. The dimensions -of this hive, with outside cover, are eighteen inches -square, and two feet six inches high.</p> - -<p>Suitable stands are provided, consisting of a stout -pedestal with four feet. Stakes should be driven into -the ground to secure the whole against wind. Height -from the ground, four feet three inches.</p> - -<p>The bars before alluded to are for the purpose of -inducing the bees to build parallel combs, for without -such an arrangement extraction would be impossible. -It is a great convenience, in many ways, to be able -to take out a bar of comb; it gives such a complete -control over the hive.</p> - -<p>To ensure comb-building on the bars, pieces of clean -worker-comb should always be carefully preserved; -and before a swarm is put in, either every bar or, if -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">- 68 -</span> -guide comb is not plentiful, every other bar should -have a piece fixed to it in the following manner:—Cut a -piece of clean empty comb of the required size, say two -inches square, not less; heat a common flat iron, with -which slightly warm the bar; then melt a little bees'-wax -upon it; draw the comb quickly over the heated iron, hold -it down on the centre of the bar, giving a very slight -movement backwards and forwards; then leave the wax -to grow cold, and, if cleverly managed, the guide will be -found firmly attached. 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 comb. A new -plan has lately been introduced by Mr. Woodbury, of -Exeter, to facilitate the correct construction of parallel -combs.</p> - - -<h3 id="NEIGHBORS_IMPROVED">NEIGHBOUR'S IMPROVED COTTAGE HIVE.</h3> - -<p>Our Improved Cottage Hive is neatly made of straw, -bound with cane, and therefore very durable.<a id="FNanchor_9" href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> The -lower hive is covered with a wooden top, having in it -three holes, through which the bees convey their honey -into three middle-sized bell glasses with ventilators, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">- 69 -</span> -which, when filled, hold about 6 lbs. each. There is a -hoop at the bottom, another round the top of the lower -hive; to this the wooden crown-board is fastened. These -hoops are a great improvement, and are less liable to -harbour insects than if straw alone were used. The -floor-board, as its name implies, is a wooden board -one and a quarter inch thick, with a projection of three -or four inches under the entrance to form an alighting -place. This entrance is cut out of, or sunk in, the board.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_9" href="#FNanchor_9" class="label">[9]</a> This is the hive referred to by the Bee-Master of the <i>Times</i>, -when he says:—"The second kind of hive I alluded to is made -of straw, and may be purchased at Neighbour's, in Holborn.... -It is so well made that it will last very long. I have had one in -constant use during ten years, and it is still as good as when it -was bought."</p> - -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page69" style="width: 460px;"> - <img src="images/page69.png" width="460" height="266" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>There are three windows in the lower hive, each -closed with a shutter; these are very useful and interesting -for inspecting the progress made. Across the centre -window is a thermometer, enclosed at the sides by slips -of glass. The window shutters being painted green, -add very much to its appearance. The upper hive, -which is merely a cover for the glasses, is a conical-topped -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">- 70 -</span> -hive, also made of straw bound with cane; a -hoop is worked into the straw, and made sufficiently -large to allow the cover to drop over the top hoop of -the lower hive, keeping the whole close, and preventing -wet from drifting in. A zinc ventilator, ornamentally -painted, forms the apex: this is useful in letting the -confined hot air pass away in warm weather. The ventilator -is opened by raising it. The dimensions of the -lower or stock-hive are fifteen inches diameter, nine and -a half inches deep outside; its weight, when empty, -seven and a half pounds. The cover, or top hive, is twelve -inches deep and fifteen inches in diameter; the ornamental -zinc top being four inches deep. The whole is -about twenty-four inches high. The weight of a hive -packed, including glasses, &c., is about 18 lbs.</p> - -<p>These hives have a tasteful appearance in the garden, -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 described. In extreme cold weather, -a little additional protection, by having matting folded -round them, will be advisable.</p> - -<p>One of the advantages this hive has over the common -cottage hive is, that it affords opportunity for the humane -management of bees. The owner has also the power of -taking a glass of honey-comb of pure quality, free from -the extraneous matter known as "bee-bread," instead -of combs that are darkened by having brood hatched in -them. By this system, we have combs newly made and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">- 71 -</span> -used only for depositing the honey first put into them; -hence the name "virgin honey." These glasses have a -very pretty appearance, and, when nicely filled, are very -convenient for home use or for making presents. The -lower hive is the receptacle for the bees; when a swarm -is placed in this hive, they immediately proceed to fill it -with combs, in which to store honey for themselves, and -for cells to breed in. This hive remains undisturbed.</p> - -<p>The best mode of tenanting a hive of this description -is by placing an early and strong swarm in it, which -may be generally procured of a neighbouring bee-keeper; -if from a distance, considerable care is necessary -to admit plenty of air; the shaking attendant upon -carriage irritates the bees so much, that, if not well ventilated, -there is danger of the swarm being stifled, and -the finer the swarm, the greater the danger. For the -purpose of ventilation, remove the slides and substitute -perforated zinc, wrapping the hive up in a coarse cloth -of open texture (dispensing with the floor-board during -transit when the distance is great).</p> - -<p>It is necessary only to send the lower or stock hive to -the party furnishing the swarm, taking the precaution to -fix the slides at top with tacks, as the hive has to be inverted -to receive the bees. They are shaken into it in -the usual manner,<a id="FNanchor_10" href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> as they cluster around the branch of -the tree or shrub on which they may have chosen to -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">- 72 -</span> -alight. After the hiving is accomplished, the hive should -be left near to catch any stragglers, for there will always -be a few; towards evening, close the entrance, and -remove them to the exact position they are intended -permanently to occupy. Success depends on this, and -also on their careful removal on the day or evening of -swarming. The following morning the bees labour in -the new location, marking well their habitation before -they take flight, and to which they will not fail to return, -loaded with luscious store.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_10" href="#FNanchor_10" class="label">[10]</a> Sometimes swarms alight on trunks of trees or on walls, -where it may be difficult to shake or brush them off. In the -<i>Journal of Horticulture</i>, Mr. Woodbury mentions an instance of -this kind, which he experienced last summer:—"A swarm clustered -among the large branches of a pear-tree, just at their point -of union with the trunk. In this case he merely supported -a straw hive just over the swarm with the left hand, whilst -he struck the trunk of the tree with the open palm of the right. -The vibration thus produced sent the bees up into the hive -with great rapidity, and the entire swarm was speedily hived in -the most satisfactory manner." A few whiffs of smoke will -accelerate upward movement of swarms in such circumstances.</p> - -</div> - -<p>A fortnight must be allowed for filling the stock-hive; -then, if the weather be fine and warm, they will prepare -to swarm again, as will be indicated by the thermometer -rising rapidly to 100 degrees or upwards. One of the -zinc slides on the wooden top must now be withdrawn, -and a bell-glass put on, covered and protected by the -upper hive; the other glasses may then be given in the -same manner, a day or two after which, should the -weather continue favourable, all signs of swarming will -at once disappear, the bees now having increased store -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">- 73 -</span> -room, which they will readily fill with comb. It is often -found useful to attach a piece of clean empty honey-comb -to the ventilating tube of the glass; it is an attraction, -and induces the bees to commence working in it -sooner than they otherwise would do. The ventilator -should always remain open during the day, to allow -the hot air to pass away from the interior, thereby contributing -to the whiteness and beauty of the work; the -bees enjoy the refreshment of coolness thereby afforded, -and they work the faster for it. At evening, all ventilation -should be stopped, and the glasses wrapped round -with flannel or some warm material, for the reasons -mentioned at <a href="#Page_65">page 65</a>.</p> - -<p>The directions for taking honey are much the same as -before mentioned. Some apiarians, however, consider -that deprivation is more easily accomplished by disconnecting -the super over night, in the manner described at -<a href="#Page_58">page 58</a>. The bee-keeper, equipped with bee-dress and -gloves, must first raise the glass of comb, and, blowing a -little smoke to intimidate and drive back the bees, wedge -it up all round, an inch or so from the crown-board, by -means of three or four blocks, thus to remain all night. -This operation is best performed a little before dusk. -Bees are then less likely to come out, and if they should -do so, will speedily return. The opening in the crown-board -remains unclosed, to afford the bees the opportunity -of descending, and joining the stock-hive below, -which they will naturally do for warmth. The upper -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">- 74 -</span> -straw-hive, or cover for the glasses, is better placed on -for the night. Early in the following morning, before -the bees are much about, the super will be ready for -removal. The few bees that remain within may be -speedily induced to quit, and will fly to the entrance. -The slides covering the holes in the crown-board -must be inserted, or an empty glass can be -put on, to take the full one's place. A slide seven -and a half inches square is furnished with the hive; -this is useful to remove the glass upon.</p> - -<p>The holes in the wooden top of this hive are of a -peaked shape, to act as a preventive against slaughtering -any bees whilst pushing the slide in for the purpose of -removing the glass when full. The tacks before alluded -to should be removed from the slides when the hive is -fixed in its place; they are now in the way of cutting off -the glass. The entrance slide is very serviceable during -the winter months, to lessen the passage way, thereby' -preventing the admission of too much cold air: it is -also occasionally useful on a summer evening, to -lessen the entrance when moths are troublesome; for -if there be only a small opening, the bees can guard -it, and easily repulse intruders. During the time of -gathering, they require the whole width to remain -open.</p> - -<p>When the weather is so unfavourable as to prevent -the bees leaving home for a few days after being hived, -it will be necessary to feed them. Bees should not be -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">- 75 -</span> -fed in the midst of winter; the proper time is in the -autumn or in the spring.</p> - -<p>The best mode of feeding is at the top of the stock -hive. This is done by using the round feeder.</p> - -<p>The bottle feeder may be used instead of the round -feeder, and in the same place, by those who give the -preference to that method.</p> - -<p>Whilst on the subject of feeding, it may be well -to suggest to the bee-keeper, that, after the honey -harvest, he should ascertain the state of the stock-hive, -because we have sometimes found that hives which were -very strong during summer, and which have yielded -a good supply of honey, have been left rather -poorly off for the winter. No doubt, under the impression -that those nicely-filled supers which the bees -intended for themselves would be amply sufficient for -their sustenance, they have, for the most part, devoted -the space below to the queen for breeding, little imagining -that the precious store would be taken away, -and consequently have left themselves too small provision -for autumn and winter.</p> - -<p>The apiarian having, therefore, so richly reaped the -fruit of his bees' labours, it is but right that he should -guard against the labourers themselves suffering any -want therefrom. The state of the interior of the hive may -be ascertained by applying a weighing machine, and the -requisite supply administered by feeding. Both weighing -machine and feeder are described further on.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">- 76 -</span></p> - -<p>The simplicity and easy management of this hive have -deservedly rendered it an especial favourite, combining, -as it does, real utility with many conveniences to satisfy -the curious. Not a few bee-keepers desire to unite the -two qualifications, and no hives combine these advantages -in a greater degree than Neighbour's improved -cottage hive.</p> - - -<h3 id="IMPROVED_COTTAGE">IMPROVED COTTAGE HIVE WITHOUT WINDOWS.</h3> - -<p>This hive is of precisely the same size, construction, -and management as the last mentioned, with the exception -that it has no windows or thermometer in the lower -or stock hive. The apiarian, with this hive, will have to -trust more to his own judgment as regards the likelihood -of swarming, and must watch the appearance the bees -present at the entrance. When it is time to put on -supers, in order to prevent swarming, premonition will -be given by the unusual numbers crowding about the -entrance, as well as by the heat of the weather, making -it evident that more room is required for the increasing -population.</p> - -<p>Not being able to form an idea of the state of the -hive in spring and autumn by looking into the stock-hive, -it will be advisable to adopt the means of weighing. -A stock at Michaelmas should weigh 20 lbs., exclusive of -the hive, or be made up to that weight by feeding.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">- 77 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="LADIES_OBSERV">THE LADIES' OBSERVATORY OR CRYSTAL BEE-HIVE.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page77" style="width: 200px;"> - <img src="images/page77.png" width="200" height="283" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The following engraving illustrates the construction -of the Ladies' Observatory Hive. The stock-hive is -cylindrical, with a flat top and -a hole in the centre; the dimensions -twelve and a half -inches inside, eight and a half -inches deep; the outer cover -being raised, and made of -stout glass, so as not easily to -break. A support, composed -of even wooden bars fixed on -a pedestal from the floor-board, -is very useful for the -bees to cling to and attach -their combs, instead of resting wholly against the glass.</p> - -<p>The floor-board is of mahogany, the border being -French polished. A middle-sized bell-glass, for deprivation, -is placed over the hole; this hole may be closed by a -zinc slide. A cover of straw, eighteen inches deep, fifteen -inches wide, with a zinc ventilating top similar to that -affixed to the cottage hive, completes the arrangements. -The weight of the stock-hive and board is about 16 lbs.</p> - -<p>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 -insects, as the whole of the interior may be -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">- 78 -</span> -exposed to view; it is particularly suitable for a window -or an indoor apiary, and will also be found a valuable -addition to the green-house. Under these circumstances, -the entrance-way should be covered with a flat piece of -glass, and an aperture cut in the sash corresponding -with the entrance to the hive; through the glazed passage -the bees may then find egress and ingress without -being able to gain access to the apartment. An alighting -board, four inches wide, must be fixed outside, on a level -with the entrance.</p> - -<p>We had a hive of this kind in operation at the Great -Exhibitions of 1851 and 1862, fixed after the manner -above described. It answered admirably, and excited -much interest and curiosity, though placed there under -many disadvantages.</p> - -<p>When a hive of this kind is to be stocked, procure an -early and strong swarm, which must be temporarily -hived in a common straw hive, from which dislodge the -bees into the glass hive, but for this purpose a little preparation -will have to be made. Spread a sheet on the -ground, place the mahogany floor-board on it with the -support, put three bricks, or some solid blocks of about -the same substance, upon which the glass will rest; -then, with a sharp and sudden blow, precipitate the -swarm out of the straw hive on to the floor-board and -support, place the glass hive on the bricks, and the bees -will collect under the bars and on to the pedestal. In -about one hour's time the whole will have settled quietly -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">- 79 -</span> -and all the stragglers on the board will have collected -together, the swarm hanging pear-shaped from the bar -support; the bricks can now be removed, and the glass -put in its right place on the floor-board. The straw -cover being put on the hive, it can be removed to the -place it is destined permanently to occupy.</p> - -<p>The light should not be admitted for some days after -hiving; if undisturbed, the bees will speedily build comb, -working from the wooden bars, which are placed there -for their assistance and support. In ten days or a fortnight, -if the weather continue fine and warm, they will -prepare to swarm again; the opening at the top must -now be unstopped, and the bell-glass put on, guide-comb -having been previously fixed. The directions -given for the improved cottage hive equally apply to -the ladies' observatory hive.</p> - -<p>It is advisable, in winter, to furnish the glass stock-hive -with more protection from cold than is afforded by -the straw cover alone; some thick baize, or wrapper of -wadding, for which there is space between the glass hive -and the cover, will prevent so much moisture condensing -on the sides of the glass. Moisture is injurious, causing -the combs to grow mouldy; a little protection in the -way of wrapping very much prevents this.</p> - -<p>The hole at top is used for supplying food, should the -apiarian fear the stock of honey is in danger of running -short; either the bottle feeder or the round feeder maybe -used for the purpose.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">- 80 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="COTTAGERS_HIVE">COTTAGER'S HIVE, FOR TAKING HONEY IN -STRAW CAPS, WITHOUT THE DESTRUCTION -OF THE BEES.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page80" style="width: 222px;"> - <img src="images/page80.png" width="222" height="301" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>A very prevalent opinion -exists, that bees do better in -straw than in hives made -of any other material. Another -opinion prevails, viz., -that the old-fashioned -straw hive is the least -expensive, the most simple, -and the most productive. -Although we cannot go -so far as this, 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—cottagers. By these the more fanciful hives -will be instantly condemned; besides, the expense puts -them quite beyond the reach of the poorer class. The -object aimed at in planning our Cottager's Hive has -been to furnish a depriving hive that should be at once -easy of management, inexpensive, and convenient. The -stock-hive, into which the bees are first hived, is a -round straw hive, having a flat top, with a hole in the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">- 81 -</span> -centre. The size of this lower hive is seven or eight -inches deep, fourteen inches across the bottom, finished -with a wooden hoop, which adds very much to the firmness -and durability of the hive. The floor-board is one -and a quarter inch thick, with a way sunk therein for -the entrance. A small round mat of straw closes the -hole in the top; this mat may be fixed by wooden pegs. -We have now described what is termed the stock-hive, -which is, in fact, an old-fashioned straw hive, adapted, -modernised, and improved to the more humane, viz., -the depriving, system. The weight of the stock-hive, -with its floor-board, is about 7 lbs.</p> - -<p>The super or cap hive is about seven inches deep, -eight inches in diameter, and, when filled, contains about -10 lbs. of honey and comb. A glass window, which -is placed at the side, is useful for inspecting the progress -made in filling it!</p> - -<p>A common straw hive, sufficiently deep to cover, -drops over the super, keeping the window dark, and -fitting close on to the stock-hive. This cover-hive may -be made fast by driving in two skewers, one on either -side, to keep the whole firm. Unless placed in a bee-house -or under a shed, the outside should be painted; -or a piece of oil-cloth, or water-proof covering of any -kind, shaped so as to shoot off the rain, will save the -trouble of paint, and answer the purpose. If no protection -of this sort is used, the rain is likely to rot the straw. -As a covering, cottagers often use straight stiff thatching -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">- 82 -</span> -straw, sewed together; this contrivance is termed a -"hackle," and has a pretty appearance, particularly if a -number of hives are in a row. Care has to be exercised -that mice do not make the covering hive a resting-place. -Mortar is often used for fastening round the -hive at the bottom: this is a bad plan, as it forms a -harbour for insects; the wooden hoop fits so close as to -leave little necessity for anything of the kind.</p> - -<p>The principle of the depriving system is so much the -same with all our hives, that a good deal of repetition is -necessary in describing in detail the management of -each separate variety. The object aimed at with the -cottager's hive, as, indeed, with all our hives, is to -provide a compartment for the bees to live in with their -queen, she being the mother of all. It is intended, by -inducing the queen to remain in her original apartment, -that all breeding should be there performed, as well as -the storing of bee-bread and honey, for the winter -sustenance of the bees. The cap hive, or upper chamber, -known as the "super," is for the storing of honey, -which the bee-keeper looks upon as a surplus, and -which, at the close of the honey gathering, or as -soon as filled, he intends to deprive the bees of, and -appropriate to his own use, of course taking care -to leave sufficient in the lower or stock hive for winter -sustenance.</p> - -<p>The mode of stocking a hive of this kind is so -familiarly known, that any who at all understand the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">- 83 -</span> -hiving of bees into a common straw hive can make no -mistake or find any difficulty in performing it. Lest -these pages should fall into the hands of persons who -are not so acquainted, we will refer them to the directions -already given at pages <a href="#Page_21">21</a> and <a href="#Page_72">72</a>.</p> - -<p>The hive may be smeared inside with a little honey, -if at hand; but this is unimportant, as a clean hive -answers well. Some older bee-keepers prefer to give a -little dressing, to encourage the bees to like their new -home.</p> - -<p>After the swarm has been in the hive two weeks, the -straw super hive may be put on, first removing the -straw mat, to give the bees access to it. If the hive be a -stock, that is, a swarm of the last or previous years, the -super may be put on as soon as the weather is fine and -warm, in May. But much depends on the weather and -strength of the hive, as regards the time occupied, by -the bees in filling the super; in favourable weather a -fortnight suffices.</p> - -<p>If, on looking in at the little window, the bee-master -sees that the cells are sealed over, the cap of honey may -be removed in the mode already described. The cells -near the window are the last to be filled, so, when -they are sealed, it is safe to conclude that the combs -in the unseen parts are also finished.</p> - -<p>Sometimes the queen ascends and deposits her eggs; -if, on turning up the super, brood be visible, replace the -cap for a few days, until the young bees quit their cells. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">- 84 -</span> -When thus emptied, honey will be deposited in lieu of -the brood.</p> - -<p>Suitable pedestals for these hives to stand upon may -be obtained. It is important that these be firmly fixed, -and the hive also made fast to the stand, to prevent its -being blown over by high winds.</p> - - -<h3 id="WOODBURY_HIVE">WOODBURY BAR AND FRAME HIVES.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page84" style="width: 231px;"> - <img src="images/page84.png" width="231" height="192" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>Mr. Woodbury's Bar and -Frame Hive, as originally -made, consists of a wooden -box, fourteen and a half -inches square inside, nine -inches deep. This is a hive -of large size, but the actual -habitable space inside is -lessened by the room occupied by the frames, of which -there are ten; these rest on a rabbet a little below the -surface, leaving a space of three-eighths of an inch between -the upper side of the bars and the crown-board. -This allows a free passage on the top for the bees, -entirely obviating the necessity of making excavations in -the crown-board, as has hitherto been recommended. -Each frame is seven-eighths of an inch wide, and rests -in notches, with a space of half an inch between each. -The frames extend to within three-eighths of an inch of -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">- 85 -</span> -the floor-board, so as to hang without touching any part, -leaving about the same distance from the sides. It will -be seen that there is a free passage for the bees on -every side, and they are thus kept from coming in contact -with the sides of the hive. Our engraving shows the -hive open, and exposes to view the top of the ten bars -and frames, as they range from back to front. A -window is also shown; this is placed in the engraving -over the entrance, but the proper position would be just -opposite. The drawing is made so as to show back and -front at once. The floor-board is one and a quarter inch -thick, having two "keys" on the under side to prevent -warping.</p> - -<p id="WOODBURY_STRAW">WOODBURY STRAW BAR AND FRAME HIVE.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page85" style="width: 284px;"> - <img src="images/page85.png" width="284" height="208" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>Since the introduction of the wood hive by Mr. Woodbury, -that gentleman has recommended, in the <i>Journal -of Horticulture</i>, that the stock-hive be made of straw, of -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">- 86 -</span> -exactly the same dimensions; this material being wanner -in winter, slightly ventilating, and allowing of absorption. -Bees, during cold weather, cluster together to -generate the requisite degree of heat; the temperature -of the interior of the hive being thus so much higher -than the external atmosphere, a good deal of moisture -condenses at the top and on the sides of the hive. The -straw, as before stated, prevents this dampness hanging -about the hive, and tends to keep the inmates more -healthy. Dampness in a hive is a fruitful source of -mischief, causing empty combs to grow mouldy, and is -injurious in many ways.</p> - -<p>The square straw hives, and a machine for making -them, exhibited in the Austrian department of the International -Exhibition of 1862, suggested the idea of employing -that material for English bar and frame hives. We -have had a machine made somewhat similar to the one -exhibited, and suited to the size of our hives, by which -our hive-maker is able to manufacture neat square straw -hives. These have a wood frame at top, an inch deep, -with the requisite notches to allow the ten-comb frames -to hang. A similar frame forms the base, the straw -being worked between. The floor-board is one and a -quarter inch thick, "keyed" with stout keys, as before -mentioned. An inch projection is left on all sides -beyond the exterior of the hive, from which it is slightly -chamfered down. An entrance, four inches wide, is -cut out of the substance of the board, beginning at -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">- 87 -</span> -the edge, and continuing on the same level until inside -the hive, where it slopes upwards. This entrance is about -three-eighths of an inch high where the hive crosses it.</p> - -<p>These straw hives have been generally made without -windows, as Mr. Woodbury and other scientific apiarians -so prefer them. They consider that glass windows are -unsuited for winter, because then moisture condenses on -the glass. There is no doubt that the having a peep-hole -or two in a hive adds very agreeably to its value -for amateur bee-keepers, and, to meet the wishes of -such, we have had straw hives constructed with windows. -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 -colony, nor, perhaps, is it advisable to be often thus -meddling. The windows have also a very neat appearance. -We have hives with one, and some with two and -three windows; of course, a little extra expense is incurred -where these are made, but that is not objected to -by those who approve of the additional convenience. -The crown-board (if correct to call a straw top by that -name) has, like the hive, a frame of wood all round, -and a square, piece of wood in the centre, with a two-inch -hole; this hole is for the purpose of administering -food, in a mode to be explained hereafter. A circular -block of wood, four inches in diameter, closes the -opening.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">- 88 -</span></p> - - -<p id="WOODBURY_GLASS">WOODBURY'S GLASS BAR AND FRAME HIVES.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page88" style="width: 268px;"> - <img src="images/page88.png" width="268" height="147" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>Some bee-keepers like to be able to make a full and -daily inspection of the hive; we have, therefore, prepared -a few hives, constructed of wooden frames, enclosed -on all sides and on the top with window-glass. -The dimensions are precisely the same as those before -mentioned, and allow the same number of bars and -frames (ten). The crown has a round hole cut in the -glass to admit of feeding. The four sides are constructed -of double glass, to preserve the bees from variations of -temperature. We cannot, however, recommend this -hive for a winter residence for the bees; we should -prefer lifting the combs out with the bees, and placing -them in a straw hive of similar construction, to pass -through the ordeal of the winter season. A stock of -bees might be kept through the year in a hive of this -kind, but would require well wrapping round to keep -out the cold. There should be a small glass over the -hole at top, so as to allow the moisture to arise and condense, -instead of doing so in the hive. The operation -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">- 89 -</span> -of exchanging the hive is so easy, that we should be content -to place a stock in one, say, from April to September, -and shift it in the autumn. Such a hive is a very -pleasing object of interest, as in it the whole commonwealth -of bees is exposed, to view; and the hive need not -be obscured from daylight, provided it be protected from -sun and rain. All the external wood-work is of oak-colour, -varnished, so that the appearance of the Glass -Bar and Frame Hive is extremely neat and much -approved of.</p> - - -<h3 id="FRAME">FRAMES.</h3> - -<div class="figright" id="page89" style="width: 157px;"> - <img src="images/page89.png" width="157" height="86" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>As before mentioned, each -stock-hive has ten of these frames—each thirteen inches long, by -seven and a quarter inches high, -with a five-eighths of an inch projection at each upper -end, which rests in the notch, either back or front. -The width, both of the bar and frame, is seven-eighths -of an inch; this is less, by a quarter of an inch, than the -bar recommended by the older apiarians. Mr. Woodbury—whose -authority on the modern plans for keeping -bees is of great weight—finds the seven-eighths of an -inch bar an improvement, because with them the combs -are closer together, and require fewer bees to cover the -brood. Then, too, in the same space that eight old-fashioned -bars occupied, the narrower frames admit of -an additional bar, so that, by using these, increased -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">- 90 -</span>accommodation is afforded for breeding and the storing -of honey.</p> - - -<h3 id="IMPROVED_COMB_BAR">IMPROVED COMB BAR.</h3> - -<div class="figleft" id="page90" style="width: 83px;"> - <img src="images/page90.png" width="83" height="138" alt="" /> - <div class="figcaption">Section of Bar.</div> -</div> - -<p>Mr. Woodbury says that this little contrivance -has proved very effectual in securing -straight combs when guide-combs are not -obtainable. The lower angles are rounded -off, whilst a central rib is added, of about -one-eighth of an inch in breadth and depth. -This central rib extends to within half an inch -of each end, where it is removed, in order to admit of the -bar fitting into the usual notch. All that is necessary to -ensure the regular formation of combs is, to coat the -underneath surface of the central rib with melted wax. -Mr. Woodbury further says: "My practice is to use plain -bars whenever guide-combs are attainable, as those can -be attached with much greater facility to a plain than -to a ribbed bar; but whenever I put in a bar without -comb, I always use one of the improved ones. By this -method, crooked and irregular combs are altogether -unknown in my apiary."</p> - -<p>Most of our bars are made with the ridge; but should -any of our customers prefer the flat ones, we keep a -few to supply their requirements.</p> - -<p>With the moveable bar and frame hive, every comb -is available for extraction, and may easily be taken out -of the hive; each comb being fixed within its frame, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">- 91 -</span> -there is less disturbance to the bees than if the combs -were fixed to the sides, as is the case with ordinary hives. -A strip of wood, about half an inch wide, rests on the -floor-board; in this strip are ten notches, made to receive -the lower part of the frames, so as to retain them in their -places at equal distances from each other. A difficulty -is found, with a well-stocked hive, in dropping the frames -into the exact notches, so that it is not necessary to have -these rack works always in use; but when any movement -of the hive is made, it is essential to have the -frames firmly fixed by the aid of this contrivance. It is -also advisable to have the frames perpendicularly supported -until the combs are built, so, in order that the -frames should hang true, the hive ought to be on the -level. A little inclination may be given to it from back -to front, causing the hive to fall slightly towards the -entrance, so as to allow the moisture inside the hive, -caused by the exhalations of the bees, to run off.</p> - - -<h3 id="COMPOUND_BAR_FRAME">COMPOUND BAR FRAME.</h3> - -<div class="figright" id="page91" style="width: 152px;"> - <img src="images/page91.png" width="152" height="82" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>In the <i>Journal of Horticulture</i>, -Mr. Woodbury thus describes the -compound bar frame. Being his -own adaptation, we cannot do -better than use his own words:—"This is a contrivance -of my own, which I have found very advantageous in -enabling me to use frames in stock-hives, and bars in -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">- 92 -</span> -supers, without forfeiting the advantages arising from -the unlimited interchangeability of every comb in every -hive and super in the apiary. Its construction will be -readily understood by an inspection of the annexed sketch, -in which the comb bar is shown slightly raised from its -frame. The bar itself is thirteen and a quarter inches -long, by seven-eighths of an inch wide, and three-eighths -of an inch thick. When the comb bar is in its place, -the whole forms a frame thirteen inches long, by seven -and a quarter inches high (inside measure), with five-eighths -of an inch projection at each end, which rests -in its appropriate notch in either the back or front of -the hive. When filled with comb, the bar becomes so -firmly cemented to the frame as to admit of its being -handled with facility." This contrivance is, no doubt, -very excellent in the hands of Mr. Woodbury; but in the -hands of the unpractised severe mishaps may arise. In -warm weather the propolis and wax, with which the bees -cement the bar to the frame, become soft; consequently, -in handling the frames, unless dexterity is used, the comb -is likely to drop out. We therefore recommend that -the bar and frame be made both in one: greater firmness -and simplicity are thereby gained. Some of these -compound bars and frames are kept in stock at our -establishment, though they cannot be recommended for -general use; but should anyone prefer them, they can -be supplied at the same price as the common frames. -In describing the stock-hives of wood, straw, and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">- 93 -</span> -glass, allusion has frequently been made to the depriving -hives technically called "supers." These are also made -of glass, in wood frames, thirteen inches inside, six inches -deep, with eight bars (without frames). The above -engraving represents the super used with the bar and -frame hive.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page93" style="width: 284px;"> - <img src="images/page93.png" width="284" height="159" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>Honey-combs in supers are better when made thicker -than those for breeding, consequently the bars are placed -a little further apart than in the lower or stock hive; they -are either the Woodbury Ribbed, contrived to induce -the straight building of combs, or flat bars with guide-combs -affixed.</p> - - -<h3 id="COVERS">COVERS.</h3> - -<p>A loose outer case, forming a complete cover for the -hive, is found very useful. The case is made in two -parts, for convenience the roof is also separate, having -an acorn at top, which forms a neat finish. These outside -cases are made of wood, and drop lightly over all; -when thus protected, and fixed on a pedestal, the hive -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">- 94 -</span> -may be placed in the open air in such position as fancy -may dictate. The aspect should be south or south-east, -and, if against a wall, sufficient space must be allowed -for a free passage behind, as it is from thence all operations -must be conducted by the apiarian. The case and -roof, with the stand, being the only parts exposed to the -weather, will be the only portions that require painting; -they are sometimes stained and varnished, and we are -inclined to prefer the latter for appearance. Should -the apiarian have a complete bee-hive house, the cover, -and stands will not be needed.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page94" style="width: 255px;"> - <img src="images/page94.png" width="255" height="350" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>When removing or replacing the covers, care should -be taken to do so very gently, or the bees will be enraged, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">- 95 -</span> -and rush out, and may inflict stings upon those within -their reach. We have obviated the necessity for lifting -off the cover for the purpose of looking in, either at -the window of the stock-hive or of the super, by making -a door, both in the upper and lower parts of the outside -case. These doors, or unglazed windows, are hinged -at the bottom, so as to open downwards, rendering -inspection easy, without disturbance to the bees.</p> - -<p>A wooden range for supporting a number of hives -makes a safe and economical stand; it may be formed -by driving firmly into the ground two rows of posts, each -row about twelve inches apart; to these two rails, about -two inches square, are nailed, and upon these the hives -firmly rest. Care should be taken not to have the hives -nearer together than eighteen inches; the intermediate -space will be found very convenient on which to rest the -cover, or for supporting an empty hive during the proper -performance of any operation.</p> - -<p>Mr. Woodbury has his hives arranged on rails, somewhat -after the plan before described.</p> - -<p>In describing, as above, the various hives and frames, -some hints have been given as to the methods of handling -them. This, however, will not suffice for an induction -to the mysteries of practical bee-keeping, and we must -refer the reader to a subsequent section, wherein the -details as to manipulation will be fully explained, and -the results of the experience of several distinguished -apiarians will be embodied.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">- 96 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="TAYLORS_IMP_COTTAGE_HIVE">TAYLOR'S IMPROVED COTTAGE HIVE.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page96" style="width: 237px;"> - <img src="images/page96.png" width="237" height="305" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>This hive is similar in principle to the cottager's. -It is also similar in size, with the exception of being -quite straight at the sides. A zinc rim affords protection -from the weather. Under the upper straw hive a -bell-glass is worked. A mahogany adapting board, -with a four-inch hole in the centre, corresponding with -that of the hive, supplies an even surface for the glass to -rest on, and facilitates its removal when full. For particulars -as to stocking and management, see directions for -cottager's and improved cottage hives, pages <a href="#Page_72">72</a> and <a href="#Page_83">83</a>.</p> - - -<h3 id="EIGHT_BAR_STRAW">EIGHT-BAR STRAW HIVE.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page97" style="width: 197px;"> - <img src="images/page97.png" width="197" height="274" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>This is an ingenious contrivance of Mr. Taylor's. -Hoops are worked in the straw, both at the top and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">- 97 -</span> -bottom of the stock-hive, and in the upper hoop are -openings cut to receive eight comb bars; each bar is -one inch and an eighth wide, with a space of half an -inch between. Since the introduction -of square straw bar -and frame hives, these hives -have not been much in request. -Considerable inconvenience is -found to arise, because the -bars, being of unequal lengths, -cannot be interchanged one -with the other.</p> - -<p>The description given of -Taylor's Amateur Hive, and -mode of stocking and furnishing -it with guide-comb, apply to this hive. The large -straw hive raised up in the engraving is an outside case; -the roof is a large zinc cover. If placed in a bee-house, -the outside case and zinc roof are not required.</p> - - -<h3 id="NEIGHBORS_UNICOMB">NEIGHBOUR'S UNICOMB OBSERVATORY HIVE.</h3> - -<p>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 inmates. -It is particularly intended for a window recess -or an indoor apiary, and will also be found an interesting -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">- 98 -</span> -addition to the green-house. Bees cease to appear -disturbed when exposure to the light is continuous. This -discovery enables the bee-keeper to gain a full inspection. -The hive should be screened from the direct rays -of the sun, which would worry the inmates, and be -otherwise prejudicial. An aperture should be cut in -the sash corresponding with the entrance to the hive, -through which the bees may find egress and ingress, -without being able to gain access to the apartment, -as described for the ladies' observatory hive (<a href="#Page_78">page 78</a>).</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page98" style="width: 300px;"> - <img src="images/page98.png" width="300" height="209" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The unicomb hive is constructed of so narrow a -width between thin plates of glass that it admits of one -comb <i>only</i> to be built, and, at the same time, leaves -space between the comb and the glass on either side for -the bees to pass and repass. It is thus made so that -every bee may be exposed to view. The queen forming -the most prominent feature of attention, she is readily -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">- 99 -</span> -distinguished by the greater length of her body, as well -as by the attention paid her by the other bees.</p> - -<p>The mode of stocking this hive is as follows:—Procure -a strong swarm, if practicable, and let it be first -hived into a common straw hive in the usual way. Take -care to make the necessary preparations previous to -the operation of stocking: for this purpose, at evening -time, place the hive on its side, oil the ground (having -already spread a sheet, or large white cloth, underneath); -unfasten the side of the hive which is hinged, turn this -sash quite back, very gently lift the straw hive containing -the swarm; then, with a sudden shake, dash as large a -portion of the bees into the unicomb hive as can be done -in a few seconds. Have ready a feather or, better still -(because firmer), a goose-wing; with this, quickly brush -the bees off the edges of the frames, also from the -rabbets against which the glass side closes, in order to -prevent killing any; then gently spread them, so that -the glass, when closed, shall not shut against the congregated -mass in the middle. When thus ready for -closing up, which should be quickly done, fasten the -side, and turn the hive right end upwards, with the -entrance towards those bees that are outside. The -bees will not, probably, have all been ejected from -the straw hive at the first brush, and will require -a few sharp raps on the cloth to clear the hive. -The moving mass now congregating without, upon -discovering that so large a portion of their companions -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">- 100 -</span> -have found a home, with (as is generally the case) the -queen safely housed, will hasten to join them. It is a -pretty sight to see the labourers crowding in like a -little army, with their heads pointing in the same direction, -making for the desired home, which they will slowly -but surely enter, with fanning wings and a happy hum.</p> - -<p>Considerable help may be afforded by gently collecting -the stragglers in a table-spoon, and shaking them off -close to the entrance.</p> - -<p>In about an hour, all the bees will have entered the -hive, which may now be bodily taken to the place previously -made ready for it, and which it is intended permanently -to occupy,—a shelf, the size of the bottom of -the hive, with a sloping piece of wood four inches wide, -forms a firm bracket and a substantial stand,—these -and all other preparations, such as cutting the opening, -fixing the alighting-board, &c., having been previously -accomplished when the hive was empty.</p> - -<p>It will be as well to screen the hive from view for a -few days, until the bees become settled in their new -domicile. Although this hive is constructed of double -glass, to keep up a more uniform degree of warmth, -still, from the cold nature of glass, and the close contact -into which the bees are brought with it, it is advisable to -place flannel between the outer shutters and the glass of -the hive, on both sides. Such precaution is found essential -if the bees remain in this hive during whiter, and -very much adds to their comfort on cold nights at most -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">- 101 -</span> -periods of the year. In the day time, in summer months, -the hive being of double glass, the whole may be fully -exposed to view. If the temperature of the apartment -in which the hive stands be kept at 60 degrees, this extra -attention will not be so needful. As soon as the bees -are settled, comb-building will immediately commence, -and in about two weeks' time there will be comb spreading -over the whole hive. The queen may be viewed -depositing her eggs, and all the usual operations of the -rearing of brood, storing of honey, and the building of -combs, will be open to full inspection, with perfect ease -to the spectator. As an object of lively and permanent -interest for the breakfast-parlour or conservatory, the -unicomb observatory hive may be regarded as infinitely -superior to an aquarium or fernery.</p> - -<p>At the Exposition Universelle of 1855, in Paris, we -exhibited a hive of this description in full working; order. -The bees left London on the 5th of July of that year, -and were placed in the Exposition on the following -morning. An entrance was made for them through -the side of the building, as before explained. Our bees -had no national antipathies, and they immediately sallied -forth to their "fresh fields and pastures new" in the -Champs Elysees, the gardens of the Tuileries, the -Luxembourg, &c., whence they soon returned laden with -luscious store from French flowers.</p> - -<p>The Jurors of the Exposition awarded us a prize medal -for bee-hives.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">- 102 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="WOODBURY_UNICOMB">WOODBURY UNICOMB HIVE.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page102" style="width: 412px;"> - <img src="images/page102.png" width="412" height="313" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The Woodbury Unicomb Hive has many advantages -over similar hives as previously constructed. The -engraving shows the interior compartment divided into -six; these are sis Woodbury frames. The inner sash -opens, to admit of hanging up the frames on the -notches prepared for them. The width of the hive -between the glasses of the sashes is just sufficient to -admit of one thickness of comb, with space on each -side for the bees to pass and repass, the same as in -Neighbour's unicomb. There is, however, a great -advantage in the use of this hive; with it, anyone possessing -a Woodbury box or straw bar and frame hive -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">- 103 -</span> -can readily commence an unicomb, and as readily put -the combs and bees back into the square hive again. -The outside shutters on each side are composed of -Venetian blinds, admitting daylight, but obscuring the -rays of the sun. We had the entrance made at one end, -as represented in our drawing; this alteration was made -after the pattern of the hive from which Mr. Woodbury -allowed us to copy. His own was intended to stand -wholly out of doors, and had two central entrances, one -on each side at the bottom, the hive itself turning on -a pivot.</p> - -<p>When the hive was being examined on one side, the -entrance was closed by a piece of wood inserted in it; -and when the other side was brought round to be -inspected, the piece of wood was withdrawn, and placed -in the opposite entrance. This was a most ingenious -contrivance; but it did not answer our purpose for indoors. -When Mr. Woodbury sent us his hive, we were -preparing for the International Exhibition of 1862, and, -in placing it against the sides of the building, we followed -our old plan for ingress by having the entrance at -the end. Since that time, we have made a considerable -improvement by adapting Mr. Woodbury's cleverly contrived -turn-table to suit our own hive. Like Mr. Woodbury's -hive, ours has two iron wheels, the one fixed to -the bottom of the hive, the other fixed to a stout board -running the full length of the hive; on these two wheels -the whole hive turns. In the centre there is an opening -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">- 104 -</span> -into the hive, with a passage-way running underneath, -so that the bees' entrance is in no way affected by the -position of the hive, which revolves, to suit the convenience -of visitors inspecting it. Should the queen, with -her attendants, not be visible on one side, the other side -of the comb can be brought into full view, and examined -with the same facility as a picture, or as articles are -inspected in a shop window. Thus, in the unicomb -observatory hive, the sovereign mother, her train of -servitors, the drones, with their aimless movements, and -the crowd of ever-busy workers—either building their -combs or storing honey—may be always seen, as presenting -a veritable <i>tableau vivant</i>.</p> - -<p>Another improvement that we have made upon Mr. -Woodbury's pattern is, that of accommodating the -frames; his was constructed before frame-hives were in -use, consequently it is only suitable for combs on bars. -Our adaptation has necessitated an increase in size. The -outside dimensions are nearly three feet square, and -seven inches deep from back to front. Provision is made -at top for feeding, and for working two small flat-top -glasses for deprivation, which are protected by the -weather-board.</p> - -<p>An alighting-board is placed at the centre, close -under the entrance, when the hive is located out-of-doors. -When the hive is placed indoors, a passage-way, -about eighteen inches long, covered with glass, is fixed -to the entrance, the other end communicating with an -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">- 105 -</span> -opening in the wall or sash; through this the bees find -access, an alighting-board being fixed outside the building. -It is requisite that the passage-way be about this -length, in order to allow the hive to turn round clear -of the side of the building.</p> - -<p>In the summer of 1863, 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 Exeter.<a id="FNanchor_11" href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> We selected six combs, and packed -them in one of the square box Woodbury bar and -frame hives, and, on arrival at Exeter, Mr. Woodbury -assisted us in taking out the frames and placing them -in the unicomb. That being fixed against the boarded -side of a shed, we found the covered way a great convenience, -and it answered remarkably well; the bees -did not seem to be inconvenienced by having to travel -through so long a passage. A glass covering admitted -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">- 106 -</span> -a full view of the little labourers as they crowded in, -and the sight of them very much enhanced the interest -of visitors examining the hive.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_11" href="#FNanchor_11" class="label">[11]</a> It may require explanation how it was that we took bees to -Exeter, which sounds something like "carrying coals to Newcastle." -The reason was this—the garden of our friend, Mr. -Woodbury, at Mount Radford, from which we could have been -supplied, was so near to the show yard, that he was apprehensive -a large number of the bees would return to their old hives. Our -bees from a distance would, according to their nature, return to -their own hive, for bees, although they may be moved miles -away, take care to mark their new position, and are careful to -return to it. Mr. Woodbury lent us a small stock of his Ligurian -bees, and between it and our own hive the crowd of visitors -divided their attention.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Since the time before mentioned, we have exhibited -bees at the meetings of the Bath and West of England -Agricultural Society at Bristol, and of the Royal Agricultural -Society at Newcastle, in 1864. On both occasions, -further proof was given that this hive admirably -answers the purpose intended, and it afforded pleasure -and interest to many thousands of visitors.</p> - -<p>The unicomb hive may be stocked in two ways, -which have been previously referred to. The bee-keeper -may either select the comb upon which the queen -is found, and put it into the hive, and so form an artificial -swarm, or he may take six brood-combs from a -hive, and so stock the unicomb at once, which we did -for the show at Exeter.</p> - -<p>The former plan is, perhaps, the most advisable, -because new comb has to be built within the five frames; -for, be it remembered, in this case five empty frames -must be put in. It is 9, better plan still, if artificial combs -are placed in each frame, so as to afford an interesting -opportunity of watching the formation of the cells -therein. The combs are sure to be dark in colour when -taken from a stock-hive, and new combs, being whiter, -have a better appearance in the hive. The comb upon -which the queen was introduced may be taken away -after the artificial swarm has made combs within some -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">- 107 -</span> -of the other five frames; when the queen is on one of the -new combs, opportunity may easily be taken for opening -the hive and removing the old dark comb. The bees -can easily be shaken or brushed off the comb, and will -return to the hive. The comb, with the unhatched brood, -may be deposited in any square hive that needs strengthening. -We mention this, to show how to obtain a hive -with entirely fine white comb.</p> - -<p>If the possessor of a square Woodbury frame-hive -wishes to start a strong unicomb hive, and does not -object to appropriate the stock, he must take out of the -Woodbury hive any six combs on the frames, and put -the unicomb in its place so as to receive all the returning -bees that happen to be abroad; the remaining four -combs, supposing there are ten, can be inserted in any -other frame-hives in the garden in which there may be -vacancies.</p> - -<p>We have had this hive in operation, in the manner -last described, during the summer of 1863, and found it -to answer remarkably well. On a lawn, placed on a -suitable ornamental stand, it formed a pleasing object, -besides affording great interest and instruction.</p> - -<p>In unicomb hives stocked with a natural swarm (as is -generally the plan), there is considerable difficulty in -keeping the bees alive through the winter. In a hive -where the combs are removable, no loss of bees need -be occasioned. We do not recommend the hive we are -now describing as a winter residence for bees. For -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">- 108 -</span> -four months in the year, when bees are most active, and -when their operations are most interesting, this hive may -be brought into use, either of the two plans before described -being adopted. An artificial swarm should be -put in during May or June, and taken out, in the method -before mentioned, and then placed in the square box -during the month of September; sometimes it may do -for a stock to be put in a month or so earlier, but it -should never be retained later in this hive. In October, -we often have cold nights; the bees and brood being in -such close contact with the glass, and not able to cluster -as is their natural wont, suffer from exposure to the -variations of temperature. In some degree to moderate -this, we have used treble glass with a space between -each square; greater warmth is thus obtained, and the -view is not intercepted. Opportunity should be taken -for cleaning the unicomb hive when empty, so as to -be ready for re-stocking as a new hive in the following -summer. The unicomb observatory hive is one -which might have been suggested by the lines of -Evans:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"By this blest art our ravished eyes behold</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The singing masons build their roofs of gold,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And mingling multitudes perplex the view,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Yet all in order apt their tasks pursue;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Still happier they whose favoured ken hath seen</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Pace slow and silent round, the state's fair queen."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">- 109 -</span></p> - -<h3 id="STEWARTON_HIVE">THE STEWARTON, OR AYRSHIRE HIVE.</h3> - -<div class="figright" id="page109" style="width: 199px;"> - <img src="images/page109.png" width="199" height="324" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The Stewarton Hive is so -often spoken of, and in such -favourable terms, by bee-keepers, -that we deem it necessary -to give it a place here, -and to supply some explanation -of its construction and management. -We consider this especially -needful, as some of the -principles of its management -are so imperfectly understood, -that frequent mistakes are -made, and also because, for -the convenience of bee-keepers, we keep a supply of -these hives on hand.</p> - -<p>The name is derived from their having been first manufactured -at Stewarton, in Scotland; and they are still -made so well, and at so moderate a price in that country, -that London workmen are unable to compete in their -manufacture. Our supply is therefore from that source; -so that, with a little addition for carriage, the price -approximates that of the makers themselves, affording a -convenience to many of our apiarian friends in being -able to obtain these hives in London.</p> - -<p>Our engraving shows the four boxes set up. These -constitute the hive. We will suppose that the young -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">- 110 -</span> -bee-keeper has just received the four octagonal boxes, -with the bundles of grooved slides (of which there are -nearly forty); about one half of these slides are short -pieces, similarly cut to the longer ones. These are to -fill up the openings where the slides are not put in, or are -required to be withdrawn, as hereafter explained. He -will find himself in possession of four boxes so neatly -dove-tailed on the bevel, that, if he be of a mechanical -turn, he will not only be surprised at the way in which -they are put together, but also at the price for which they -are offered. Three of the boxes, <span class="allsmcap">A, B, C</span>, technically -called "body boxes," are precisely similar, each being -fourteen inches in diameter and five and a half inches -deep inside. Nine bars range along the top of each -box. These are not movable, but are so constructed to -induce the correct and regular building of the combs. -The fourth box, <span class="allsmcap">D</span>, is the depriving box or super, is only -four inches deep, and the same in diameter as the others. -This being the honey-box, it is furnished with seven -wide fixed bars, instead of nine, because, as stated at -<a href="#Page_93">page 93</a>, bees construct deeper receptacles to contain -the honey than for breeding in: thus, should the queen -go up into this compartment, she may find the cells are -too much elongated to enable her to reach the base, -when her body is inserted for the purpose of depositing -an egg. We have too much confidence in her majesty's -sagacity to expect her to make such an attempt in honey-cells -thus elongated; doubtless she will only look and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">- 111 -</span> -pass on, seeking more suitable depositories, and confine -her nursery to those lower regions where she is -welcome. The honey is thus kept pure, and that which -not unfrequently mars the qualify of a super—viz., cells -that either contain brood or have been bred in—is prevented. -Each box is furnished with two small windows, -back and front, closed by sliding shutters, by which -opportunity is afforded for inspecting the progress made, -and also of knowing when the time has arrived that the -cells are filled and the box may be taken away.</p> - -<p>Each of the boxes, <span class="allsmcap">A, B, C</span>, is furnished with an entrance-way, -four inches wide, half an inch high, a -wooden slide either wholly or partially closing same, as -required. When at work, the bees only need one entrance -open, and that at the lowest box. The long -slides before mentioned are pushed in to their respective -receptacles from the back of the hive, to close the openings -between the bars; <span style="border: 1px dashed #aaa;">those</span> of them that are shorter -will be seen to belong to the sides of the octagon, and -the ends are cut angular to suit the form of the box. -A little examination will suffice to show the right allotment -of the slides, the appropriation of which may be -said somewhat to resemble the putting together of a -child's puzzle.</p> - -<p>The box <span class="allsmcap">B</span> must be left open at the interstices that correspond -with the box <span class="allsmcap">A</span>, placed above, the little openings -being closed by the insertion of the ten sections of slides, -thus leaving free communication inside with the upper -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">- 112 -</span> -box <span class="allsmcap">A</span>, and admitting of no outlet for the bees, except -at the entrance.</p> - -<p>When the four boxes are placed above each other, the -structure measures twenty-two inches high.</p> - -<p>The Scotch carpenters send no floor-board, and no -covering or roof for the top to shoot off the rain; they -evidently expect that the purchaser is provided with a -shed or bee-house of some kind, and also with a floor-board. -Should the apiarian, however, not have these -necessaries, we can supply the deficiency.</p> - -<p>The sides of the boxes are furnished with wooden -buttons, which, when turned round, keep each box -exactly in its place above the other: there are also -projecting irons or screw heads for tying the two -boxes <span class="allsmcap">A</span> and <span class="allsmcap">B</span> together, preparatory to hiving the -swarm; or if the boxes stand out exposed, all may be -thus secured, to prevent their being blown over by high -winds.</p> - - -<h4><i>Directions for Management.</i></h4> - -<p>Take the two boxes <span class="allsmcap">A</span> and <span class="allsmcap">B</span>, made one by the junction -before mentioned, and similarly inside by the free communication -afforded. Shake the swarm in as described -at <a href="#Page_28">page 28</a>, just as with a common cottage hive.</p> - -<p>If the weather be favourable, these two boxes will be -nearly filled in ten days. To get the full advantage of -the Stewarton hive the first year, put two swarms into -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">- 113 -</span> -two body boxes, <span class="allsmcap">A</span> and <span class="allsmcap">B</span>; if the two are too small, -then add the other box <span class="allsmcap">C</span>. Allow the bees to remain there -till they have nearly filled the body boxes with comb, -which (with this increased number of workers, and in -favourable weather) should be from five to ten days. -Two swarms are seldom procurable the same day, so as -then to be joined together, and even if they were, there -is a doubt whether greater progress may not be attained -by hiving a swarm a week or so earlier than the other, -so as to build comb and raise brood ready for the reception -of the new comers.</p> - -<p>The second swarm is added best in the evening, after -the bees have ceased working. For this purpose spread -a sheet on the ground, place two sticks so as to prevent -the box being close to the ground, then, with a sudden -knock, eject the bees of the second swarm on to the -cloth, and place the two body boxes that contain the -earlier swarm over the dislodged bees; these will, -in the course of an hour or so, ascend and become -one family, and one of the queens will be speedily -destroyed.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, prepare the shallow honey-box <span class="allsmcap">D</span>, by -fixing small pieces of worker guide-comb, of pure white -colour, on the centre of each side bar. If, however, a -box of honey with neatly made, straight, and quite -regular comb be desired, a piece of this guide-comb -must be fixed to the centre of each bar. If guide-comb -be unobtainable, strips of the impressed wax sheets -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">- 114 -</span> -or artificial comb (hereafter described) will be found -excellent substitutes.<a id="FNanchor_12" href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_12" href="#FNanchor_12" class="label">[12]</a> The body boxes may be prepared in a similar manner.</p> - -</div> - -<p>When selecting guide-comb, avoid combs with drone-cells; -to fix these is setting the bees a bad pattern. -Honey stored in drone-combs has more wax, and is -coarser in appearance and taste. Having satisfied yourself, -by peeping in at the windows, and from symptoms -at the entrance, that the original boxes are well filled, -place your prepared honey-box on the top, draw a -slide at each side of the middle box to afford communication, -and insert the little plugs. It is not so well to -withdraw the middle slides, because the queen is more -likely to ascend from the centre. When you notice that -the bees have fairly commenced work in the honey-box -and are likely to keep to it, the remaining box <span class="allsmcap">C</span> -may be added below the stock, which will afford additional -room and prevent swarming, exchanging the -entrance to the newly-furnished box and sliding in -pieces wood to close the aperture of that above.</p> - -<p>Should the bees begin making comb in the bottom -box, draw two more slides for freer access into the -super, as there will then be little risk of the queen ascending, -having so much range for egg-laying in the three -lower boxes.</p> - -<p>In very fine weather, a good swarm or stock will fill a -honey-box in the space of two weeks; but a much longer -time is usually occupied.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">- 115 -</span></p> -<p>The more quickly the box is filled, the purer will be -the colour of the comb and honey, because bees very -much discolour their work when they have it long on -hand. Before taking off the honey-box, observe particularly -that the combs are well sealed at the windows, -because, as mentioned at <a href="#Page_83">page 83</a>, this portion of the -work is always left till the last.</p> - -<p>When you see that all is ready for the removal of a -box, select the middle of a fine day for the purpose -(not omitting to don the bee-armour). Draw out one -or two of the slides, and give the bees a few -gentle puffs, either of fungus or of tobacco smoke, -from the tube fumigator, which will cause the majority -of the bees to descend into the body of the hive; -then stop the communication, by pushing in the slides. -Next, with a spatula, make a slight opening for a piece -of strong thin twine at the front of the box, and -immediately behind the thread two thin wedges; with -the two ends in hand, work the twine gently forward, -bringing the wedges, after, until the opposite side is -reached. This will remove any obstruction caused by -the bees having attached their combs to the top of the -next box, and thus leave the super entirely free for -removal. It will be as well, for the reasons stated at -<a href="#Page_58">page 58</a>, not to remove the box immediately. After -waiting an hour, the box may be taken off, and conveyed -to a quiet place. Should any bees remain, they will be -glad, after their confinement, to escape to the parent -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">- 116 -</span> -hive; or if you have an empty hive to put over, by gently -drumming the sides, the remaining bees will ascend and -leave the box at your disposal. The bees driven into -the empty box may now be shaken out in front of the -mouth of the hive. Another plan is to cut off the communication -over night, and raise the hive on wedges, as -recommended to be adopted with the super (<a href="#Page_73">page 73</a>).</p> - -<p>Before winter sets in, the box <span class="allsmcap">C</span> may be removed and -the comb it contains (if well filled) be used for consumption: -if the comb be empty, let it remain carefully -preserved from moth and insects; it will be invaluable -next season. Empty comb may be thus preserved by -tying or pasting a piece of stout newspaper closely -round the bottom, and keeping the box in a dry place.</p> - -<p>Feeding, when required, may be liberally pursued, by -withdrawing two slides and supplying a bottle-feeder. -Enough food should be given in the early autumn to last -until spring.</p> - -<p>The chief value of the Stewarton hive consists in the -boxes being shallow, so that the combs are more -likely to be well filled down to the base. This is a great -advantage with supers, particularly when required to be -sent to a distance, as there is less likelihood of the combs -breaking down. A fine super of honey, that would be -valuable, is materially depreciated when it reaches its -destination in a damaged state, with the honey running -from the cells. For the same reason, when the weather -is hot and the rays of the sun fall on the hive, the combs -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">- 117 -</span> -might part from their foundations if there were no intermediate -bars, which is now the case in the stock-hive, -composed as it is of two boxes. If these two boxes were -in one, the depth of each comb would be twelve inches; -and when filled with brood and honey, would probably -weigh 10 lbs. This is a great weight to be supported in -hot summer weather, when the wax is softened by the -heat. Another distinguishing feature that the Stewarton -hive possesses is the use of the box <span class="allsmcap">C</span>, which, by -giving increased room, as the season advances, prevents -what is often an annoyance to the apiarian, viz., -a late swarm—too late to be of any value, and impoverishing -the stock by a division of its numbers, thereby -perhaps impeding the completion of the super. A further -advantage of the box c, is that it induces the bees (who -frequently hang in dusters about the entrance) to carry -on their labours instead of remaining in enforced idleness.</p> - -<p>We often receive from Scotland magnificent boxes of -honey; the fine quality is no doubt to be attributed to -good pasturage, and to the fact of keeping the stocks -strong (see <a href="#Page_19">page 19</a>), by adopting the means before -hinted at; and thus having hives well stored and well -populated early in the season, so that they may betimes -take full advantage of supplies of nectar in the flowers. -Early honey is generally the best in colour.</p> - -<p>The old proverb runs:—"It is the early bird that finds -the worm." The hive that is strong is certain to produce -the most honey. To make this plain, we will suppose -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">- 118 -</span> -that a bee-keeper has a weakly hive; it will take some -weeks, if not months, to grow populous; and as soon as -the strength of the hive has recovered, the honey season -will have advanced, if not ended, whilst the strong -stocks have been able to take full advantage of the -supplies, having an abundance of labourers to collect the -honey and store it in supers for their master. To -induce the bees to build quickly, cover up the super with -as much warm woollen covering as you can, as recommended -for glasses, <a href="#Page_65">page 65</a>.</p> - -<p>In fine seasons, and under good management, extra -supers and body boxes (the latter to be used as -"nadirs") maybe required to place above and below -the supers and nadirs partly filled, in order to reap the -full benefit of the honey season; for with strong colonies -one box after another may be inserted, till the whole -towers from six to ten boxes high. This plan is, indeed, -collecting honey while the sun shines, but requires a -greater amount of apiarian skill and good pasturage to -carry on in its entirety than is generally possessed. In -other words, we in the south may find it difficult to rival -our accomplished brother-apiarians north of the Tweed, -for they do wonders with the Stewarton hive.</p> - - -<h3 id="HUBERS_HIVE">HUBER'S HIVE.</h3> - -<p>To Francis Huber—not improperly styled the "Prince -of Apiarians"—we are indebted for more extensive and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">- 119 -</span> -accurate observations on the habits of the bee than have -been contributed by all other observers since the time of -Aristotle.</p> - -<p>During the early period of Huber's investigations, he -prosecuted them by means of single-comb hives, which -allow of each side of the comb being examined. He -found, however, that there was one important defect. -The bees could not in these hives cluster together, which -is their natural method of withstanding the effects of a -reduced temperature. Huber hit upon the ingenious expedient -of combining a number of single-comb frames, -so as to form one complete hive, which could be opened, -in order to expose any particular comb, without disturbing -the rest. From the manner of the opening and -closing of this hive, it has generally been called the -"Leaf or Book Hive." The division separating each -comb is joined both back and front with "butt hinges," -fastened with a movable pin, on withdrawing which, at -either side, each comb and the bees on it may be inspected -as easily as if in a single-comb hive. Huber's -leaf hive is thus in appearance, as if several ordinary -"History of England" backgammon chess-boards were -set up on end together. The floor-board on which the -hive stands is larger than the hive when closed, so as to -allow of its being opened freely at any particular -"volume." An entrance-way for the bees is hollowed-out -of the floor-board as in other hives. There is a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">- 120 -</span> -glass window in each end of the hive, which is provided -with a shutter.</p> - -<p>There is, however, one serious objection to Huber's -hive, which, though not noticed by him or his careful -assistant, has prevented its general use—that is, the -difficulty there is in closing it without crushing some of -the bees—a catastrophe which, by exasperating their -comrades, is certain to interfere with any experiments. -There is no such risk in the bar and frame hive, whilst -in it every facility possessed by Huber's is retained; so -that we strongly recommend scientific apiarians to use -some kind of bar and frame hive in preference to -Huber's. We have here introduced a description of -Huber's leaf hive (and should be glad to exhibit one) -for the sake of its historic interest, in connection with -apiarian science. The invention was invaluable for -Huber himself, and it suggested to other apiarians the -adoption of the present plan of vertical bars and frames.</p> - -<p>The character of Huber and the circumstances under -which he pursued his observations are so remarkable, -that we need scarcely apologize for stating a few particulars -respecting him here. He was born at Geneva, in -July, 1750, his family being in honourable station and -noted for talent. Just as he attained to manhood he lost -his sight, and remained blind to the end of his days. -This apparently insuperable obstacle in the way of -scientific observation was overcome by the remarkable -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">- 121 -</span> -fidelity with which Burnens, his assistant, watched the -bees and reported their movements to Huber. Madame -Huber also, who, betrothed to him before his calamity, -had remained constant in her affection, assisted in the -investigations with great assiduity during their long and -happy wedded life. We quote the following from -"Memoirs of Huber," by Professor de Candolle:—</p> - -<p>"We have seen the blind shine as poets, and distinguish -themselves as philosophers, musicians, and calculators; -but it was reserved for Huber to give a lustre to -his class in the sciences of observation, and on objects so -minute that the most clear-sighted observer can scarcely -perceive them. The reading of the works of Reaumur -and Bonnet, and the conversation of the latter, directed -his curiosity to the history of the bees. His habitual -residence in the country inspired him with the desire, -first of verifying some facts, then of filling some blanks -in their history; but this kind of observation required -not only the use of such an instrument as the optician -must furnish, but an intelligent assistant, who alone could -adjust it to its use. He had then a servant named -Francis Burnens, remarkable for his sagacity and for -the devotion he bore his master. Huber practised -him in the art of observation, directed him to his researches -by questions adroitly combined, and, aided by -the recollections of his youth and by the testimonies of -his wife and friends, he rectified the assertions of his -assistant, and became enabled to form in his own mind -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">- 122 -</span> -a true and perfect image of the manifest facts. 'I am -much more certain,' said he, smiling, to a scientific -friend, 'of what I state than you are, for you publish -what your own eyes only have seen, while I take the -mean among many witnesses.' This is, doubtless, very -plausible reasoning, but very few persons will by it be -rendered distrustful of their own eyesight."</p> - -<p>The results of Huber's observations were published -in 1792, in the form of letters to Ch. Bonnet, under the -title of "Nouvelles Observations sur les Abeilles." This -work made a strong impression upon many naturalists, -not only because of the novelty of the facts stated and -the excellent inductive reasoning employed, but also on -account of the rigorous accuracy of the observations -recorded, when it was considered with what an extraordinary -difficulty the author had to struggle.</p> - -<p>Huber retained the clear faculties of his observant -mind until his death, which took place on the 22nd of -December, 1831. Most of the facts relating to the -impregnation of the queen, the formation of cells, and -the whole economy of the bee-community, as discovered -and described by Huber, have received full confirmation -from the investigations of succeeding naturalists.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page122" style="width: 55px;"> - <img src="images/page122.png" width="55" height="93" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">- 123 -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 417px;"> - <img src="images/page3.png" width="417" height="90" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="IV_EXTERIOR_ARRANGEMENTS_AND_APPARATUS">IV.—EXTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS AND APPARATUS.</h2> -</div> - - -<h3>BEE-HOUSE TO CONTAIN TWO HIVES.</h3> - -<div class="textleft" style="width: 53px;"> - <img src="images/letter_t.png" width="53" height="53" alt="T" /> -</div> - -<p class="p0">HERE is no contrivance for protecting' hives -from the weather so complete as a bee-house: -one which also admits of an easy inspection of the -hives ranged therein is especially convenient for lady -bee-keepers.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page123" style="width: 321px;"> - <img src="images/page123.png" width="321" height="224" alt="" /> - <div class="figcaption"><p>Front View of Bee House.</p></div> -</div> - -<p>The folding; doors behind the bee-house have only to -be opened, and the hives are at once exposed to full -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">- 124 -</span> -view; then, by raising the upper hive or cover, the -glasses may be deliberately inspected without molestation -from the bees, and the progress made by the busy multitude -in building and filling their combs may be watched -by the bee-keeper, from day to day, with great and increasing -interest. Under the roof on each side are -openings to act as ventilators, to allow the heated air to -escape. With the sun shining on the house and no -escape of this kind, the heat would be retained inside, -and the temperature become that of an oven.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page124" style="width: 379px;"> - <img src="images/page124.png" width="379" height="284" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>Here our engraving shows the back view of the bee-house, -the interior being furnished with two of our improved -cottage hives. Two suspended weights will be -noticed; these are to balance the top hives which cover -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">- 125 -</span> -the glasses; the cord for each runs on pulleys, so that -the covers can be easily raised and as easily shut down -again when the inspection is finished. We may here -remark, that it is not well to keep the glasses long exposed -to full light and view.</p> - -<p>The front of the bee-house being closely boarded, a -passage-way is contrived for the bees, by which they -have egress and ingress, without being able to gain -access to the house. The hives must be kept close to -the front boarding of the house, to prevent the opening -of any crevices which the bees might mistake for the -entrance to their hives, and so find their way into -the house. The front view of this bee-house shows -the ordinary contrivance for entrance; the sliding zinc -entrances may also be advantageously fixed, as shown -in the engraving of a bee-house to contain twelve hives. -In many parts of the country, hives and honey are sometimes -stolen from the garden; the bee-houses we furnish -have a lock and key to prevent depredations of this -kind.</p> - -<p>Care must be taken to keep the bee-houses free from -spiders and other insects. In some districts, ants are -numerous and troublesome. The plan we recommend -for excluding them is to put some pitch round the four -supports of the bee-house, or, better still, strips of loose -flannel, or other woollen material that is absorbent, -which have previously been soaked in lamp oil. We -use sperm oil, as being the slowest-drying oil we know -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">- 126 -</span> -of. A piece of string will keep the flannel close to the -wood and then neither ant nor other insect will pass up; -so that Dy this simple means the hives may, so to speak, -be insulated, and placed beyond their reach. As the oil -dries up, it can easily be renewed. We have found this -an effectual remedy against these insidious enemies -of bees.</p> - - -<h3 id="BEE-HOUSE_12">BEE-HOUSE TO CONTAIN TWELVE HIVES</h3> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page126" style="width: 441px;"> - <img src="images/page126.png" width="441" height="291" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page127" style="width: 507px;"> - <img src="images/page127.png" width="507" height="278" alt="" /> - <div class="figcaption">Back view of Bee-house, showing the Interior.</div> -</div> - -<p>Where economy of room is a consideration, we fit up -bee-houses with a double row of hives, one above the -other. Our engravings show the back and front of a -house of this kind, having an ornamental zinc gutter to -prevent the wet from dripping on to the alighting-board.</p> - -<p>When a number of hives are thus together, we colour -the alighting-boards differently, so that the bees may -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">- 127 -</span> -have a distinctive mark by which each may know its -own home, and not wander into its neighbour's house. -Bees readily enough receive a honey-laden labourer into -a hive; but if the wanderer be poor and empty, he will -be promptly repulsed, and may have to forfeit his life -for his mistake. 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 apparent. A queen entering a hive already supplied -with a fruitful sovereign would be certain to be -killed. The loss to the hive to which the queen belonged -is a serious one. Hives are often made queenless from -this cause, and thereby reduced to utter ruin, the bee-master -perhaps attributing his failure to something altogether -different.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">- 128 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="BEE-HOUSE_9">BEE-HOUSE TO CONTAIN NINE HIVES.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page128" style="width: 335px;"> - <img src="images/page128.png" width="335" height="256" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>This engraving represents a bee-house adapted for -having a number of hives in a limited space,—three -rows of hives, one above the other.</p> - -<p>We do not recommend a bee-house of this construction; -it is difficult to erect one to afford space for -super hives, without its being so inconveniently high -as to be liable to be blown over by strong winds.</p> - -<p>Hives thus located in a bee-house are not exposed to -so much change of temperature, and the stocks generally -pass the winter well.</p> - -<p>Here we may introduce the meditations of a German -apiarian, who describes the advantages of a bee-house -for the bees, and his own pleasure in watching over his -pets in the winter, as they dwell so comfortably and -safely. It is true that Herr Braun associates still choicer -delights with the simple pleasures of bee-keeping, but -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">- 129 -</span> -as Mr. Woodbury has not excluded the higher theme -from his translation, we need not hesitate to quote the -whole:—</p> - -<h3 id="EVENING_THOUGHTS">EVENING THOUGHTS IN JANUARY.</h3> - -<p class="caption3nb">(<i>Translated from the German by</i> <span class="smcap">Adalbert Braun</span>.)</p> - -<p class="caption3nb">BY A DEVONSHIRE BEE-KEEPER.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Within my little garden</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Stands also a bee-house,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And bees therein protected</div> - <div class="verse indent2">From sly tomtit or mouse.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">How quietly they're sitting!</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And little trouble give,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Beyond the needful watching</div> - <div class="verse indent2">That undisturbed they live—</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">That all, indeed, are living</div> - <div class="verse indent2">In strong, unbroken health,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And, in the brood-nest hanging,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Consume their hoarded wealth—</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">That in the dwindling store-room</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Sufficient stores remain,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Until the rape-plant donneth</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Its blossom-dress again!</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Thus daily do I visit</div> - <div class="verse indent2">My garden and my bees,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Neglecting thereby often</div> - <div class="verse indent2">My dinner and my ease.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Thank God! they all were humming</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Within their hives to-day;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Nor could I find a symptom</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Of hunger or decay.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">- 130 -</span> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">And yet what ardent longing</div> - <div class="verse indent2">I feel, O Spring, for thee!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">My darlings' gleesome frolics</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Are happiness to me!</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">How would this anxious longing</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Consume my very breast,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But for a little being</div> - <div class="verse indent2">So full of love and jest.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">In heat or cold that prattles</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Around me ev'ry day,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And still, the throes of longing</div> - <div class="verse indent2">By commune blithe and gay.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Ye bee-keepers can value</div> - <div class="verse indent2">A joy that is complete;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">It is my wife—the darling</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Whose lips are honey-sweet.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">With e'en the richest bee-stand</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Were joy and pleasure gone,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">If my heart's queen were wanting</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And I left here alone.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Thus, her I love and honour,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">No difference have we,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">But ofttimes go together</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Our little pets to see.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Her kisses sweet removing</div> - <div class="verse indent2">All sorrow from my breast,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And honied joys surrounding</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Proclaim us highly blest.</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="tdc"> -<i>Mount Radford, Exeter.</i> <span class="smcap">T. W. Woodbury.</span><br /> -</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">- 131 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="ORNAMENTAL_ZINC_COVER">ORNAMENTAL ZINC COVER.</h3> - -<div class="figright" id="page131" style="width: 225px;"> - <img src="images/page131.png" width="225" height="442" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The annexed engraving -of the Ornamental Zinc -Cover renders but little description -necessary. The -illustration shows one of our -improved cottage hives on -a stand. Three clumps of -wood must be driven into -the ground, and the three -iron rods supporting the -covering made fast to them -with screws; there are -screw holes in the feet of -the iron rods for the purpose. -When thus secured, -but little fear need be entertained -of its being blown -over by high winds.</p> - -<p>In the roof two pulleys -are fixed, so that, by attaching a cord, the upper hive -covering the bell-glass supers may be raised with facility -for the purpose of observing the progress made by -the bees.</p> - -<p>The ornamental zinc cover will form a pleasing object -in the flower-garden, when placed in a suitable position -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">- 132 -</span> -on the grass plot. It is painted green; the iron rods are -of such a length as to support the roof at a convenient -height from the ground.</p> - - -<h3 id="ZINC_COVER">ZINC COVER.</h3> - -<div class="figleft" id="page132a" style="width: 198px;"> - <img src="images/page132a.png" width="198" height="310" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>This is a simple and inexpensive -covering for any cottage -straw hive when exposed -in the garden. It fits close -on to the upper hive, coming -sufficiently low to protect it -from sun and rain, without -obscuring the whole hive.</p> - -<p>These covers are painted -green—a colour that is generally -preferred.</p> - - -<h3 id="TAYLORS_ZINC_COVER">TAYLOR'S ZINC COVER.</h3> - -<div class="figleft" id="page132b" style="width: 197px;"> - <img src="images/page132b.png" width="197" height="81" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>This zinc cover, introduced -by H. Taylor, Esq., for his -cottage hive, will also be found -useful as a protection from -wet, for many other descriptions of round straw hives.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">- 133 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="BELL_GLASSES">BELL GLASSES.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page133a" style="width: 357px;"> - <img src="images/page133a.png" width="357" height="164" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>To contain 10 lbs., 10 inches high, 7 inches wide.</p> -<p>To contain 6 lbs., 7 inches high, 5½ inches wide.</p> -<p>To contain 3 lbs., 5 inches high, 4 inches wide.</p> - -<p>These bell glasses are used in the hives before described. -The largest is for Nutt's hive; the middle-sized -is for our improved cottage hive; the smallest -glass is so very small that it is not often used, and we -do not recommend it. Bees will generally fill a middle-sized -glass quite as soon as one so small as this.</p> - - -<h3 id="TAYLORS_BELL_GLASSES">TAYLOR'S BELL GLASSES.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page133b" style="width: 320px;"> - <img src="images/page133b.png" width="320" height="128" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>These glasses have been introduced by Mr. Taylor, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">- 134 -</span> -and are recommended as preferable to deep narrow -glasses. The drawings will show that they are straight -at the sides, flat at the top inside, with a knob outside to -take hold by, through which is a half-inch opening to -admit a ventilating tube. The larger is six inches deep, -twelve inches wide; smaller, five inches deep, nine and -a half inches wide.</p> - -<div class="figleft" id="page134" style="width: 118px;"> - <img src="images/page134.png" width="118" height="96" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The late Mr. J. H. Payne, of Bury, author of the -"Bee-keeper's Guide" introduced another glass. It has -a three-inch hole in the centre, the purpose -of which is to tempt bees to produce -additional and larger stores of -honey. It is to be used as follows:—When -a bell glass is half or quite filled, -raise it, and place Payne's glass over the hole of the -stock-hive, with the filled glass on it, over the three-inch -hole. The bees will bring their combs through, and -thus Mr. Payne found that they would store more honey -than if the bell glass were removed and another empty -one put in its place. Of course, the first glass must be -smaller in diameter than Payne's glass, so as to rest -upon it.</p> - - -<h3 id="FLAT-TOPPED_GLASS">FLAT-TOPPED GLASS.</h3> - -<p>This is a glass super, to be placed on the hive in a -similar way to the bell glasses already alluded to. It -has the advantages of being straight at the sides, flat -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">- 135 -</span> -at top, and without a knob; so that when filled it -may be brought on to the breakfast -table, inverted, on a plate. The glass -lid shown in the engraving forms a -cover, and fits over outside, so as not -to interfere with the combs within. -These flat-top glasses, like those with a -knob, have a hole through which a zinc -ventilating tube is inserted. Dimensions, six and three-quarter -inches wide, five inches high.</p> - -<div class="figleft" id="page135" style="width: 138px;"> - <img src="images/page135.png" width="138" height="159" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<h3 id="GUIDE_COMB">GUIDE-COMB FOR GLASSES.</h3> - -<p>In some of our previous allusions to the best mode of -inducing bees to commence working in glasses, we have -recommended attaching guide-comb. We will now -more particularly explain how this attraction can be best -applied. We have already shown how bees may be -induced to make use of guide-combs fixed to bars, and -the same principle is applicable to glasses. These may -be filled, with great regularity, by adopting the following -directions, which, we believe, have never before -appeared in print:—</p> - -<p>Procure a piece of clean new empty worker honey-comb, -which has not had honey in it (because honey will -prevent adhesion to the glass); cut it into pieces of about -three-quarters of an inch square. Gently warm the -exterior of the glass (this we find is best done by holding -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">- 136 -</span> -the glass horizontally for a short time over the flame -of a candle); then apply one of the pieces of empty -comb inside at the part warmed, taking care, in fixing -it, that the pitch or inclination of the cells is upwards—in -fact, place the guide-comb in the same relative position -that it occupied in the hive or glass from which it -was taken. There is some danger of making the glass -too warm, which will cause the comb to melt and the -wax to run down the side, leaving an unsightly appearance -on the glass; this should be carefully avoided, 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 melted. It is hardly -necessary to state that only the very whitest combs -ought to be used. A short time should be allowed before -changing the position of the glass, so that it may cool -sufficiently to hold the comb in its place. Six or eight -pieces may thus be fixed, so that, when the glass is filled, -it will present a star shape, all the combs -radiating from the centre. The annexed -engraving shows the appearance of a -glass as worked by the bees, in which -guide-combs were fixed in the manner -described above. The drawing was taken from a glass -of our own filled after being thus furnished.</p> - -<div class="figleft" id="page136" style="width: 101px;"> - <img src="images/page136.png" width="101" height="105" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>In the Old Museum at the Royal Gardens, Kew, -may be seen a Taylor's glass, presented by us, some of -the combs in which are elongated on the outside to -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">- 137 -</span> -the breadth of six inches. We believe, that not only does -a glass present a much handsomer appearance when -thus worked—and will, on that account, most fully -reward the trouble of fixing guide-comb—but that more -honey is stored in the same space, 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 devices.</p> - -<p>This mode of fixing guide-comb does not solely apply -to the above-shaped glass, but is equally useful for all -kinds of glasses. It is introduced in connection with this -glass because, from its having a flat top and no knob, -the regularity is more clearly apparent.</p> - -<p>The working of bees in the bell glasses illustrates -how tractable their disposition really is, if only scope be -allowed for the due exercise of their natural instinct. -They have no secrets in their economy, and they do not -shrink from our constant observation as they daily pursue -their simple policy of continuous thrift and persevering -accumulation. 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-commonwealth:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"Long from the eye of man and face of day.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Involved in darkness all their customs lay,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Until a sage well versed in Nature's lore,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A genius formed all science to explore;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Hives well contrived, in crystal frames disposed.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And there the busy citizens disclosed."</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"> -<span class="smcap">Murphy's</span> <i>Vaniere</i>.<br /> -</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">- 138 -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page138" style="width: 584px;"> - <img src="images/page138.png" width="584" height="412" alt="" /> - <div class="figcaption"><span class="smcap">Exterior of an Apiary.</span><br /> - As originally erected in the Zoological Gardens, Regent's Park.</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">- 139 -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page139" style="width: 567px;"> - <img src="images/page139.png" width="567" height="438" alt="" /> - <div class="figcaption"><span class="smcap">Interior of an Apiary.</span><br /> - May be taken as suggestive for the construction or appropriation of rooms for the<br /> - larger Apiaries in summer-houses or other out-buildings.</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">- 140 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="BOTTLE_FEEDER">THE NEW BOTTLE-FEEDER.</h3> - -<div class="figleft" id="page140" style="width: 95px;"> - <img src="images/page140.png" width="95" height="119" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>It has long been acknowledged that the best mode of -feeding bees is through an opening at the top of the -stock-hive. The new bottle-feeder is a -simple and good means of administering -food when a stock requires help in that -way, as bees can take the food from it -without leaving the hive. Any kind of -hive that has an opening at the top may -thus be fed. Another important feature is the cleanliness -with which liberal feeding can be accomplished; -and few operations require more care than does feeding. -If liquid sweet is left hanging about the hive, it tempts -robber-bees; and when once the bees of an apiary have -had a taste, there is no knowing where their depredations -will stop: they resolutely attack and endeavour to -rob other hives, fighting and killing one another to a -considerable extent. Even if no hives be completely -destroyed, weakness from loss of numbers will be the -portion of most, if not of all, the hives in the garden.</p> - -<p>The morals of our favourites are here a good deal at -fault, for the stronger hives, when their inordinate passion -is thus stirred up by the carelessness or want of knowledge -of the bee-keeper, attack and prey upon the weaker -ones. To be "forewarned is to be forearmed"—and -"prevention is better than cure." We strongly recommend -closely covering up the feeder; one of the middle-size -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">- 141 -</span> -bell glasses put over it makes a close-fitting cover, should -the regular cover to the hive not be sufficiently tight. -When bees are not kept in a bee-house, and are, on that -account, more accessible, this extra care is particularly -needed. The right time for feeding is in the autumn or -spring. As stated at <a href="#Page_76">page 76</a>, it is requisite to ascertain -the condition of the hive at Michaelmas, and, if wanting, -the deficiency can then be made up.<a id="FNanchor_13" href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> It is not wise to defer -feeding until later in the season, because it is important -that, when the food is placed b the cells, the bees should -seal it up; and a tolerably warm temperature is required -to enable them to secrete the wax for the delicately-formed -lids of the cells. If the food remained unsealed, -there is danger of its turning sour, and thereby causing -disease among the bees. It is not well to feed in mid-winter -or when the weather is very cold: bees at such -times consume but little food, being in a state of torpor, -from which it is better not to arouse them.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_13" href="#FNanchor_13" class="label">[13]</a> A much greater quantity of food will have to be administered -than the actual weight required to be furnished, because there is -a very considerable decrease after it is taken by the bees.</p> - -</div> - -<p>A little food in the spring stimulates the queen to lay -more abundantly, for bees are provident and do not -rear the young so rapidly when the supplies are short. -In this particular, the intelligence of bees is very -striking; they have needed no Malthus to teach them -that the means of subsistence must regulate the increase -of a prosperous population:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">- 142 -</span></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"The prescient female rears the tender brood</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In strict proportion to the hoarded food."</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"> -<span class="smcap">Evans.</span><br /> -</p> -</div> - -<p class="p0">Judgment has, however, to be exercised by the apiarian -in giving food, for it is quite possible to do <i>mischief by -over-feeding</i>. The bees, when over-fed, will fill so many -of the combs with honey, that the queen, in the early -spring, cannot find empty cells in which to deposit her -eggs, and, by this means, the progress of the hive is -much retarded,—a result that should be guarded against. -The following directions will show how the bottle-feeder -is to be used:—Fill the bottle with liquid food; -apply the net, affixed by an india-rubber band, over the -mouth; place the block over the hole of the stock-hive, -invert the bottle, the neck resting within the hole in the -block; the bees will put their tongues through the perforations -and imbibe the food, thus causing the bottle to -act on the principle of a fountain. The bottle being -glass, it is easy to see when the food is consumed. The -piece of perforated zinc is for the purpose of preventing -the bees from clinging to the net, or escaping from the -hive when the bottle is taken away for the purpose of -refilling. A very good syrup for bees may be made by -boiling 6 lbs. of honey with 2 lbs. of water, for a few -minutes; or loaf sugar, in the proportion of 3 lbs. to -2 lbs. of water, answers very well when honey is not -to be obtained.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">- 143 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="ROUND_FEEDER">ROUND BEE-FEEDER.</h3> - -<div class="figright" id="page143" style="width: 156px;"> - <img src="images/page143.png" width="156" height="83" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>Round bee-feeders are made of zinc and earthenware, -eight inches across, three inches deep. The projection -outside is a receptacle for -pouring in the food; the bees gain -access to the feeder through a -round hole, which is placed either -at the centre or nearer one side, -whichever may best suit the openings on the top of the -stock-hive. The feeder occupies a similar position to -that of the glasses or cap hives in the gathering season. -A circular piece of glass, cut so as to fit into a groove, -prevents the bees escaping, and retains the warmth -within the hive, whilst it affords opportunity for inspecting -the bees when feeding.</p> - -<p>The feeders were originally only made of zinc; but -some bee-keepers advised the use of earthenware, and a -few have been made to meet the wishes of those who -give the preference to that material.</p> - -<p>When the bees are fed from above in this manner, -the feeder is kept at a warm temperature by the heat of -the hive. In common hives, cottagers feed the bees by -pushing under the hive thin slips of wood scooped out, -into which the food is poured. This plan of feeding -can only be had recourse to at night, 'and the pieces of -wood must be removed in the morning. By feeding at -the top of the stock-hive any interruption of the bees is -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">- 144 -</span> -avoided. For further instructions on this head, see the -directions given for using the bottle-feeder.</p> - - - -<h3 id="ZINC_FEEDER">ZINC FOUNTAIN BEE-FEEDER.</h3> - -<div class="figleft" id="page144" style="width: 152px;"> - <img src="images/page144.png" width="152" height="104" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>We have invented the fountain bee-feeder, in order -that a larger supply of liquid food might be given to a -hive than is practicable with the -round feeder.</p> - -<p>The liquid honey is poured in at, -the opening, which unscrews; whilst -being filled, the inside slide, closing -the opening through which the food -passes into the feeding-pan, should be shut down. When -the reservoir is filled, the screw is made fast, and, the -slide being withdrawn, a wooden float, pierced with -small holes, through which the bees take the food, forms -a false bottom, and rises and falls with the liquid. This -feeder, being on the siphon principle, like a poultry or -bird water-fountain, is supplied from the reservoir until -that is empty. A piece of glass is fixed in the side of -the reservoir, in order that the bee-keeper may see -when it is emptied. A flat piece of glass on the top prevents -the bees from escaping, and through it they may be -inspected whilst feeding. The bees find access to the -feeder on to the perforated float through the central -round hole, which is placed over a corresponding hole -in the stock-hive.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">- 145 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="HONEY_CUTTERS">HONEY CUTTERS.</h3> - -<div class="figright" id="page145a" style="width: 166px;"> - <img src="images/page145a.png" width="166" height="92" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>Honey cutters are used for removing comb from boxes -and glasses without damaging it. The flat-bladed knife -is for disconnecting the combs -from the sides; the hook-shaped -one is for the same purpose, to -be applied to the top or horizontal -part of the box or glass.</p> - - - -<h3 id="BOX_FUMIGATOR">BOX FUMIGATOR.</h3> - -<div class="figleft" id="page145b" style="width: 71px;"> - <img src="images/page145b.png" width="71" height="128" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>This fumigator is a tin box, somewhat like a pepper-box -upon a foot. It is a simple adaptation of the fumigating -apparatus described by Mr. Nutt, and -is used in the following manner:—Have a straw -hive or other vessel ready that will match in -circumference the hive intended to be fumigated. -If the empty hive have a conical top, -it will not remain crown downwards without a -rest; in this case, it will be convenient to -invert it on a pail. Having ascertained that the hive to -be operated upon and the empty one in its reversed position -nearly match in size, take half a packet of the prepared -fungus, fire it well, and place it in the box or -fumigator; place this in the centre of the empty hive, -then bring the occupied hive directly over, so as to -receive the fumes of smoke. To keep all close, put a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">- 146 -</span> -wet cloth round the place where the two hives meet. -In a minute or two, the bees may be heard dropping -heavily into the lower empty hive, where they lie stupefied. -After a little while, the old hive may be tapped -upon to make the bees fall more quickly. On removing; -the upper hive, the bees from it will be found lying quiet -at the bottom of the lower one. Place a sheet on the -ground, and spread the bees on it; then, with a feather, -sort them over, in order to pick out the queen-bee. As -soon as the queen is found, pour the rest of the -lethargic swarm from off the sheet back into the inverted -hive again. The stupefied bees must now be sprinkled -freely with a syrup made of honey and water, or sugar -and ale boiled together. Some' apiarians recommend a -few drops 'of peppermint to be mixed with the syrup, in -order to drown the peculiar odour which is special to -each hive of bees,—this is more necessary when two-hives -of bees are fumigated, and whilst under the influence -of smoke are well mixed together. 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 latter, just as the hive was from which -they have come. A wet cloth must be fastened round -the two hives, so as to prevent any of the bees from -escaping. The hives in this position must be placed -where they are not likely to be knocked down or -meddled with. The fresh bees in the upper hive, -attracted by the scent of the bees besmeared with honey, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">- 147 -</span> -go down and commence licking off the sweets from the -sleepy ones. The latter gradually revive, when all get -mingled together and ascend in company to the upper -hive, where they live as if they had not been separate -families. The two hives should be left undisturbed for -twenty-four hours, then the upper hive may be removed -and placed immediately on the spot from whence it was -brought.</p> - -<p>The reason the queen is recommended to be taken is -to prevent any fighting. She should be kept alive and -fed as long as she will live, in case any harm should -befall the sovereign of the other community.</p> - - -<h3 id="TUBE_FUMIGATOR">TUBE FUMIGATOR.</h3> - -<div class="figleft" id="page147" style="width: 171px;"> - <img src="images/page147.png" width="171" height="63" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>The tube fumigator<a id="FNanchor_14" href="#Footnote_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a> is useful for several purposes. -When a frame-hive has to be disturbed it is requisite -to raise the lid and blow a little -smoke into the hive, so as to check -the angry passions of the bees. -If it be desirable to stupefy the bees, ignited fungus must -be placed in the box and the flattened end applied to -the entrance of the hive; the smoke is then blown in, -either with bellows or by applying the mouth of the -operator, taking care to close all openings through -which it can escape. The bees fall down stupefied, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">- 148 -</span> -generally in about ten minutes; but the effect varies -according to the populousness of the hive and the quantity -of comb in it. The projected operations must now -be performed speedily, as activity will soon be regained. -See preceding directions.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_14" href="#FNanchor_14" class="label">[14]</a> This fumigator will be found to possess many advantages -over the box fumigator before mentioned.</p> - -</div> - - -<h3 id="BEE_DRESS">THE BEE DRESS OR PROTECTOR.</h3> - -<div class="figleft" id="page148" style="width: 108px;"> - <img src="images/page148.png" width="108" height="220" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>All operations connected with the removal or the -hiving of bees should be conducted with calmness -and circumspection. Bees, although the -busiest of creatures, entertain a great -dislike to fussiness in their masters, and -become irritable at once if the apiarian -allows them to see that he is in a hurry. -Hence, there is great advantage in having -the face and hands covered whilst at work -amongst the bees; for when the operator -knows he cannot possibly be stung, he -can open his hives, take out the combs, gather in his -swarms, or take the honey, with all the deliberation of -a philosopher. Various kinds of bee-dresses have been -contrived; one that we keep ready in stock is of a very -simple construction. It is made of strong <i>black net</i>, in -shape like an inverted bag, large enough to allow of a -gentleman's wide-awake or a lady's hat being worn -underneath. The projection of the hat or cap causes -the dress to stand off from the face, and the meshes, of -the net, though much too small for a bee to penetrate, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">- 149 -</span> -are wide enough to allow of clear vision for the operator. -An elastic band secures the dress round the waist; the -sleeves also, made of durable black calico, are secured -at the wrists by a similar method. The hands of the -bee-master may be effectually protected with a pair of -india-rubber gloves, which should be put on before the -dress is fastened round the wrists. This kind of glove -is regularly used by photographers, and allows of -greater ease in manipulation than any other description.</p> - -<p>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 security. Still, he need not be -careless as to the feelings of his bees; his success and -their comfort will be promoted by his "handling them -gently, and as if he loved them." "Familiarity" between -bees and their master "breeds" not "contempt," -but affection.</p> - -<p>Any sudden or clumsy movement, which jars the -combs or frames, will excite the bees, and if but one -should be crushed, the odour of their slaughtered comrade -rouses the inhabitants of the hive to a pitch of -exasperation. Their powers of smelling are very acute. -The human breath is abomination to them; therefore, -when operating upon bees, be careful to close the mouth -and breathe only through the nostrils. The best time -for most operations is in the middle of a fine day.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">- 150 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="ENGRAVED_PRESS">ENGRAVED PRESSING ROLLER FOR THE -GUIDANCE OF BEES IN THE CONSTRUCTION -OF HONEY-COMB ON THE BARS.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page150" style="width: 283px;"> - <img src="images/page150.png" width="283" height="206" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>This is an engraved metal roller, which, when applied -to the coated underside of a comb-bar, leaves an impression -as shown in the diagram. The wax having -been spread on the flat bar, the roller, heated by being -put into hot water, is heavily pressed over it. The -roller has two wooden handles, so that considerable -pressure may be given to it. The roller is a little less -than two inches in diameter, seven-eighths of an inch -wide, and the length from handle to handle is six inches. -The diagram shows the full size of the impressions as -left on the wax, after passing the roller along the comb-bar, -in the manner above described. It is a contrivance -invented in Switzerland, and exhibited in the -International Exhibition of 1862, when the pattern -roller was purchased by ourselves.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">- 151 -</span></p> - -<p>The bars of a hive prepared with these markings in -wax afford ready-made foundations for regular combs, -which very much facilitate the operations of the bees.</p> - - -<h3 id="IMPRESSED_SHEETS">IMPRESSED WAX SHEETS FOR ARTIFICIAL -COMBS.</h3> - -<p>These artificial partition walls for combs are sheets -of genuine wax, about the substance of thin cardboard. -They receive rhomboidal impressions by being pressed -between two metal plates, carefully and mathematically -prepared and cast so that the impressions are exactly -the same size as the base of the cells of a honey-comb. -An inspection of a piece of comb will show that the -division of the opposite cells is made by a thin partition -wall, common to both. Now the substance of this is said -to be only the one hundred and eightieth part of an inch, -whilst the artificial ones we are recommending are -between the thirtieth and fortieth part of an inch, more -than four times the thickness of the handiwork of the -bees themselves. It would, indeed, be vain to attempt -to furnish sheets of wax at all approaching their own -delicate fabric; the impressed sheets are quite as thin -as they can be to bear the handling which is requisite -for fixing them in the hives. We find, however, that -the thickness is no disadvantage; the bees speedily excavate -and <i>pare the artificial sheet</i> so as to suit their own -notions of the substance required; then, with admirable -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">- 152 -</span> -economy, they use the surplus thus obtained for the construction -of the cells. After a sheet has been partly -worked at by the bees, it is interesting to hold it up to -the light and observe the beautiful transparency of that -part of it, contrasted with the opaqueness of the part not -yet laboured upon.</p> - -<p>When it is considered, as writers tell us, that more -than 14 lbs. of honey are required for the secretion and -elaboration of a single pound of comb, it will not be -difficult to form a just estimate of the value of this invention, -which thus furnishes cheap and excellent assistance -to our industrious favourites. It also shows the bee-keeper -that all clean empty combs should be carefully -preserved and considered as valuable stock. Another -great advantage that it affords us is, that it renders us -independent of <i>guide-comb</i>, which is not always obtainable. -When a sheet or a strip of this impressed wax -is properly fixed to the comb-bar, it is <i>certain</i> to be the -guide and foundation of a straight comb. This invention -has been derived from Germany, where it has been -adopted many years with success. At the International -Exhibition of 1862, we purchased the metal plates or -castings, so as to manufacture the impressed sheets with -which we are now able to supply our customers; and, -after the careful trials we have made, we have great -confidence in recommending them.</p> - -<p>In the season of 1863 we furnished a Woodbury glass -super, with the wax sheets fixed to the bars, in the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">- 153 -</span> -manner hereafter to be explained, and it was truly -astonishing to see the rapidity with which these sheets of -wax were worked into comb. Receptacles were quickly -made ready for the storing of honey, and the new combs -soon became beautifully white; for, although the artificial -wax has a yellow tinge, yet, after being worked at -and made thinner, it is as good in colour as ordinary -combs. For supers we cut the wax plates in half, -making one serve for two bars.</p> - -<p>We have received from Germany the following directions -for the fastening of the artificial plates to the comb-bars. -Hereafter will be described a plan which we have -adopted, and to which preference is given.</p> - -<p>(<i>Translation.</i>)—"The unstamped edge of the plate -receives incisions half an inch distant from one another, -made with a sharp knife, the plate having been a little -warmed; then it is pinched between two equally strong -ledges, which have been well moistened. The projecting -edge of the plate which received the incisions is alternately -bent to the right and to the left. The comb-bar -is well besmeared with artificial sticking wax (a mixture -of two parts of wax and one part of American -resin), and is well warmed at a fire. Afterwards the -besmeared side is laid upon the bent end of the plate, -and pressed to it as firmly as possible. A small wooden -ledge, besmeared with sticking wax, and fastened by -means of pressure to the lower edge of the plate, prevents -it from bending, which sometimes happens when -the bees work it."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">- 154 -</span></p> - -<p>To carry out the directions here given, it is necessary -to warm the besmeared comb-bar at a fire; the wax plate -has also to be warmed. Having tried this plan, and -found inconvenience attending it, especially from the wax -curling with the heat and the difficulty of making it stick -firm, to say nothing of the uncomfortableness of performing -the operation before a fire on a hot day in July, -we began to consider if a little carpentering might not do -the work better and more pleasantly, and adopted the -following plan:—We split or cut the comb-bars of the -Woodbury super in half, lengthways, and, taking the unstamped -edge between the two strips, joined them together -again by small screws at the side, confining the wax -plate tightly in the centre, with no possibility of its falling -down. Where frames are used, of course the bar could -not be cut in two (except with the "compound bar and -frame," where the bar being loose, it might be as easily -managed). The plan we adopt with an ordinary frame -is to saw out an opening, about an inch or an inch and -a half from either end, where the sides are morticed -in; this opening we make with a keyhole-saw. Through -it the wax plate is easily put, and, with a heated iron -passed over the upper side of the bar, is made sufficiently -firm. If the wax plates are too large, a portion may -be cut off; an opening of full eleven inches long can be -made without materially weakening the bar and frame.</p> - -<p>Another, and perhaps the simplest, plan is, to fix a -strip of wood with brads to the underside of the top -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">- 155 -</span> -frame or bar: place the wax sheet against this, then -wedge another strip close to it, and thus hold the -wax sheet firmly in the centre of the frame, taking -care also to make the second strip of wood fast with -brads.</p> - -<p>The wax plates must not extend to the bottom of the -frame; a space of at least one inch should be left for -expansion, because the bees, in working the plate, -stretch it down lower. We also use a few pins firmly -pressed into the frames, and long enough to reach the -edge of the plate; for by fixing three or four pins on -either side, both at the sides and at the bottom, the -plate may be held in an exactly central position within -the frame. As before mentioned, when these directions -are carried out, there is no fear of being troubled with -crooked combs or bars.</p> - -<p>The secretion of wax, and the method of its adaptation -by the bees, is thus admirably described by Evans:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"Thus filtered through your flutterer's folded mail</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Clings the cooled wax, and hardens to a scale.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Swift at the well-known call, the ready train</div> - <div class="verse indent1">(For not a buzz boon Nature breathes in vain)</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Spring to each falling flake, and bear along</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Their glossy burdens to the builder throng.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">These, with sharp sickle, or with sharper tooth,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Pare each excrescence and each angle smooth,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Till now, in finish'd pride, two radiant rows</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Of snow-white cells <i>one mutual base</i> disclose;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Six shining panels gird each polish'd round,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">The door's fine rim, with waxen fillet bound,</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">- 156 -</span> - <div class="verse indent1"><i>While walls so thin, with sister walls combined,</i></div> - <div class="verse indent1"><i>Weak in themselves, a sure dependance find.</i></div> - <div class="verse indent0"> - -<hr class="tb" /></div> - <div class="verse indent1">Others in firm phalanx ply their twinkling feet,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Stretch out the ductile mass, and form the street.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With many a cross-way, path, and postern gate,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">That shorten to their range the spreading state."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page156" style="width: 110px;"> - <img src="images/page156.png" width="110" height="94" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">- 157 -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 417px;"> - <img src="images/page3.png" width="417" height="90" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="MANIPULATION_AND_USES_OF_BAR_AND_FRAME_HIVES">MANIPULATION AND USES OF BAR AND FRAME HIVES.</h2> -</div> - - -<div class="textleft" style="width: 51px;"> - <img src="images/letter_h.png" width="51" height="52" alt="H" /> -</div> - -<p class="p0">AVING, at <a href="#Page_84">page 84</a>, given a description of the mechanical -arrangements of bar and frame hives, -the next thing is, to describe the mode of introducing the -bees, and of thus bringing the humane and scientific hives -into operation. The swarm should be first hived into a -common straw hive from the bough or shrub upon which -they may have alighted; place this hive, into which we -will suppose the bees have been shaken, on the ground, -propped up on one side with a brick or a flower-pot, -or anything of the sort that may be handy, in order that -straggler-bees may join the swarm. The spot selected -for this should be as shady an one as can be found, near -to the place where the swarm settled; or it may be -shaded from the rays of the sun by fixing matting on two -poles, so as to prevent the heat falling on the hive; -spread a sheet or cloth on the ground where an even -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">- 158 -</span> -surface can be obtained; stake this sheet down at the -four corners, to prevent ruts and inequalities, which are -great hindrances to the bees going into the bar and frame -hive; place the latter upon the sheet, without its floor-board, -having its front raised on blocks or sticks rather -more than an inch,—not more, otherwise the bees will -cluster, and attach themselves to the lower part of the -frames, instead of going up between. These preparations -will, perhaps, occupy ten minutes, by which time -the swarm will have become settled and tolerably quiet. -Then, with a sharp rap, precipitate the bees out of the -straw hive on to the sheet immediately in front of the -frame hive; give the straw hive another knock, so as to -dislodge all the bees, and then take it quite away, otherwise -they may, if it be left near, perversely choose to go -into that, instead of the one desired. In some cases, -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 misgivings, it is -best to give instructions that the swarm be brought -home after sunset, and then the foregoing directions -for inducing the bees to tenant the frame hive may be -better carried out. For ourselves, we much prefer the -evening for the purpose. 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 quickly.</p> - -<p>Mr. Langstroth, in his admirable book, "The Hive -and Honey Bee," writes:—"If they are too dilatory in -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">- 159 -</span> -entering the new hive, they may be gently separated -with a spoon or leafy twig where they gather in -bunches on the sheet, or they may be carefully 'spooned -up' and shaken out close to the front of the hive. -As these go in with fanning wings, they will raise a -peculiar note, which communicates to their companions -that they have found a home, and in a short time the -whole swarm will enter, without injury to a single bee." -In the <i>Journal of Horticulture</i>, Mr. Woodbury says:—"If -combs be fixed in the frames, the crown-board may -be removed and the cluster knocked out of the straw -hive on to the top of the exposed frames. The bees -will disappear between them with the utmost alacrity, -delighted to have met with a ready-furnished dwelling, -and the top, or crown-board, having been replaced, the -hive should at once be removed to the position it is intended -to permanently occupy."</p> - -<p>No one should attempt these operations without being -protected by a bee dress and a pair of india-rubber -gloves, which are sting-proof. Some persons also take -the precaution of tying strings round the ancles of the -trousers, lest some straggler should determine to attack -the outposts of the enemy, which, to say the least, might -perplex the operator in the midst of his task. Elastic -india-rubber bands are good for this purpose, or a pair -of "knickerbockers" would be useful. If Wellington -boots are worn, the trousers may be tucked within the -leather, in which case no bee can molest the operator, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">- 160 -</span> -and no string or band will be needed. Practice makes -perfect in bee-tending, as in other matters, and when a -light hand is gained, there is little danger of the apiarian -being stung.</p> - -<p>If the weather be wet the next day or so after hiving, -it will be well to give a little assistance to the new -colony in the shape of food, for although, when a swarm -leaves a hive, almost every bee composing it fills itself -with honey, we have known not a few instances, in case -of very wet weather, in which the whole swarm has -been starved for the want of this little timely help. Of -course, the first work of the bees is to build themselves -combs, and these combs being produced by the secretion -of wax from honey, a great drain upon their -resources immediately begins, 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 home.</p> - -<p>Clean combs from hives that may have lost their bees -are readily accepted, and cause a great saving in time -and; material to the bees; these combs may easily be -fixed by cutting them the proper size to fit within the -frames, and making them firm by tying with tape or -fixing them with pliable wire. In any case where the -combs are too small to fit within the frame, a temporary -bar may be fixed, and held firm by being sprung -within the two upright sides of a frame, and thus pushed -up until it presses the comb; then a piece of tape wound -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">- 161 -</span> -round, or a clip made of tin or zinc shaped to the top bar, -prevents its falling out. All these supports may be -removed<a id="FNanchor_15" href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> as soon as the bees have made the foundation -secure; the comb will then be added to. In this way, -every loose piece of comb may be economised.<a id="FNanchor_16" href="#Footnote_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_15" href="#FNanchor_15" class="label">[15]</a> They should be first dismembered from the comb by running -a penknife between.</p> - -<p><a id="Footnote_16" href="#FNanchor_16" class="label">[16]</a> Artificial comb may be advantageously used, especially if a -little time (say a couple of days) be allowed to elapse before it is -put into the hive; because, at first, so eager is a swarm to push -forward the work of comb-building, that the sheets are liable to -become mutilated. For guide-comb, cut the sheets in strips of -rather more than an inch in depth, and fix them as mentioned at -<a href="#Page_154">page 154</a>.</p> - -</div> - -<p>These preparations must be made prior to 'the bees -being hived, so that when a hive is so prepared, a -swarm may begin to adapt whatever advantages they -find ready for them; and it is truly marvellous what a -swarm will do when thus furnished with combs in their -new habitation. In these the queen can immediately -begin to deposit her eggs, and the workers to store -their honey, without having to wait for the construction -of combs, which is a laborious occupation for the bees.</p> - -<p>In some cases, fine white combs of honey may be -taken from the stock-hive; the end frames are always -the most free from brood. Care must be exercised not -to rob this part of the hive too much; one comb may, -perhaps, be removed in the course of the season without -impoverishing the bees, but it is not wise to take more.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">- 162 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="PUTTING_ON_SUPER">PUTTING ON SUPER HIVE.</h3> - -<p>A colony established a year or more is called a -"stock," by way of distinction from a swarm of the -present year. Supposing the hive to be a stock, -the super should be given them at the early part of -the season, say, if fine and warm, at the latter end of -April or beginning of May; if the weather be then -unfavourable, it is better to delay doing so until a more -genial temperature. If the colony be a swarm of the -present year, two weeks should be allowed to elapse from -the time of tenanting a hive, before putting on the super; -this delay is necessary to give the bees the opportunity of -building combs in their new domicile, and of getting a -store of honey for themselves before working for their -master.</p> - -<p>When it is wished to use a super, <i>the crown-board or -roof of the stock-hive must be taken away, the thin adapting -or honey-board taking its place</i>. The two long slits at the -sides are to give admission to the super. The bees will -begin sooner, and work faster, if the eight bars are -each furnished with artificial comb (as described at -<a href="#Page_152">page 152</a>). We have had depriving-hives very quickly -filled when the bees were thus assisted. Combs that -have been left unfilled may be fixed to the bars as before -described; these must be white and clean, as dark comb -should not be used for super hives. The combs, when -filled, may be taken out singly, if desired for consumption, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">- 163 -</span> -substituting an empty bar or comb; or, should the -bee-keeper desire to see a handsome super, he must -wait until the bees have filled and sealed up all the -combs, and then he may proceed to disconnect the -super by drawing a string or wire <i>between the adapting-board -and the stock-hive</i>. After waiting a short time for -the commotion to subside, the operator must raise the -super on its board and blow in a little smoke. The bees -may be induced to quit by adopting either of the means -described at pages <a href="#Page_58">58</a> and <a href="#Page_73">73</a>. When the super has -been removed, another may be put on; but if the -honey-gathering be over, the crown-board should be -replaced.</p> - - -<h3 id="TAKING_OUT_FRAMES">TAKING OUT FRAMES WITH COMBS.</h3> - -<p>It is well for a beginner to practise the directions for -opening and shutting up hives, by using an empty hive -until he becomes familiar with the handling of the frames.</p> - -<p>The first thing to do is, to loosen the crown-board, or -lid, with a knife, drawing a piece of string underneath -it, to divide the wax or cement with which the bees make -all secure. This string should be drawn through very -slowly, so as not to irritate the bees. In hot weather, -the crown-board may be loosened by a lateral movement; -but sometimes, for want of care, this loosening -of the lid disturbs the bees, and, as soon as it -is removed, a number of them, enraged thereby, rush -out and attack the operator. This and all other operations -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">- 164 -</span> -ought to be performed very carefully and gently. -Especial care should be taken not to prise the lid -upwards, by way of wrenching it off, for the frames -and combs are generally secured thereto, and there is -a liability of rending the combs with it; this will greatly -irritate the bees, and be otherwise injurious. When a -hive of bees is enraged, there is little chance of pacifying -them; it is best, under such circumstances, to "give -in," at once, and not attempt to perform any operation, -but to shut the hive up and beat a retreat, benefiting by -the experience, in order to do better a day or so afterwards. -There are various devices for intimidating or -conciliating the bees, and one of these already spoken of -is—smoke. So next time the experimenter makes his -attempt let him raise the lid an inch or so, and blow a -few puffs of smoke into the hive, which will cause the -bees to retreat This is best done by using our tube -fumigator, with a little of the prepared fungus lighted. -Pipes or cigars are not convenient to use for this purpose -when the head is enveloped in the dress. As soon as -the lid is removed, a few bees will fly out to learn the -cause of such an interference. Conciliation should then -be offered by having at hand a little, sweetened water, -which may be sprinkled, or rather let drop, from a -feather or a brush. The sudden motion of the hand -required in the act of sprinkling irritates the bees, so -that, instead of making them our friends, they may -become our foes. Mr. Langstroth recommends that a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">- 165 -</span> -fine watering-pot, filled with sweetened water, be used -for the purpose. Care must be taken not to drench the -bees; only just sufficient should be given to run down the -sides of the combs, as well as sprinkling the top. As -soon as the bees really understand that syrup is being -given them, they feast upon it, instead of angrily attacking -the operator. Thus pacified, and with gentle treatment, -but little difficulty will be found in proceeding with -the work required. But the unskilled operator should on -no account neglect to put on a bee-dress and gloves, as -described above. We would err on the side of caution, -although there is an old saying that "a cat in gloves -catches no mice;" and the apiarian will find that his -fingers are not so free to work as he would like, for -gloves, make them rather clumsy in drawing up the -frames.</p> - -<p>The frames must now be gently prised from front to -rear; this may be done with a small screw-driver or -other stout instrument with a wedged end to go into the -notches. The frames fit loosely so as to allow of a little -movement from back to front; a lateral or side-way -movement might kill the queen, or, if not so fatal as -that, might crush some of the bees and injure the brood -combs, which must be carefully avoided. Of course, much -depends upon the nature of the operation that has to be -performed, whether or no all the frames should be thus -loosened. If it be for making artificial swarms, or for any -purpose requiring an interview with her majesty, the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">- 166 -</span> -whole of them must be loosened, because it often happens -that all the combs have to be examined, sometimes twice -over, before she can be discovered. Bees are very apt -to build their combs in a slightly waving form, 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 comb, and there will be a difficulty if the -apiarian attempts to draw out one comb whilst the other -frames are located in their appropriate notches. Let the -operator gently proceed to lift, say, the third frame -(allowing it to lodge on the little block that divides the -notches) slightly nearer to the fourth frame, and the -second nearer the third, so as to admit of sufficient space -to lift out the end one. Very carefully and slowly he -should lift the frame by taking hold, with thumb and -finger, of the projecting shoulders that rest in the notch; -and he must not let it touch or scrape the next frame or -the sides of the hive, so as to crush or irritate any bees.</p> - -<p>After the end comb is thus removed, it will be easy to -extract the others, as there will now be plenty of room -for drawing them out. A hive of exactly the same size -should be at hand; and in case it be desired to remove -the combs and bees into another hive, care should be -taken that each comb occupies the same relative position -that it did in the old hive.</p> - -<p>In handling the frames, it should be borne in mind that -they are to be held perpendicularly. To gain a view -of both sides of the comb when searching for the queen, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">- 167 -</span> -or for any purpose requiring full inspection, with a little -dexterity in twirling the frame round, the reverse side may -be brought to face the operator, without letting the comb -break away by its own weight, and so fall out of the -frame, which it will do if allowed to deviate from its -upright or downright position. If the operator could -see an experienced person perform the operation, -he would quickly understand how combs may thus be -handled without any risk of a smash.</p> - -<p>When placing frames in the hive, care must be taken -not to crush a bee between the projecting shoulders -of the frame and the rabbets or notches on which they -rest, and on no account must the frame be let down with -a jerk, or the bees will become exceedingly fierce: 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 thereby. The crown-board -should be replaced by first resting its front edge in its -place, and then slowly lowering the after part, looking -carefully under, and momentarily raising it when necessary -to avoid crushing a bee. Should the hive have its -super on, the same directions may be followed. The -super with its honey-board may be bodily taken away, -and so placed and confined for a time that robber-bees -cannot find an entrance, and also be far enough from -the apiarian to be out of danger of being broken or -overturned by him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">- 168 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="ADVANTAGES">ADVANTAGES OF BAR AND FRAME HIVES.</h3> - -<p>It will be asked, Why all this trouble about bar and -frames with straight combs built upon them? We have -shown the full command which the bee-keeper has over a -hive so constituted, and we now proceed to show how, in -skilful hands, these advantages may be used successfully; -though; in the hands of the unpractised and unskilful, the -contrary may be the result.</p> - -<p>All the bars and frames in an apiary ought to be of -precisely the same dimensions, so as to fit every hive. -This is essential for the strengthening of weak hives. -A hive that is weakly may often be advantageously -strengthened by having put into it a comb of brood -from a populous stock, to which an empty frame from -the weak one may be given; 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 taken. The frames of combs should then be, one by -one, placed so as to fill' in the vacancy, leaving the empty -frame nearest the side. When a hive has been in use -many years, the combs become very black, and every bee -that is bred in a cell leaves a film behind. It may be -understood how in this way the cells become contracted, -and the bees that are bred in them correspondingly reduced -in size. After the lapse of at least, say, five years, -it may be necessary to begin removing the old combs. -This may be done by cutting away the comb, or by substituting; -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">- 169 -</span> -an empty frame for one with old black comb, -gradually moving the frames towards each other. By -taking two away in this manner in the spring or summer -of every season, the combs in course of five years may -all be reconstructed, and fresh clean ones be secured -for breeding in, instead of the old black ones that otherwise -would remain as long as the stock could live in the -hive.</p> - - -<h3 id="ART_SWARMING">ARTIFICIAL SWARMING.</h3> - -<p>Every bee-keeper knows the anxiety he feels in watching -and expecting a swarm to come forth, fearful lest -his favourites should, "like riches, take wing and fly -away,"—a mischance that it is desirable to prevent. In -our description of natural swarming, this will be found -fully treated of; we propose here merely to point out -how, with the movable frames, this work of Nature -may be assisted—we say assisted, because artificial -swarming should, as nearly as possible, resemble natural -swarming; that is, it should be performed at the same -time of the year, and when the populous state of the -hive makes a division desirable. This is easily known -to be the case when bees hang out in clusters at the -entrance, wasting their time in enforced idleness instead -of being abroad gathering honey. It is also necessary -that the hive contain drones.</p> - -<p>When such, is, the state of the hive, the facility of -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">- 170 -</span> -affording an artificial swarm with a movable frame-hive -is a decided advantage. The best time for performing -the operation is about ten o'clock in the morning -of a fine summer's day. The following directions -should be carried out:—Place ready a counter or bench -that is firm and strong, and which has space on it -for the inhabited—or, rather, the over-inhabited—frame-hive -and the empty one, which is about to be made the -receptacle of a separate stock. The operator, attired -in his bee-dress, and having the other appliances ready, -may now open the hive<a id="FNanchor_17" href="#Footnote_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> as before described, and proceed -to take out the frames, carefully examining both -sides of each comb to find the queen;<a id="FNanchor_18" href="#Footnote_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> she is generally -in the centre of the hive, so that it is not always needful -to take out all the ten frames. As they are examined, -the frames may be put into the empty hive, and when -the object of the bee-master's search is found, he must -carefully remove the frame containing her majesty, and -may place it temporarily in the empty hive, at one end -by itself. Next he must proceed to put the frames back -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">- 171 -</span> -into the old hive, closing up the vacancy caused by the -removal of the comb with the queen on it, and leave the -empty frame at the end. Then he may place the frame -containing the queen, with the few bees that maybe upon -it, in the centre of the empty hive; and, finally, putting -all the other frames in, and replacing the lid, the bee-master -will place this hive in the exact position occupied -by the old stock. The bees that are on the wing will go -to the old spot, and, finding the queen there, they will -rally round her, and very soon form a sufficient number -to constitute a swarm; comb-building will at once begin, -the frames will, in a week or so, be filled, and a satisfactory -stock will thus be established. By doing this, at -the right time, just before the bees are about to swarm, -or when there are many drones, all the trouble of -watching and waiting for them is saved. Mr. Woodbury -claims the honour of having originated this mode of -swarming.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_17" href="#FNanchor_17" class="label">[17]</a> Bees are apt to take the interference more kindly if the stock -be moved a little distance from its accustomed stand; in such case, -place an empty hive in its place, to amuse returning bees. These -can be shaken out when the hive it is desired they should inhabit -is restored. If the hive be kept in a closed bee-house, the entrance -should be shut down until the hive is replaced, when the -clustered bees may be at once admitted.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_18" href="#FNanchor_18" class="label">[18]</a> Italian queens are more easily detected, being of a brighter -colour and, generally, larger than English queens.</p> - -</div> - -<p>This operation we performed, exactly as described -above, with one of our improved cottage-hives, one afternoon -at the latter end of May, 1862. Whilst inspecting -our bees, we caught sight of the queen on the comb -in one of the bell-glasses. This was a chance not to be -missed, and we immediately resolved to form an artificial -swarm, for the hive was very full of bees. Besides, being -obliged to be away from the apiary most of the week, -we were glad of the opportunity of so easily establishing -a colony without the uncertainty and trouble of hiving a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">- 172 -</span> -natural swarm. In the first place, we slid a tin under -the bell-glass, and removing the stock-hive from underneath, -we took it a few feet away; then we placed an -empty improved cottage-hive where the old stock had -stood, 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 hive. The bees that were left abroad -belonging to the old stock returned as usual to their old -entrance as they supposed; soon a sufficient number -formed a large cluster in the hive and began comb-building, -the queen remaining in the glass until the -cells below were sufficiently numerous for her to deposit -her eggs in them. The division answered exceedingly -well; both hives prospered: the old hive either had some -princesses coming forward to supply the loss of the -queen, or the bees used a power that they possess of -raising a queen from worker-brood in the manner we -have previously described.<a id="FNanchor_19" href="#Footnote_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_19" href="#FNanchor_19" class="label">[19]</a> See Section I, <a href="#Page_9">page 9</a>.</p> - -</div> - -<p>The foregoing account illustrates the successful formation -of an artificial swarm; but, with a cottage-hive, -gaining possession of the queen is quite a matter of -chance. With a movable frame-hive she can at any -suitable time be found.</p> - -<p>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-hive, that is, to remove it some few paces -off: when the hives are in a bee-house, a similar result -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">- 173 -</span> -may be obtained, by placing the new swarm for a day -or two to the entrance used by the bees when with the -old stock, and the old stock may be removed to an -approximate entrance. Some apiarians recommend that -a space be left between the two hives, by placing the -hives on the right and left of the old entrance, in order -that too large a proportion of bees should not enter the -new hive at the old position, to the impoverishment of -the other. But we have found the mode adopted with -the cottage-hive answer so well, that we see no reason -for recommending any different plan.</p> - -<p>It is the office of the bee-master to assist, not in the -least degree to oppose, nature. We know that when a -natural swarm issues forth, it has its impregnated queen, -and, when located in a new abode, it commences building -worker-combs, leaving the building of the few drone-combs -to a later period; but if a division of the hive -should be made, by putting <i>half the combs</i> in one hive -and half in another, the hive that is either queenless or -contains an embryo queen will busy itself with building -only drone-comb; thus a number of receptacles for useless -bees is provided, which tends to weakness, and -eventually to loss of the hive.</p> - -<p>In the plan we have recommended for forming two -separate families, we nearly follow the natural state of -things; the comb that the queen is upon is the only -one that is taken from the hive, and this vacancy should -be filled in by moving the frames together, so as to leave -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">- 174 -</span> -the empty frame at the end. The bees, under the -government of the impregnated queen, construct the -combs and furnish their new above, as before stated, -with worker-cells.</p> - -<p>By adopting the plan above described, the movable -bar and frame-hive will prove far superior to any of the -dividing hives, which provide for equal division of the -combs.<a id="FNanchor_20" href="#Footnote_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_20" href="#FNanchor_20" class="label">[20]</a> At page 143 of Mr. Langstroth's "Honey Bee," other -methods of artificial swarming are described, the perusal of which -will well repay the scientific bee-keeper.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Perhaps the greatest advantage the movable frame-hive -possesses is, that a full knowledge can be attained -of its exact state as regards the queen, the population, -and the quantity of food in stock. During weather of -a genial temperature, the combs may on any fine day -be inspected, and thus, a knowledge being gained of the -deficiency existing in a hive, the necessary means may -be adopted for supplying the want. Sometimes such an -examination will verify the fears of the bee-keeper, -when, having observed that his bees have ceased to -carry in pollen, he has thereby received warning that -the queen has been lost at some juncture when no successor -to the throne could be provided. Such a hive -has entered on a downward course, and will dwindle -away entirely, unless a queen should be given to it, or -else some combs containing young brood not more -than three days old. By the latter method, the bee-keeper -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">- 175 -</span> -will gain an opportunity of seeing the bees set -about their wonderful process of raising a queen from -the brood thus provided for them.</p> - -<p>When a bee-keeper has become skilful in his calling, -he maybe desirous to encourage the breeding of queens, -or rather of preventing their destruction. 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 brood.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page175" style="width: 283px;"> - <img src="images/page175.png" width="283" height="326" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>An ingenious little contrivance has been brought into -use by continental bee-keepers, especially by Herr Kleine, -a German pastor, to prevent the destruction alluded to. -It consists of a small wire cage (in fact, a pipe cover), as -represented in the above engraving, placed over a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">- 176 -</span> -queen-cell to protect it from the mother-bee's animosity, -and it also serves to prevent the young queen, when -hatched, from escaping; for she will have the same -jealous feeling toward her sister-princesses, should -there be more in the hive. The bee-master may thus -carefully remove and appropriate her.</p> - -<p>Particular attention will have to be exercised to affix -the cage into the comb by pressure, as far as the middle -wall, but at no point must it touch the royal cell itself. -As the cage will probably project so as to touch the -adjoining comb, a little incision and removal of a portion -may be necessary, to allow space for it. It can, -however, be squeezed into any shape to suit the position -required.</p> - -<p>This covering need not be put over the cell until the -egg is a little more than a week old. The animosity of -the reigning queen does not generally manifest itself -until the royal brood approaches maturity.</p> - -<p>It is said that these cells are unmolested on the tenth -day, but that on the eleventh day they may be found -tenantless. Notwithstanding the apiarian's care and -skill, many disappointments are frequently experienced -in endeavouring to establishing fertile young queens at -the head of colonies.</p> - -<p>Hives found to be queenless may be supplied either -with matured queens or with queen-cells. If the latter -are sufficiently numerous, their introduction may easily -be effected by exchanging a comb in each hive; if they -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">- 177 -</span> -have to be cut out and place loosely in the new hive, a -triangular piece of comb should then be removed with -them, to be used as a block in preventing any pressure -coming on them. A space must be cut out of the middle -in the centre combs of the hive into which they are to -be introduced. Special care must be taken not to bruise -the royal embryos, as they are particularly sensitive to -pressure. It is sometimes best to introduce royal brood -into queenless hives in preference to matured <i>unimpregnated</i> -queens, because, as mentioned at <a href="#Page_8">page 8</a>, bees -are reluctant to receive virgin queens, whilst they will -tolerate one hatched in the hive, who will speedily -depart to seek a drone. Bee-masters mostly use small -hives for queen-rearing, consisting of, say, four combs. -By extracting from a populous hive four such frames of -combs (with the bees on them), and having eggs in the -first stage (see <a href="#Page_9">page 9</a>), or better still a royal embryo, -the bees will rear a queen or queens therefrom. Care -will have to be exercised to ensure that there is a sufficient -number of bees to mature the brood brought from -the hive.<a id="FNanchor_21" href="#Footnote_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_21" href="#FNanchor_21" class="label">[21]</a> These weak little colonies should have small entrances, so as -to be better able to defend themselves from the attacks of robber-bees, -and they will require to be assisted and strengthened by -feeding.</p> - -</div> - -<p>A colony of this character is technically called a -"nucleus."</p> - -<p>Such operations as queen-rearing should only be -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">- 178 -</span> -attempted in warm summer weather, and when drones -are abundant.</p> - -<p>A very great advantage that the Woodbury bar -and frame hive affords, is the safety and convenience -with which a stock of bees can in it be transported to -any part of the kingdom: by a few additional arrangements, -stocks have even been sent in it to distant countries. -In many districts hives are removed to moors, -and heaths in autumn, for the purpose of gathering -heather honey. In this operation, the frames are a -great support to the combs, very much lessening the -risk of a break down and consequent loss.</p> - -<p>From a hive that has been inhabited all the winter, we -have not unfrequently lifted out the frames and removed -the stock to a clean hive; and we believe that the change -has always been useful The bees find a clean floor-board -and a clean hive to breed in, free from insects -that may have harboured in crevices about their former -abode. When the change has been made, the old hive -can be thoroughly cleaned and used in the same way -for making the exchange with another stock. The process -for handling will, of course, be the same as before -described. We have found that, where this plan has -been carried out, the bees seem to progress faster. -Perhaps a little stirring up may be useful in arousing -them from their winter doze. The time we recommend -for doing this is in the beginning of April, but a fine -warm day should be chosen.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">- 179 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="DRIVING">DRIVING.</h3> - -<p>Driving is an operation by which bees are induced to -vacate an old settled hive and to enter an empty one. -Many apiarians prefer this mode of effecting an exchange -of hives to the plan of fumigating the bees.</p> - -<p>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-board; and it may be remarked, -that bees are generally so far provident, that they leave -an open space in which to pass underneath their combs -over all the floor of the hive. When the old hive is -inverted, the bees crawl up the combs, and thus more -easily pass up into the new hive, which the operator -places over the old one, with the intent that they should -enter it.</p> - -<p>The best time for performing this operation is about -the middle of the day, and when the weather is warm. -It is essential that the operator be protected with a bee-dress -and gloves, as before described; and previous to -commencing his task, he must provide all necessary -implements. These are:—a couple of hives, one of -which should correspond in shape and size with the hive -from which the bees are to be driven; a cloth to tie -round at the junction when the new hive is placed on the -old one; some string to keep the cloth in its place; an -empty pail to receive the top of the old hive, if one of -the old conical shape, but if the stock of bees is in a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">- 180 -</span> -square box-hive with a flat top, a firm stool will be the -best; and a tube fumigator with some fungus, which -will complete the material of war. The bucket or stool -must be placed securely on the ground, about a yard -from the place where the full hive stands; then a few -puffs of smoke, blown in amongst the bees, will cause -them to retreat up amongst the combs. The bee-master -must now turn the hive<a id="FNanchor_22" href="#Footnote_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> upside down very gently; -letting it rest in the pail or on the stool; he then quickly -places the empty hive over the full one, and ties the -cloth round it, to prevent any escape of the bees. If the -cloth be damped, it will cling the closer to the hives. -The third hive is intended to be placed on the stand -formerly occupied by the stock, so as to retain the few -returning bees which had been absent in the fields. -Care must be taken that all crevices through which it is -possible for the bees to escape from the united hives -should be effectually closed. When the two are fairly -united, the operator will proceed by rapping the full -hive gently with the hands or a couple of sticks, more -particularly on that side where the combs are the most -thickly placed—that is, if the hive be not equally filled. -A stock is in the best condition for driving twenty-one -days, or thereabouts, after a first swarm has issued; the -brood will then have hatched out, the bees will quit -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">- 181 -</span> -more readily, and there will be no loss of larvæ in the -cells.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_22" href="#FNanchor_22" class="label">[22]</a> Care should be exercised in turning the hives over to keep -the combs vertical, or they are likely to break from their foundations.</p> - -</div> - -<p>It generally happens that, in about fifteen minutes, the -bees regularly commence the ascent; their exodus will -be known by the distinct rushing sound which is always -noticed when a colony of bees is on the move. The first -thing bees do when disturbed is to fill their honey-bags, -as they invariably do at swarming time; consequently, -after the first rush into the new hive is over, as in the -case of a swarm, the "flitting" bees are not much -disposed to take wing. When the noise made by the -ascending bees has been heard, and has in a great -degree subsided, the cloth may be removed, and the old -hive, now deserted, may be taken indoors; and if a few -bees yet remain, they may be brushed off with a feather. -An experienced apiarian, on first hearing the rushing -noise before mentioned, will not hesitate to tilt the top -hive over a little on one side, so that he may watch the -bees during the ascent; the queen may be seen passing -up, and if the operator desires to take her away, he can -secure her by placing a wine-glass over her. This expedient -is often resorted to in the autumn, when stocks -are to be united, for in such a case the removal of the -queen prevents some fighting.</p> - -<p>If the taking of the honey be the object of the bee-master, -then "driving" is manifestly a better plan than -resorting to the fumes of sulphur for the purpose; for -the bees from whom the store is taken can be joined to -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">- 182 -</span> -stocks that are weak in numbers, with considerable advantage -to the future prosperity of the apiary.</p> - -<p>When the removed bees are to be joined to another -stock, the operator will proceed as follows:—At dusk, -dislodge the bees on to a cloth, sprinkle them with sweet -syrup, and place the hive to which it is intended to join -them over the mass; they will gradually ascend into -the hive placed for them, and early next morning the -hive, with its slender stock thus augmented, may be -removed to its stand. Should the operator not have been -successful, or not sufficiently skilful to gain possession of -the queen, he may leave it to the bees themselves to -decide which queen they will have.</p> - -<p>By this plan of "driving," artificial swarms may be -secured by an "expert" even in common hives, though -those do not afford the facilities for such a purpose as do -the bar or bar-and-frame hives.</p> - - -<h3 id="CHANGING">CHANGING OLD STOCKS TO NEW HIVES.</h3> - -<p>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 hives, in which the honey may be obtained -without the destruction of the bees. We mostly discourage -such a transfer, attended as it is with much -labour, and requiring a considerable amount of apiarian -skill. An old-fashioned hive may very readily be rendered -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">- 183 -</span> -a humane one, simply by cutting out with a sharp-pointed -knife the middle of the top of the hive; a piece may -thus easily be taken out, so as to leave a round hole two -or three inches in diameter, but care must be taken that -the knife does not penetrate much below the straw, lest it -reach the comb or the bees—and it will be safer for the -operator to have a bee-dress on. There should be ready -a round adapting-board, with a corresponding hole, -which may be secured on the top by putting four long -nails through the same number of holes in the board; -then a cap-hive or a glass may be placed on the top, for -the purpose of admitting the bees, who will soon crowd -therein to work.</p> - -<p>This hive or glass will form a super or depriving-hive, -and can be worked as profitably as most of the improved -hives. For the sake of an improved appearance, an -outside case, either of zinc, straw, or wood, may be -dropped over all, and then, if well painted, the whole -will form no disfigurement to any flower-garden.</p> - -<p>This is, beyond doubt, the easiest way of overcoming -the difficulty, but as it may not satisfy all, we now proceed -to describe how a complete transfer may be made. No -hive offers such facilities for the correct placing of the -combs in a perfectly upright position as does the bar-and-frame -hive. As before remarked, 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 habits; but by carefully -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">- 184 -</span> -carrying out the following directions any one -may successfully perform the feat. The first thing -is to get the bees away from the combs: there are -two ways of doing this,—one is by fumigation (see <a href="#Page_145">page -145</a>), the other by driving (see <a href="#Page_179">page 179</a>). Whichever -plan may be resorted to, have the bees confined in -the old hive on their stand until you are quite ready to -admit them into the bar-and-frame hive. Have in -readiness all the necessary appliances. These consist -of a large knife for cutting the hive, a good-sized table -on which to lay the brood-combs, a basin of water—for -washing off honey which may besmear the hands,—tape -or cotton string to fasten the combs in their frames, a -pair of honey-cutters for cutting out the combs, jars to -hold the honey that runs out, and a feather for brushing -off any bees that may remain. It is necessary that the -operator should have on his bee-dress and india-rubber -gloves. Then begin by slicing off a piece of the hive -with a sharp table-knife; carefully cut out the working -combs—cut them large, so that they will squeeze into -the frames; and, to be more secure, wind some of the -tape round to keep them in position until made fast by -the bees. After a few days, these fastenings may be -removed. Care should be taken that the combs occupy, -the same position in the frames as in the hive from -which they were extracted. Having thus prepared the -hive, the bees may be let into it, in the manner Mr. -Woodbury recommends for a swarm (see <a href="#Page_159">page 159</a>). -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">- 185 -</span> -It may be as well to keep them confined a few hours, -giving them water at the top, until they make the -combs secure; the new hive will then be less likely to -offer an attraction to bees from other hives, who, if feloniously -inclined, might come to rob. This transfer -should be made when the weather is such that the bees -can fly about: when not warm enough, it should be done -in a room at a temperature of about 70 degrees. An expert -apiarian could perform the operation in less than -three quarters of an hour, and with little loss. A week or -so after a swarm has left the old stock is perhaps the -very best time for such a removal. Should the operation -be performed in the open air, the bees from surrounding -hives will be sure to come in great numbers to obtain a -share of the honey necessarily exposed, for they delight -in plunder. In order, therefore, to avoid annoyance to -the operator, and the excitement which is certain to be -induced in surrounding hives, it is better to conduct the -dissection in some building with closed doors. In some -instances a routing of this kind has a beneficial effect; -old stocks of hives that have previously appeared to be -dwindling are often aroused to activity by their removal -into a fresh domicile.</p> - - -<h3 id="WEIGHING_HIVES">WEIGHING HIVES, &c.</h3> - -<p>One of the most effectual modes of ascertaining the -condition of a hive is by weighing it. Such knowledge -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">- 186 -</span> -is most important at the close of the gathering season, -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 winter. A knowledge of the -numerical strength of the colony is also useful, in -enabling the bee-keeper to decide which hives will -be benefited by being joined together, on the plan -explained in the articles -on "<a href="#BOX_FUMIGATOR">Fumigation</a>" and -"<a href="#DRIVING">Driving</a>."</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page186" style="width: 242px;"> - <img src="images/page186.png" width="242" height="462" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p>A hive can very easily -be weighed, if a Salter's -Spring Balance be suspended -near the apiary. -The hive, having a strap -or cord passed under and -over it, crossing at right -angles on the top, may be -hooked on to the balance, -so that the weight will be -indicated on the dial.</p> - -<p>The annexed engraving -represents a tripod stand, -with a weighing-machine -of the above-named construction, -to which a hive -with a super is attached. -Such an arrangement will be found convenient for -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">- 187 -</span> -those bee-keepers who may not possess suitable sheds in -their gardens, where a hive could be thus suspended -from a beam.</p> - -<p>This contrivance is both portable and simple, and -can be used from time to time; or, if the apiarian -desires to have the hive constantly suspended, a water-proof -covering might easily be made to drop over, and -adapted so as to admit of being raised occasionally for -ascertaining the weight shown on the dial.</p> - -<p>To prevent the hive being swayed to and fro by the -wind, three cords (gear ropes) might be attached therefrom -to the three legs of the stand. The height of such -a stand need not exceed four feet.</p> - -<p>Much interest might be derived by watching the daily -or hourly increasing store brought into a hive during -the gathering season.</p> - -<p>Mr. George Fox, of Kingsbridge, and Mr. S. Bevan -Fox, of Exeter, have for some years each kept one -stock attached to a "Salter's Circular Spring Balance," -suspended from a beam under a shed, and, from experience, -find that from a hive so balanced a criterion may -be formed of what other hives in the apiary are doing -through the day.</p> - -<p>Many ingenious contrivances will, no doubt, suggest -themselves to the apiarian for suspending hives in this -manner. For instance, instead of the cord being tied -round the hive, three or four strong irons, with a screw -at one end and a ring at the other (known by iron -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">- 188 -</span> -mongers as "eyes"), could be screwed into the floor-boards, -to which the attachments might be made fast. It -will scarcely be necessary to hint that great care is -necessary that full provision should be made securely to -support the increasing weight; a fall would be most -ruinous, and terribly enrage the bees.</p> - -<p>The weight of the hive should be marked on it when -empty, so that the exact amount of its contents may at -any time be ascertained. A colony of bees at Michaelmas -ought to weigh from 20 to 24 lbs., that is, exclusive -of the hive; if falling short of that weight, the hive -should be made up to it by the artificial means before -recommended.</p> - -<p>Experienced apiarians are able to judge of the weight -of a hive by lifting it a few inches from the stand; or -by looking in at the windows of a stock-hive, a conclusive -opinion may be formed as to the state of the colony. -If the combs within view be well filled and sealed, it will -be safe to consider that the hive contains sufficient stores -to carry the bees through the winter.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page188" style="width: 253px;"> - <img src="images/page188.png" width="253" height="71" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">- 189 -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 417px;"> - <img src="images/page3.png" width="417" height="90" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="VI_MISCELLANEOUS_INFORMATION">VI. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.</h2> -</div> - - -<h3>STINGS: THEIR PREVENTION AND CURE.</h3> - -<div class="textleft" style="width: 49px;"> - <img src="images/letter_s.png" width="49" height="52" alt="S" /> -</div> - -<p class="p0">OME of our readers may deem us neglectful in -having, as it were, left them to struggle through -their bee-keeping novitiate without informing them how -to avoid being stung by their docile but well-armed -flock. Of course, having described the bee-dress, we -have supposed that the apiarian was clad, if not "in -complete steel," at least in the head-gear and gloves, -which will render him invulnerable. The best safeguard -from the anger of bees—as, indeed, from the malice of -men—is a quiet and peaceable spirit. The apiarian will -learn to handle his bees not only as "if he loved them,"—as -the quaint angler says—but as if he fully believes -that the bees love <i>him</i>. This they will do whenever he -approaches and treats them gently. There are some -cases of exception to this generally peaceable disposition -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">- 190 -</span> -of the bee; perchance a few bees are dyspeptic, and -refuse to be pacified, let their master seek to bribe -them never so wisely. Then, too, sometimes the bee-master -himself may be dyspeptic, which the unerring -olfactory sense of the bees speedily detects, and their -anger is immediately aroused. Some few persons, owing -to constitutional peculiarities in their breath or insensible -perspiration, are objects of constant animosity with bees, -who, by driving them from the apiary, are giving a -physician's advice without charge for a fee. Some of -the choicest perfumes used by ladies are offensive to -bees; and one may feel very certain that the "fine puss -gentleman," who disgusted the brave Hotspur with his -"pouncet-box" and praise of "'parmaceti for an inward -bruise," would have been speedily driven from an -apiary in ignominious flight. Occasionally, even a -skilful apiarian may inadvertently crush a single bee; -such a mischance is detected by the community with -much more facility than by any "crowner's quest," and -their prompt verdict decrees the summary punishment -of the offender. There would be much less fear of stings -if it were always remembered that bees are never -aggressive. "Defence, not defiance," is their motto. -They scarcely ever attempt to sting when away from -the hive, and very seldom indeed at the time of swarming, -for then they are gorged with honey. When -molested by angry bees, do not attempt to beat them off; -the safest and best retreat is a green bush. Thrust your -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">- 191 -</span> -head into this, or if no such refuge be near, in an -emergency, throw yourself on the ground, and, with face -downwards, the bees will soon leave you.</p> - -<p>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 painful, and -how the wound inflicted by the bee may be cured. Those -familiar with the usual microscopic objects will know -how marvellously delicate, and yet effective, is the mechanical -structure of a bee's sting. (See <a href="#Page_46">page 46</a>.) -This weapon, as we see it with our naked eye—finer -than a needle's point—is only the sheath, which lengthens -or contracts like the tubes of a telescope. The dart, as -before said, is barbed on each side, so that the bee, when -<i>very</i> angry, is scarcely ever able to withdraw it, but</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"Deems life itself to vengeance well resigned;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Dies on the wound, and leaves the sting behind."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="p0">There are, indeed, some happy mortals whose "blood -such an even tenour keeps," that a bee-sting is to them -simply a puncture, and nothing more. Dr. Bevan has -suggested that lovers should subject themselves to the -ordeal of a bee-sting, in order to prove, we suppose, -that their temper is proof against "the stings and -arrows of any outrageous fortune" that matrimony can -bring.</p> - -<p>It is the homoeopathically minute tincture of poison -injected by the bee which causes inflammation. The -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">- 192 -</span> -first thing to do is, to remove the sting, which, even when -detached from the bee, will continue to penetrate still -further into the wound. Next, press the hollow point -of a watch-key exactly over the place stung; this will -express a considerable portion of the virus. Then dip -the hand, or bathe the part with cold or tepid water, for -the poison is volatile, and will thereby be dissipated to -a great extent. On no account whatever should the -part affected be rubbed; to do that will diffuse the poison -and increase the inflammation. The specific remedy for -a bee-sting is taught us by chemistry: the venom is an -acid which an alkali will immediately neutralize when -brought into contact with it. Spirits of hartshorn will -generally be found effectual for the purpose, and should -always be kept in an apiary. There are also several -other remedies more or less effectual, according to the -special constitution of the patient. A strong infusion of -tobacco-water applied to the wound after the sting has -been extracted is a specific for many persons; others -find relief from the application of a sliced onion.</p> - -<p>We have heard the remark from several who have -kept bees for years, that the poison from a sting has little -or no effect on them; after receiving many inflictions, -their flesh appears to become so little affected, that the -swelling and pain at one time experienced no longer -trouble them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">- 193 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="POLLEN">POLLEN, OR FOOD FOR INFANT-BEES.</h3> - -<p>Bees, when fully grown, feed almost wholly on honey; -but the larvae require for their development a more substantial -kind of nourishment. Such solid fare is found -by the bees in the <i>pollen</i> of flowers, a farina which contains -some of those nitrogenous elements in which honey -is deficient. The body of a worker-bee is covered with -hairs, to which the pollen adheres when, by contact with -the bee, it is rubbed from the anthers and stamens -of flowers (see <a href="#Page_41">page 41</a>). Dewy mornings or humid -bowers suit the bees for the gathering of the pollen. If the -atmosphere be too dry for kneading it into pellets, they -roll themselves in the blossoms and trust to the good offices -of the bees at home, who, on their return, brush off the -farina into the cells intended for it. A portion of this -"bee-bread" is taken at once by the "nursing bees," -who are supposed to subject it to some change before -offering it to the larvæ; but the greater part of the -pollen is stored away and sealed over in the cells for -future use. In April and May, the bees are frequently -busy "all the day" in gathering pollen, and often one -community of bees will collect about twenty pounds -weight of "bee-bread" in one season.</p> - -<p>One of the objects of the apiarian is to assist the bees -in providing for the nurslings of the hive. A German -pastor, Herr Dzierzon, first suggested the plan of providing -the bees with "unbolted rye meal," as a substitute -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">- 194 -</span> -for the farina of flowers. He had observed that, in -early spring, before the flowers were open, his bees had -entered a neighbouring corn mill, from whence they -returned laden with rye flour. Since his discovery, -some keepers, in early spring, place either rye or wheat -meal near the apiaries; to this artificial store the bees -repair by thousands, and seem to rollick in the enjoyment -of such plenty, many of them returning to the hive -as dusty as millers. The object in thus supplying them -is, that the brood may be rapidly brought forward, and -early swarming induced. In this way, a few pounds of -rye meal, at one penny per pound, may tend to the -production of very many pounds of honey of twelve times -the price.</p> - -<p>In gathering pollen from flowers, bees are doing more -than merely providing for their own community. Whilst -humming through our gardens they are assisting to -propagate our flowers, and their merry buzz in our -orchards indicates that the blossoms of spring will in -autumn fulfil their promise by abundance of fruit. In -Mr. Darwin's remarkable work, "The Fertilization -of Orchids," the mystery of the fructification of flowers -is scientifically explained; but before the subject was so -fully understood, it was quite believed that bees, in -passing from flower to flower, performed some important -service. Owners of fruit-trees have noticed, in a season -generally unfavourable for the orchard, that if during -only one fine forenoon the bees had spread freely -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">- 195 -</span> -amongst the blossoms of a particular tree, it would -prove more fruitful than its fellows. On this account, -the orchard is a good place for an apiary, for it seems -that, more abundant the honey, more plentiful will be -the fruit. Bees bear the fructifying matter from one <i>sex</i> -of flowers to the other, but they confine their attention -to one <i>kind</i> of flower during each excursion; 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 -brown, according to the kind of flowers from which it -has been gathered. The gathering of pollen, its use by -the nursing bees, and the storing of it in the cells, afford -to the bee-keeper opportunity for observations of exceeding -interest.</p> - - -<h3 id="PROPOLIS">PROPOLIS, OR BEES' CEMENT.</h3> - -<p>The old notion that wax is gathered by bees from -flowers, as they gather honey, has long since been set -aside by the discoveries of Hornbostel and Huber. Wax -is an oily substance, as described at <a href="#Page_45">page 45</a>; but -there is "a resinous substance, very tenacious and semi-transparent," -which is indispensable for the bees as a -cement wherewith to fix their combs and fortify their -hives against intruders, and this is "propolis." The -bees, in working the propolis, often soften it by blending -it with a portion of wax; but they have to extract it in -its natural state directly from the bark and buds of certain -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">- 196 -</span> -trees. The bark of the willow, the leaf-buds of the -poplar and alder, and the unopened blossoms of the -hollyhock are very usual sources of propolis. In the -case of a new swarm, as bees must have this glue before -they can begin to build their combs, they will resort to -most unlikely places to obtain it. Sometimes they will -enter a paint shop and attack the varnish, and it is -said they have been seen to obtain propolis from the -pitch and rigging of a ship. These circumstances -afford intelligible hints to the apiarian, who, if his bees -have not easy access to firs, poplars, or willows, will -provide some glutinous or resinous matter which may -serve for a substitute. The extraction of propolis costs -the bees very considerable labour, which they should be -relieved of as much as possible, in order to facilitate -their great work of honey gathering. Bees choose the -warmer part of the day during which to gather propolis, -as then it does not so rapidly stiffen, frequently, -when they arrive at the hive, it has become so hard that -the other bees are scarcely able to gnaw it from their -thighs.</p> - -<p>With propolis bees fasten down their hives, stop up -crevices to exclude moths and ants, and sometimes use -it to narrow the entrance of their hives against the invasion -of wasps. Extraordinary anecdotes are told of the -prompt and ingenious use they make of this substance. -Reaumur relates, that a snail having been observed by -the bees oh the window of the hive, they proceeded to -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">- 197 -</span> -glue the shell to the glass, and there sealed down the -intruder in hopeless durance. In another case, that of -a slug, or snail without a shell, the bees, having slain it -with their stings, were quite unable to remove it from -the hive. With wonderful foresight, they then proceeded -to secure their community from the noxious effects likely -to arise from the decay of the carcase; and this they did -by completely enveloping it with a coating of impervious -varnish. Huish relates a similar occurrence in -the case of a mouse caught in a hive by bees. Propolis -yields benzoic acid, and contains some aromatic properties.</p> - - -<h3 id="PASTURAGE">PASTURAGE FOR BEES.</h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"Bees work for man; and yet they never bruise</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Their master's flower, but leave it, having done.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">As fair as ever, and as fit for use."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Apiarians generally agree in the opinion that very -little can be done in the way of providing any special -forage for bees. Yet bee-fanciers are always interested -in observing which are the flowers that the bees prefer; -and there are certain well-established conclusions as to -the kind of district and seasons which are the likeliest -to produce a good honey-harvest. There is an old saying, -that a country which produces the finest wool also -yields the best honey; and a pastoral district is decidedly -better than one under tillage. The principle of the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">- 198 -</span> -matter is, that the bees are best suited with a long dry-season—an -early spring, a hot summer, and a late autumn. -As not one of these blessings can be commanded by -the apiarian, his art must be applied to provide some -mitigation of the injury suffered by the bees when the -season is short or wet. For early spring, the crocus, the -blue hepatica, and the violet all afford good supplies of -pollen and honey, and, if cultivated near the apiary, will -be of great service when the wild flowers are backward. -All varieties of the willow and poplar furnish early supplies, -of honey, as well as of the propolis of which we -have spoken; the blossoms of the gooseberry and currant -are very useful for the bees in May. Wet, when it enters -flowers of any kind, prevents the tongue of the bee from -reaching the secret source of honey. On this account, -it is well to know, as does the bee, that the drooping -blossoms of the raspberry escape the effect of the showers, -and honey is gathered from them when other flowers are -drenched within as well as without. For a similar reason, -borage (<i>Borago officinalis</i>) is valuable for bees; and also -because that plant continues to flower until the frosts set -in. The honey both from raspberry blossoms and -borage is very superior. Mr. Langstroth says, that "the -precipitous and rocky lands of New England, which -abound with the wild red raspberry, might be made -almost as valuable as some of the vine-clad terraces of -the mountain districts of Europe." The "golden rod" -and also asters afford superior honey for autumn gathering. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">- 199 -</span> -Dzierzon strongly recommends buck-wheat being -sown in the winter stubbles on behalf of the bees, and -he tries hard to persuade farmers that it is to their interest -to cultivate it. It should be named that all the ordinary -fruit blossoms, especially those of the apple, supply -abundant store for bees.</p> - -<p>It is, however, to wild or field flowers that the bee-master -must chiefly look for the raw material on which his -myriad artisans shall exert their skill. The white clover of -the pasture<a id="FNanchor_23" href="#Footnote_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a>—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 them. Lime-trees, when -in blossom, and mignonette are also' most valuable -resources. There are also two or three peculiar sources -of honey which one would not have suspected, as, for -instance, the blossoms of the onion plant, of turnips, -and, in still greater degree, the flower of the mustard -plant.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_23" href="#FNanchor_23" class="label">[23]</a> It is a good practice to induce the owners of adjacent fields -to sow clover-seed.</p> - -</div> - -<p>In those districts of England where mustard seed is -cultivated so extensively, it would be well worth while -for the farmers to keep large colonies of bees. Another, -but a very uncertain, source of honey is the "honeydew," -which, in some seasons, appears in large quantities -on the leaves of the oak, the lime, and some other -trees.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">- 200 -</span></p> - -<p>It is important to mention that bees, in the principal -breeding season, require a plentiful supply of water. -Owing either to their carelessness or eagerness, they are -frequently drowned when drinking from any large quantity -of water; the bee-keeper should, therefore, place -near the hives shallow vessels of water containing pebbles, -on which the bees may alight to take frequent but -temperate draughts.</p> - - -<h3 id="LIGURIAN">THE LIGURIAN OR ITALIAN ALP BEE.</h3> - -<p>A new, or rather a re-discovered, variety of bee has -recently been brought into practical use amongst apiarians -in Germany and America, as well as in this -country. The ordinary bee is the <i>Apis mellifica</i> of naturalists; -the new kind is the <i>Apis ligustica</i>. It was also named -"the Ligurian Bee" by the Marquis de Spinola, who -found it in Piedmont in 1805; and he considered it to be -the principal species known to the Greeks, who speak of -the "best kind" of bee as being of a red colour. Leading -apiarians agree in pronouncing these bees to be -justly entitled to the high character given them. (See -coloured engraving, <a href="#Plate_I">Plate I., figs, 1, 2, 3.</a>) Their special -advantages are—greater fecundity of the queens, less -irascibility, and a more handsome appearance, for, -being of a golden colour, they are prettier than our -black bees.</p> - -<p>Tennyson most probably refers to these Ligurian -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">- 201 -</span> -bees in the following stanza of his beautiful poem -"Eleanore":—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"Or the <i>yellow banded bees</i>,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Through half-open lattices,</div> - <div class="verse indent5">Coming in the scented breeze,</div> - <div class="verse indent5">Fed thee, a child, lying alone,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">With whitest honey in fairy gardens culled:</div> - <div class="verse indent1">A glorious child, dreaming alone</div> - <div class="verse indent1">In silk soft folds, upon yielding down,</div> - <div class="verse indent5">With the hum of swarming bees</div> - <div class="verse indent5">Into dreamful slumbers lulled."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Our own experience with the Italian Alp bee enables -us to corroborate the statements which have been made -in favour of this new variety. We find the queens more -prolific than those of the common kind, and the quantity -of honey produced is greater. These two facts stand -as cause and effect: the bees being multiplied more -quickly, the store of honey is accumulated more rapidly, -and the Italian bees consume, if anything, less food than -the common, kind. When of pure Italian blood, these -bees are, by some apiarians, thought to be hardier than -our own. That they forage for stores with greater -eagerness, and have little hesitation in paying visits to -other hives, we can testify from our own observation. -The following anecdote will illustrate their intrusive -propensities:—Another bee-keeper living in the neighbourhood -of our apiary, when inspecting our hives, observed -the yellow bees: he exclaimed, "Now, I have -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">- 202 -</span> -found out where those strange-looking bees come from; -for," said he, "these yellow-jackets are incessant visitors -to my hives. I thought they were a species of wasp that -had come to rob, and until now I have been unable to -account for their appearance at the entrance of my hive, -so that I have killed them by hundreds." This was not -at all pleasing intelligence for us, and we trust that our -neighbour has been more lenient to "the yellow-jackets" -since his visit, for such summary capital punishment -was wholly unmerited, because, when a bee is peaceably -received (see <a href="#Page_127">page 127</a>), it becomes naturalized, -and works side by side with the others in its fresh abode. -We are inclined to believe that more visiting takes place -amongst bees of different hives than bee-keepers have -been accustomed to suppose: where the Italian and -black bees are kept near each other, the foreigners -being conspicuous by their lighter colour, there is less -difficulty in identifying them when at the entrance of -other hives.</p> - -<p>In the season of 1864, we had more honey from a -Ligurian stock than from any one of our colonies of -black bees. From this Ligurian hive we have taken -a glass super containing 40 lbs. nett of honey, besides -having drawn from it an artificial swarm; and, after all, -it remains the strongest hive in our apiary.</p> - -<p>The Baron Von Berlepsch and Pastor Dzierzon, who -are probably the two most intelligent and skilful bee-keepers -of Germany, award to the Italian a very decided -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">- 203 -</span> -preference over the common bees. The Baron says that -he has found:—"1. That the Italian bees are less sensitive -to cold than the common kind. 2. That their queens -are more prolific. 3. That the colonies swarm earlier -and more frequently. 4. That they are less apt to sting, -5. They are more industrious. 6. That they are -more disposed to rob than common bees, and more -courageous and active in self-defence. They strive, -whenever opportunity offers, to force their way into -colonies of common bees; but when strange bees attack -their hives, they fight with great fierceness and with -incredible adroitness."</p> - -<p>It is said that the Italian bee can extract honey from -some flowers which the common bee is unable to penetrate. -For instance, the blossom tubes of the red clover -being too deep for the probosces of the common bees, -that flower is useless to them, although so plentiful; but, -says Mr. Langstroth, the American apiarian, the Italian -bee visits the red clover assiduously, and draws large -quantities of honey from it.<a id="FNanchor_24" href="#Footnote_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_24" href="#FNanchor_24" class="label">[24]</a> This opinion is not held by the closest observer of Italian -bees in England.</p> - -</div> - -<p>The introduction of this new variety of bee into England -was through our agency. M. Hermann, a bee-cultivator -at Tamins-by-Chur, Canton Grison, Switzerland, -wrote to us on the 5th July, 1859, offering to supply -us with Italian Alp queen-bees. This letter, or an extract -from it, appeared in the current number of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">- 204 -</span> -<i>Journal of Horticulture</i> (then called the <i>Cottage Gardener</i>), -a periodical that regularly opens its columns to apiarian -subjects. Prior to this the Italian Alp, or, as it has been -named, the "Ligurian" bee, was <span class="smcap">unknown in this -country</span>, except to a few naturalists. The letter referred -to attracted the attention of that intelligent apiarian, -T. W. Woodbury, Esq., now so well known as the -"Devonshire Bee-Keeper." On the 19th of July, that -is, a fortnight after M. Hermann's offer, we received a -consignment of Italian Alp bees,—the first imported -into England. With these Mr. Woodbury also received -one queen-bee and a few workers, which he introduced -into a hive of English bees from which the queen had -been taken. His efforts were very successful, and "the -spring of 1860 found him in possession of four Ligurianized -stocks." His subsequent experience with the Italian -Alp bee he has fully described in a communication to -the <i>Bath and West of England Agricultural Journal</i>.</p> - -<p>Subsequently, M. Hermann sent us a copy of his -pamphlet, entitled "The Italian Alp Bee; or, the Gold-Mine -of Husbandry," with the request that we should -have it translated from the German, and that copies of it -should be printed in the English language. The -pamphlet was speedily published by us, and although -singular as a literary production, it may be useful for the -advanced apiarian.</p> - -<p>Certainly the bees are partially of an orange or -golden colour, and if one could believe the golden anticipations -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">- 205 -</span> -indulged in by M. Hermann respecting them, -it would be sufficient to identify the Italian Alp bee as the -species described by Hood in "Miss Kilmansegg";—those -which dwelt in</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"A golden hive, on a golden bank,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Where golden bees, by alchemical prank,</div> - <div class="verse indent3">Gather gold instead of honey."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>If we are correctly informed, poor Hermann himself -has not yet greatly profited by the discovery of the mine. -He appears to have quitted Switzerland, and travelled -to America, as, by the latest accounts, we learn that he -is now in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, prosecuting -his favourite calling with his accustomed ardour, -among the apiaries of amateur bee-keepers. We are -glad that M. Hermann is thus engaged, for report had -reached us that he was dead—a report to which we gave -currency in our first edition.</p> - -<p>In the pamphlet referred to, M. Hermann gives the -following description of what he insists on designating as -<i>Apis Helvetica</i>:—"The yellow Italian Alp bee is a -mountain insect; it is found between two mountain -chains to the right and left of Lombardy and the Rhetian -Alps, and comprises the whole territory of Tessins, -Veltlin, and South-Graubunden. It thrives up to the -height of 4,500 feet above the level of the sea, and appears -to prefer the northern clime to the warmer, for in -the south of Italy it is not found. The Alps are their -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">- 206 -</span> -native country, therefore they are called Yellow Alp-bees, -or tame house-bees, in contradistinction to the black. -European bees, whom we might call common forest -bees, and who, on the slightest touch, fly like lightning -into your face. (?)</p> - -<p>"As all good and noble things in the world are more -scarce than common ones, so there are more common -black bees than of the noble yellow race, which latter -inhabit only a very small piece of country, while the -black ones are at home everywhere in Europe, and even -in America."</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding the emigration of M. Hermann from -his native land, we shall in future be able to supply all -bee-keepers who may wish to possess stocks of the -genuine yellow Alpine bees.</p> - -<p>The Italian varies but little from the common bees in -its physical characteristics. The difference in appearance -consists in the first rings of the abdomen, except -the posterior edge, and the base of the third, being of -an orange colour instead of a deep brown. These -orange-coloured parts are transparent when closely examined -with the sun shining on them. The Italian -bees are more active than common bees when on the -wing.</p> - -<p>During the summers of 1859 and 1860 we had over -from the Continent a great number of Ligurian queens; -these were sent to all parts of the kingdom. We regret -to say that but few were successfully united to English -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">- 207 -</span> -stocks. It requires a considerable amount of apiarian -skill to accomplish the union,<a id="FNanchor_25" href="#Footnote_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> so that we find by experience -it is best to send out complete Ligurian stocks. -This is particularly desirable now that the packing of -whole hives is so easily accomplished by us with the aid<span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">- 208 -</span> -of bars and frames. We have sent a great number of -stocks to all parts by rail.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_25" href="#FNanchor_25" class="label">[25]</a> The plan of uniting an Italian queen to an English stock -is, first, to discover the queen by lifting out the frames, then take -her away. This, we find, is best done by putting a wine-glass -over her whilst on the comb, and, with a card a little larger than -the diameter of the glass, very carefully and gently passed underneath, -so as not to injure her majesty, she is thus, with a few of -her subjects, made a prisoner, and easily removed. Be careful to -cut away with a penknife all queen-cells. Let the hive remain -queenless for twenty-four hours, and then place the Italian queen -in a small wire cage, the openings of which must be large -enough to enable her to receive the attentions of, and to communicate -with, her new subjects, and, at the same time, to defend her -from the animosity with which bees regard a stranger-queen, that -has a scent different from that of her new home. Three or four -days' intercourse through the wire meshes generally has a reconciling -effect, and the Italian queen may be let go free to become -the monarch of the hive. Sometimes, even with all this precaution, -the foreigner is slain, so that it is well to preserve the black -queen alive (with a few of her own subjects), by feeding and -keeping her warm until the result is known. The wire cage -containing the new queen is made of a flat shape, so as to be -pressed down between the combs, against some honey-cells, in -order that, should the inhabitants of the hive be inattentive, her -majesty need not starve, but have food within reach. As it is -generally considered that the queen is fed by working bees, it is -always necessary to put about half a dozen of <i>her own subjects</i> in -the cage with her, to pay her the requisite attention.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Mr. Woodbury, owing to his knowledge and skill in -bee-keeping, was eminently successful in propagating -the Ligurian bees first imported into this country; and -we would recommend all who may be interested in the -subject to peruse the interesting articles written by him -in the <i>Journal of Horticulture</i>. He has shown great -patience and energy by his labours in the rearing of -queens and the multiplication of stocks, for which he -merits all praise.</p> - -<p>We now add to the testimonies already cited that of -Mr. Woodbury, as to the superior qualities of Ligurian -bees. The following is extracted from the paper contributed -by him to the <i>Bath and West of England Agricultural -Journal</i>:—"From my strongest Ligurian stock I -took eight artificial swarms in the spring, besides depriving -it of numerous brood-combs. Finding, in June, -that the bees were collecting honey so fast that the -queen could not find an empty cell in which to lay an -egg, I was reluctantly compelled to put on a super. -When this had been filled with 38 lbs. of the finest -honeycomb,<a id="FNanchor_26" href="#Footnote_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a> I removed it, and as the stock-hive (a very -large one) could not contain the multitude of bees which -issued from it, I formed them into another very large -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">- 209 -</span> -artificial swarm. The foregoing facts speak for themselves; -but as information on this point has been very -generally asked, 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 with."</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_26" href="#FNanchor_26" class="label">[26]</a> This super was exhibited at our stand in the International -Exhibition of 1862.</p> - -</div> - -<p>In a private letter received from Mr. Langstroth, he -informs us that he has, in the season of 1865, bred over -300 Ligurian queens; these he has disseminated to -various bee-masters on the American continent, and the -united opinion of apiarians in that country is increasingly -in favour of the decided advantage of the cultivation -of the Italian bee.</p> - -<p>After such emphatic testimony as this, corroborated, as -it is, by many other observers, there seems every reason -to expect that the Ligurian bee will gradually supersede -the common kind throughout the United Kingdom. -The honey-bee of the Holy Land is the Ligurian.</p> - -<p>The Rev. H. B. Tristram, M.A., in his valuable book, -"The Land of Israel," has the following interesting -account of the bees in that country:—In Palestine bee-keeping -is not an unimportant item of industry, and every -house possesses a pile of bee-hives in its yard. Though -similar in its habits, the hive-bee of Palestine is a different -species to our own. "We never," he says, "found -<i>Apis mellifica</i>, L., our domestic species, in the country, -though it very possibly occurs in the north; but the -common Holy Land insect, <i>Apis ligustica</i>, is amazingly -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">- 210 -</span> -abundant; both in hives, in rocks, and in old hollow, -trees. It is smaller [?] than our bees, with brighter yellow, -bands: on the thorax and abdomen, which, is rather -wasp-like in shape, and with very long antennæ. In its -habits, and especially in the immense population of -neuters in each community, and in the drones cast forth -in autumn, it resembles the other species. Its sting, also, -is quite as sharp. The hives are very simple, consisting -of large tubes of sun-dried mud, like gas-pipes, about -four feet long, and closed with mud at each end, leaving -only an aperture in the centre, large enough for two or -three bees to, pass at a time. The insects appear to -frequent both doors equally. The tubes are laid in rows -horizontally, and piled in a pyramid. I counted one of -these colonies, consisting of seventy-eight tubes, each a -distinct hive. Coolness being the great object, the whole -is thickly plastered over with mud, and covered with -boughs, while a branch is stuck in the ground at each end, -to assist the bees in alighting. At first we took these -singular structures for ovens or hen-houses. <i>The barbarous -practice of destroying the swarms for their honey is unknown.</i> -When the hives are fully, the clay is removed from the -ends of the pipes, and the honey extracted with an -iron hook; those pieces of comb which contain young -bees being carefully replaced, and the hives then closed -up again. Everywhere during our journey we found -honey was always to be purchased; and it is used by -the natives for many culinary purposes, and especially -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">- 211 -</span> -for the preparation of sweet cakes. It has the delicate -aromatic flavour of the thyme-scented honey of Hybla -or Hymettus.</p> - -<p>"But, however extensive are the bee-colonies of the -villages, the number of wild bees of the same species -is far greater. The innumerable fissures, and clefts of -the limestone rocks, which everywhere flank the valleys, -afford in their recesses secure shelter for any number of -swarms; and many of the Bedouin, particularly in the -wilderness of Judæea, obtain: the subsistence by bee-hunting, -bringing into Jerusalem jars of that wild, honey -on which John the Baptist fed in the wilderness, and -which Jonathan had long before unwittingly tasted, when -the comb had dropped on the ground from the hollow -tree in which it was suspended. The visitor to the -Wady Kurn, when he sees the busy multitudes of bees -about its cliffs, cannot but recall to mind the promise, -'With honey out of the stony rock would I have satisfied -thee.' There is no epithet of the Land of Promise more -true to the letter, even to the present day, than this, -that it was 'a land flowing with milk and honey."</p> - -<p>Does not evidence such as this point to the conclusion -that the bees which Sampson found in the carcase of the -lion were <i>Ligurian</i>; and may we not further speculate -that the ribs of the carcase constituted the first <i>bar-hive?</i> -Surely, "there is no new thing under the sun."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">- 212 -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page212" style="width: 485px;"> - <img src="images/page212.png" width="485" height="710" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">- 213 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="LIVING_BEES">LIVING BEES AT THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1862, -SENDING BEES TO AUSTRALIA, &c.</h3> - -<p>The engraving represents our stand in the Agricultural -Department of the International Exhibition of 1862. -The space granted us in the World's Great Fair was somewhat -limited; but we were able to exhibit a tolerably -complete stock of apiarian apparatus, and all the more -important bee-hives. Amongst these was an unicomb -hive stocked with the Yellow Alpine or "Ligurian" bee. -This was an object of great attention, and daily hundreds -of visitors flocked round our stand, in order to watch the -movements of the Italian queen, with her gay and busy -subjects. The entrance-way for the bees being in the -"Open Court," to which all visitors had access, it was -necessary to place the hive in an elevated position, so -as for it to be beyond the reach of incautious passers-by, -and to obviate any chance of annoyance to the vast -crowds of people continually around.</p> - -<p>Among others who took a deep interest in our exhibition -was Mr. Edward Wilson, President of the Acclimatisation -Society of Victoria. This gentleman requested -us to pack four stocks of the Ligurian bees for -conveyance to Melbourne. With the assistance of -Mr. Woodbury—whose aid was, indeed, essential—these -stocks were sent off on the 25th of September, 1862, by -the steam ship Alhambra, so as to arrive at the colony -during the Austral summer. The hives were Woodbury -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">- 214 -</span> -frame hives, having ample space and ventilation, as well -as the means of supplying water to their inmates during -the voyage; there was, also, a sufficient store of honey -to last until the following March. The bees arrived at -Melbourne, where they were released after an imprisonment -of seventy-nine days, and have since rapidly multiplied, -the climate and pasturage of Australia greatly -favouring the increase of this superior variety of the bee.</p> - -<p>Mr. Wilson was so well pleased with the careful -manner in which these stocks were fitted out for their -voyage across the seas, that he subsequently instructed -us to prepare him three more hives, which were sent -out in a sailing vessel. Owing to the mismanagement -of the water supply during the voyage, only one stock -survived in this instance. Mr. Wilson informs us that -one of these hives contained 136 lbs. of honey, on the -25th of December, 1864 (Midsummer in Australia).</p> - -<p>Upwards of twenty years ago, we sent a Nutt's hive -stocked with bees to New Zealand. We then adopted -the plan of fixing the hive in a meat safe, so that the -bees could fly about a little, and also cleanse the hive -of their dead, for bees are very attentive to sanitary -arrangements; they always remove the dead ones from -their midst, and do not void excrement within the hive.</p> - -<p>When bees are shut up in their hives too long, even -with adequate ventilation, they are apt to be attacked by -a disease called by apiarians dysentery. Sometimes, -when confined by the unfavourableness of the weather -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">- 215 -</span> -in winter, or the lateness of spring, this disease produces -serious mischief amongst the bees. Various -remedies have been recommended; but we believe, the -best is to see that there is wholesome food within the -hive, and plenty of it, and, when fine weather returns, -the health of the bees will return with it. Dampness of -the hives, and too late feeding in the autumn, are also -frequent causes of this disease.</p> - - -<h3 id="BEE-KEEPING_IN_LONDON">BEE-KEEPING IN LONDON.</h3> - -<p>There are many persons now in this noisy city pent, -who frequently remember the days of childhood, when, -among pastures of clover, or amidst flowery heath and -woodlands, they listened to the cheerful hum of bees. -Partly from a desire to revive these old associations, and -also from a natural liking for the tendance of living -creatures, 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 success. We do not wonder -that many should doubt even the possibility of bees feeding -themselves amidst such an "endless meal of brick;" -but we can easily prove that bees, if not placed too near -to smoky chimneys, are able to produce honey, both for -themselves and for their masters. To make this plain, -we will mention some special instances of metropolitan -bee-keeping.</p> - -<p>About ninety years ago, a Mr. Wildman kept a bee-house -and honey warehouse, near to Middle Row, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">- 216 -</span> -Holborn. He was not only a tradesman, but was also -the apiarian of his day. He kept hives of thriving bees -on the roof of his house in Holborn, and many of the -nobility and gentry used to mount thither, in order to -inspect the apiary. At that period, St. Pancras was a -"village two miles north-west of London," and what -is now the Regent's Park was open country. It was -then much easier for London bees to find their favourite -forage, but Mr. Wildman believed that his hives were -filled with stores from a considerable distance. Whilst -enjoying his country rambles on Hampstead Heath, he -had a shrewd suspicion that many of the bees he there -observed gathering honey were labourers from his own -apiary. In order to identify his own flock amongst the -rest, he hit upon a homely but very effective expedient. -Having borrowed Mrs. Wildman's "dredging box," -he stationed himself near the entrance of his hives, and -gently dusted his bees with flour as they issued forth. -He then betook himself to Hampstead, where he found -his previous surmise confirmed, for there were numbers -of his bees in their livery of white.</p> - -<p>Wildman became noted for the remarkable control -he obtained over his bees, many instances of which he -exhibited before the public. Several of his operations with -them were regarded as feats of legerdemain by the -uninitiated, as when he appeared before King George III., -with a swarm of bees hanging in festoons from his -chin, or suspended in a cluster at arm's length. The -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">- 217 -</span> -<i>Journal of Horticulture</i> recently, in alluding to Wildman, -gives the following particulars as to his performances:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>"Near the 'Three Hats,' Islington, was a place of popular -entertainment called 'Dobney's Tea Gardens,' kept by Mrs. -Ann Dobney. These gardens occupied the ground between -White Lion Street and Winchester Place, and were established -as far back as 1728. In 1771, the house was taken for a short -time as a boarding school; but it was soon changed to its original -purpose as a place of amusement, for, in 1772, Daniel -Wildman exhibited bees here. This is a copy of the advertisement:—</p> - -<p>"'June 20, 1772. Exhibition of bees on horseback! at the -Jubilee Gardens, Islington (late Dobney's), this and every -evening, until further notice (wet evenings excepted).</p> - -<p>"'The celebrated Daniel Wildman will exhibit several new -and amazing experiments, never attempted by any man in this or -any other kingdom before. The rider standing upright, one -foot on the saddle and one on the neck, with a mask of bees on -his head and face. He also rides standing upright on the -saddle with the bridle in his mouth, and, by firing a pistol, makes -one part of the bees march over the table, and the other swarm in -the air and return to their hive again, with other performances too -tedious to insert. The doors open at six; to begin at a quarter -before seven. Admittance:—Box and gallery, 2<i>s.</i>; the other -seats, 1<i>s.</i>'"</p> -</div> - -<p>The secret of Wildman's skilful manipulation is well -understood now; it consisted in a careful holding and -disposal of the queen, together with confidence in the -generally inoffensive disposition of bees. Dr. Evans, -whom we have often quoted for his correct information -in apiarian matters, thus speaks of his feats:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">- 218 -</span></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"Such was the spell which, round a Wildman's arm,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Twined in dark wreaths the fascinated swarm;</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Bright o'er his breast the glittering legions led,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Or with a living garland bound his head.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">His dextrous hand, with firm, yet hurtless hold,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Could seize the chief, known by her scales of gold,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Prune, 'mid the wondering train, her filmy wing,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Or o'er her folds the silken fetter fling."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>To recur to our subject. After the days of Wildman, -our own establishment in Holborn became widely known -for bee-hives and honey. Although we never attempted -to start a London apiary at all approaching in extent -that of our predecessor, we have occasionally kept bees -on the house-top, both in Holborn and Regent Street. -At each of those situations, we have noticed that the bees -bring "pollen" as well as honey into their hives. Last -summer, there was brought under our notice an illustration -of the acuteness of the scent of bees and of -their diligent search for food, proving, too, that if sweets -can be obtained even from unusual sources, the bees -will find them out. A poor woman, who, at the comer -of an adjacent street, vends "brandy balls," "toffee," -"rock," and other saccharine compounds—all well -known to and appreciated by most juveniles,—used to -receive frequent visits from our bees. Their visits to the -old dame's domain were at first rather interesting, and -if the few pioneers who had the sagacity to find such a -store had kept the secret only to themselves, their company -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">- 219 -</span> -would not have been objected to. Such selfish -policy does not, however, accord with the social instinct -of bees, and these soon informed their companions of -the good fortune provided for them in an archipelago of -sugar islands. Day by day the swarms of these uninvited -visitors increased, until all legitimate customers -were beaten off; and the old dame had to see, not only -her hope of gain destroyed, but her stock of "goodies" -sensibly diminishing by the thefts of these brigands of -the air. She could not, or dare not attempt to, drive -the intruders away, so made diligent inquiry as to where -the robbers were harboured. Having traced them to -our establishment in Regent Street, she came to implore -of us to move the bees if possible, or she would have -to move her stall, and so lose her "connection" in the -"toffee" and "rock" trade. Wishing not to hinder -the poor woman in gaining her livelihood, we decided -on removing our bees into the country.</p> - -<p>It is difficult to assign an exact limit to the distance -that bees will go in search of honey-yielding blossoms. -It has been proved by various experiments that they will -fly, say, five or six miles, if the supplies are scanty within -a shorter radius; but bees well understand that first of -all economies, the saving of time, and if they can find -forage near at hand, they prefer it. Hence, other -things being equal, the quantity of honey stored will be -in proportion to the contiguity of good pasturage. In -this way it is that the systematic removal of hives, as -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">- 220 -</span> -practised in many districts, has such a notable effect -on the honey harvest.</p> - -<p>A novel sight for Londoners to witness occurred in -June, 1865. A swarm, having been ordered to be sent into -the country the following morning, was temporarily placed -on the leads at the back of our house, 149, Regent Street. -The sun shining hot on the hive, or some other cause, -induced the inmates to decamp. A passer-by called in to -inform us that some bees had arrested the progress of a -cab. We at once conjectured that they were those of -our missing swarm, the absence of which had previously -puzzled us not a little; so we sent our man with a straw-hive -to bring the truants back, which he succeeded in -doing, followed to the door by a crowd, who were -amazed at the sight of the "'oney-bees," as the Cockney -lads called them. Cabby had to be compensated for the -loss of his fare, for the affrighted passengers had left him -in a hurry, so that, altogether, no little commotion was -caused—a crowd so soon collects in London streets. -Among the lookers-on appears to have been a reporter -from the <i>Times</i> newspaper, for, two days afterwards, the -following paragraph appeared in the leading journal:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>"<span class="smcap">A Swarm of Bees in Burlington Street.</span>—On Wednesday -afternoon, about five o'clock, not a little excitement and -astonishment was caused in New Burlington Street, Regent Street, -by the circumstance of a swarm of bees alighting on a cab which -had just drawn up at the Burlington Restaurant. A man having -procured a hive, set to work, and, with assistance, succeeded in -securing the whole of the unexpected visitors, and took them -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">- 221 -</span> -away. A swarm of bees is rarely, if ever, seen in the streets of -London, but it is not an uncommon occurrence for a swarm to -stray considerable distances."</p> -</div> - -<p>The reporter was, of course, unaware that, instead of -the bees having "strayed" so far as he represented, -they were brought into London by rail, and had made -but a short flight from their temporary home.</p> - -<p>During several years we kept bees in the Zoological -Gardens, Regent's Park, and have there frequently -taken full and handsome glasses of honey. The position -of our apiary was on the site now occupied by the -new monkey house. The Society promise to erect a -new building for an apiary in the course of the ensuing -summer. The visitors to the gardens found considerable, -interest in watching the bees in our glass hives, and are -now much disappointed at the absence of so entertaining -an exhibition. A collection of these hives are now -exhibited by the Acclimatisation Society of Great -Britain, with living bees in them, at the Fish Department -of the Royal Horticultural Gardens, South Kensington.</p> - -<p>A gentleman residing in St. James's Place has, for -some considerable time past, kept bees in his garden, -there. He uses our improved cottage-hives, and his, -bee-keeping is decidedly successful, as he generally takes, -some fine glasses, of honey each season, besides, leaving -sufficient as winter store for the bees. For a London -situation, St. James's Place is a very favourable one; -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">- 222 -</span> -the gardens behind the houses pleasantly face the Green -Park, so that the bees have an uninterrupted flight to -start with. 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 Parks. -To those, gardens, the bees of St. James's Place resort, -without waiting for any licence or certificate from the -royal and noble owners of the honey-yielding preserves. -Being within a short distance of our establishment, when -this gentleman's bees swarm, he generally sends to us for -assistance in hiving them.</p> - -<p>The neighbourhood of St. John's Wood and, indeed, -almost all the suburbs of London are favourable for the -production of honey. We mention St. John's Wood -because, from the fact of having kept bees there ourselves, -we are able to prove by experience that they do well -in that locality. We have several customers on nearly -all sides of the town, who have each had this year a -considerable surplus of honey in their "supers," after -leaving sufficient for the: bees themselves, in the lower or -stock hives.</p> - -<p>We exhibited in our window, in the autumn of 1864, -a super of fine honey from the apiary of Mr. Shirley -Hibberd, the proprietor and editor of the <i>Gardeners' -Weekly Magazine</i>. It consisted of a box containing -20 lbs. nett weight of honey, and was produced at Stoke -Newington, only 3¼ miles from the General Post Office.</p> - -<p>The <i>Times'</i> "Bee-Master," whose letters from Tunbridge -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">- 223 -</span> -Wells have awakened so much interest in this -pleasing pursuit, also commissioned us to exhibit a -"super," produced under his own management in that -locality. Mr. S. B. Fox, at Exeter, had, upwards, of -400 lbs; of honey, of excellent quality, though one of his -apiaries is quite within the city.</p> - -<p>The last has been an excellent honey-yielding season; -our own bees, at Dorking, Surrey, have produced us -large quantities, and the accounts from nearly all parts -of the country coincide in stating that the bees have, in -the years 1864 and 1865; enjoyed unusual opportunities -for accumulation. In not a few localities, the season of -1863 was even more abundant.</p> - - -<h3 id="WASPS">WASPS AND MOTHS.</h3> - -<p>Bees, have few enemies more formidable, than wasps. -The most effectual method of checking their invasion of -hives is to have, as narrow an entrance, as the bees can -do with. If a stock be not, very weak in numbers, the -bees will be well able to guard a small aperture, and can -repel the attacks of those insidious, and merciless robbers. -On this account, the entrance to our cottager-hive, -as described at <a href="#Page_74">page 74</a>, may be used.</p> - -<p>The bee-keeper is interested in preventing the increase -of wasps; it is, therefore, 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 nest.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">- 224 -</span></p> - -<p>Should nests be found in the neighbourhood of an -apiary, their annihilation must be accomplished, either -by blowing them up with gunpowder, an operation well -understood by most country, lads, or any, other effectual -method. The late Mr. Payne recommended, that a -small quantity of gas tar should be put into the mouth -of a wasps' nest, and if then covered with earth, the total -destruction of the wasps will be accomplished without -further trouble. But to use blazing straw for the purpose -is always dangerous in country districts. We have lately -heard of a very ingenious and successful mode of entrapping -and killing wasps. Place some sugar or strongly-sweetened -compound on the ground in a garden, and -place over it a square hand-glass, wedged up an inch or -so all round. On this glass, which should have an opening -at the apex, lodge another, but a sound one. The -wasps, attracted, by the sweets, will soon crowd under -the lower glass, and, when they have well feasted, -will ascend into the upper one; there, between the two, -they soon become scorched and perish by the heat of the -sun shining on the outer glass.</p> - -<p>The season of 1864 was most productive for the increase -of these prime pests of the apiary, and many hives have -severely suffered by their depredations. When once -wasps in any number have gained an entrance into a -hive, the bees can seldom eject them, and the invaders -generally remain until they have freely regaled themselves -from the luscious store. They not only consume -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">- 225 -</span> -the honey, but cause a good deal of worry to the -legitimate inhabitants of the hive, as well as killing the -foremost defenders of it. Wasps being much superior -in strength, it requires at least three bees to master one -of them.</p> - -<p>Having suffered loss in our own apiary from the -attacks of wasps, we feel it desirable to give a -detailed account of our troubles from that cause. A -Ligurian stock was besieged and worried by wasps -to such an extent, that the bees deserted it on the 5th -of September, 1864. Fortunately, the bees chose a -time for their departure just as we visited the apiary. -An unusual turmoil was heard in the hive, such as is experienced -at the time of swarming, and on immediately -examining the entrance, we observed that the bees were -quitting in tumultuous haste. The usual methods that -induce bees to settle were tried—amongst others, that -of throwing sand up into the air, so that it should fall -down amongst the bees on the wing; but they were -dispersed in disorder, and their flight extended over -three adjacent gardens. We only discovered the clustered -bees by diligent search, as the sequel will show. -Permission being asked of our next-door neighbour, we -searched his garden to see if our bees had alighted -there; but found that they had passed over. Making a -similar application to the owner of the garden adjoining, -we entered, having a straw hive in hand, but no bees -were there. After looking diligently all round, and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">- 226 -</span> -climbing the wall, thereby gaining a view of the third -garden, we perceived in it unmistakable signs of an -unwonted commotion. The occupiers of the house were -intently looking at a particular part of the garden, and -there was a dust-pan and a key, with which the master -had been "tanging the bees," to induce them to settle. -We quickly made for the proper entrance to the garden, -and soon discovered our little wanderers clustered to -a large flower-vase. Our neighbours, however, were -sadly disappointed of their prize, for the gardener had -hastily been dispatched into the town to purchase a hive -for the welcome colonists. In depriving our neighbours -of a so unexpected and cheaply-acquired treasure, we -could sympathise with their regret, having been much -disheartened half an hour before at our own loss; but, -of course, we could do no other than claim our own -bees. We gladly agreed to defray the expense of the -straw hive that had been purchased for the sake of our -truant swarm. After brushing the bees into the hive, -and leaving it propped up with a stick, in order that the -stray ones might join, we returned home for an hour or -so, to give them time to settle. Judge of our vexation -when, on returning to fetch the hive home, we found that -the refractory creatures had again taken flight, and that -all the work was to do over again. The wasps were -not to blame for this second flight of the Ligurians; we -judged that the swarm had been disturbed by visits from -a colony of bees that we discovered were living the life -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">- 227 -</span> -of outlaws under the roof of an adjoining house. -Although much disheartened and perplexed, we at once -renewed our search, and, upon inquiry, found that the -missing bees had taken a southerly course across the -turnpike road, and it was therefore necessary to ask -permission to search the gardens of the houses opposite. -From one of these we observed, on looking through the -hedge, that the inhabitants of the' next house were on -the <i>qui vive</i>. On inquiring whether they had seen a -colony of bees, the wary old dame replied that she "had -no bees but her own," and added that "they were very -much excited." Having asked permission to go through -the hedge to look at her bees, we soon discovered our -Ligurians on the top of the old lady's bee-house. There -was no difficulty in identifying our own bees; their yellow -rings were as good as a private mark. Quickly hiving -the swarm, we took them home, and replaced them in -the hive they had quitted. It was almost destitute of -honey; but by liberal feeding, and lessening the entrance -so that only one bee at a time could find ingress or -egress, we succeeded in inducing them to rest in their -old home. Thus nearly half a day's exertion was -needed to save a fine colony, which would otherwise -have been utterly lost by the power of the relentless -wasps.</p> - -<p>Much watchfulness is needed to prevent the loss of -swarms, and the foregoing incident may serve to suggest -the necessity of having hives so located as to be constantly -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">- 228 -</span> -within view, either from the dining-room, or of those -whose duties oblige them to be near the apiary. If we -had not happened to be at hand at the moment this colony -started, it would have been irretrievably lost to us. Many -swarms and colonies are lost, simply because the departure -takes place without anyone witnessing it. 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 -described.</p> - -<p>Other formidable enemies of bees are moths. These -insects are creatures of the night, as the wasps are of -the day, and they make their way into the hives under -cover of darkness, in spite of the bee-sentinels. They -deposit their eggs in any crevices in or near the hive -that they can find. There the warmth of the hive, or of -the sheltered situation, causes the eggs speedily, to hatch, -and then the maggots soon work their way to the comb -and larvæ food, which they greedily devour, thereby -often bringing about the gradual but certain destruction -of the whole community of bees. The best method -of, keeping moths outside the hives is to lessen the -entrance, as before alluded to. Also, in the early -spring, the hives should be lifted from their floor-boards, -which must then be made thoroughly clean; and all -crevices and corners about the hive and stand should be -scraped, so as to get rid of all eggs of moths and other -insects before the warm weather hatches them or enables -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">- 229 -</span> -them to do mischief. The bee-moth is not so troublesome -in England as it is in America and some parts -of Germany; but still its encroachments should be -carefully guarded against in this country, for if not, -it may easily increase to a very serious extent. In -the season of 1865, wasps were as few as they were -numerous the preceding year; their paucity was attributable -either to frosts in May or to heavy rains -in June, which destroyed them in their nests. In -general, wasps are great depredators of wall-fruit, but, -in the autumn before mentioned, the bees occupied the -wasps' foraging-ground. Perhaps never in the memory -of bee-keepers did bees feast upon fruit in the same -manner. Various reasons have been assigned for this -unusual occurrence; some thought that as there were so -few wasps the bees were unmolested, 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 rats. Other bee-keepers remarked -the sudden and early termination of the honey-gathering, -and conjectured that the bees, being anxious -to make up their winter store, endeavoured to bring -home nectar from the fruit because the weather was -unusually fine. There was one feature which is worth -remarking: as far as our observation extended, the -bees did not, like the wasps, break the skin of sound -fruit, but were satisfied with lapping the juice of the -ripe fruit that had the skin already broken.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">- 230 -</span></p> - -<p>An unusual amount of robbing and fighting occurred -in the autumn of 1865; the weather remaining fine and -warm, and the honey having all but ceased in the flowers, -the bees began to assail each other's hives, as usual, -the strong attacking the weak. In most years, this -spirit of depredation exists, and the bee-keeper should -be on his guard not to tempt the avarice of bees' by -exposing honey, either in the comb or liquid, and also to -be very tardy of opening bar and frame hives at this time -of year. If needful to do so (soon after sunrise is the -safest, because there will be few bees about), take -the hive to a quiet corner of the garden, many yards -away from the other hives, and do what is requisite -speedily, so as not to expose the honey to the scent of a -host of robbers, who will most unceremoniously pillage, -and cause a terrible commotion. This caution will also -be necessary to be kept in view when removing supers. -In fact, 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 September; and this -plundering spirit may exist even in October.<a id="FNanchor_27" href="#Footnote_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_27" href="#FNanchor_27" class="label">[27]</a> In the spring of the year, great care is also needful as regards -feeding and in opening hives.</p> - -</div> - - -<h3 id="DRAINING_HONEY">DRAINING HONEY FROM THE COMBS.</h3> - -<p>Those of our readers who prefer eating "run honey" -to honey in the comb may be glad of some instruction -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">- 231 -</span> -as to the best way of separating the two. For this purpose, -it is better to let the honey run without squeezing, -in order to preserve both its transparency and flavour.</p> - -<p>Take a sharp knife, and slice the combs on both sides, -keeping the knife parallel with the partition wall, so that -every cell may be laid open. Place these broken combs -in a sieve, or on a piece of muslin stretched across and -tied round the opening of a pan or large-mouthed jar. -Allow the honey to flow out of the combs spontaneously, -and reserve the squeezing process for a separate jar, so -that the honey of the first drained jar may be perfectly -pure, both in appearance and flavour. That which has -pressure put on it will be waxy in flavour and thick. -Some persons recommend that the opened combs be -placed in the sun, as the heat will cause the honey to run -more freely. The great disadvantage of this is, the -temptation the honey offers to bees, who will be eager -to gain a share. Honey, whilst in the combs, keeps -remarkably well when left in the supers; if cut out, the -combs should be folded in writing-paper, and sealed up, -so as to effectually prevent the free entrance of air: they -should then be placed in a warm, dry closet.</p> - -<p>Honey, like most vegetable products, should be fresh -every year. It may easily be kept from one season to -another; but when kept beyond that time, unless very -carefully stored in a warm temperature, it will crystallize -in the comb, and it is liable to ferment when in jars -separated from the comb.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">- 232 -</span></p> - - -<h3 id="DISEASES">DISEASES OF BEES.</h3> - -<p>Dysentery is a disease produced either by long confinement, -by dampness, or by feeding in the winter. The -first thing bees do when disturbed is to fill themselves -with food, so that in winter weather, when they cannot -get out to void their fæces, hives should not be meddled -with, otherwise the complaint may be brought on. It is -also engendered in many instances by the state of the -weather in winter months, and is indicated by the yellow -colour of the excrement, and by its being voided upon -the floors and at the entrance of the hives, which bees -in a healthy state generally keep clean. All, that can -be done for them when affected is to well clean or -to change the floor-board, and so produce cleanliness. -Having made some remarks on this disease at <a href="#Page_214">page 214</a>, -in connection with bees sent to Australia, we will pass -on to the more formidable, but happily less common, -malady of "foul brood."</p> - -<p>This disease does not attack the bees themselves, but -affects the larvæ, by causing them to putrefy in the cells, -thus destroying all hope of the rising generation. Bees -are exceedingly fond of their young, and are greatly -dispirited when their hives are in this plight. In common -with most pestilential disorders, no satisfactory cause is -assigned for its first appearance. Some apiarians contend, -that "foul brood" is another name for chilled, -brood; others, that the queen, by a freak of nature, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">- 233 -</span> -deposits some of her eggs the wrong way upwards, -and that these putrefy in the cells and contaminate the -others. Whatever may be the origin, one thing is very -certain, "it is catching;" there is, however, in the circumstance -of the adult bees and of those about emerging -from the cells not being injuriously affected thereby, -a great help to its eradication, as will presently be -shown.</p> - -<p>There are two kinds of foul brood—one is moist and -fœtid, the other is dry and not contagious, the brood -merely drying up in the cells, and, from its partial character, -is probably within the power of the bees themselves -to overcome. In the former, instead of drying up, -the brood remains dark and slimy in the cells, and -emits a most unpleasant odour, perceptible at some distance -from the hive.</p> - -<p>In the year 1848, Pastor Dzierzon lost a large number -of stocks from this disease; he, however, was enabled to -banish it from his apiary, and communicated to a -German bee-journal very wholesome advice, which -Mr. Langstroth quotes, and from which we make an -extract:—"When the malady makes its appearance in -only two or three of the colonies, and is discovered early -(which may readily be done in hives having movable -combs), it can be arrested and cured without damage or -diminution of profit. <i>To prevent the disease from spreading -in a colony, there is no more reliable and efficient process</i> -<span class="allsmcap">THAN TO STOP THE PRODUCTION OF BROOD</span>; for where no -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">- 234 -</span> -brood exists, none can perish or putrefy. The disease -is thus deprived both of its aliment and its subjects. -The healthy brood will mature and emerge in due time, -and the putrid matter remaining in a few cells will dry -up and be removed by the workers. All this will certainly -result <i>from a well-timed removal of the queen</i> from -such colonies. If such removal becomes necessary in -the spring or early part of the summer, a supernumerary -queen is thereby obtained, by means of which an artificial -colony may be started, which will certainly be healthy if -the bees and brood used be taken from healthy colonies. -Should the removal be made in the latter part of summer, -the useless production of brood will at once be stopped -and an unnecessary consumption of honey prevented. -Thus, in either case, we are gainers by the operation."</p> - -<p>In cases where the disease assumes a more malignant -character—in other words, "has got ahead," through -"not being nipped in the bud,"—it will be well to take -notice of another quotation from Mr. Langstroth's book:—"In -the spring or summer, when the weather is fine -and pasturage abounds, the following cure is recommended -by a German apiarian:—'Drive out the bees -into any clean, hive, and shut them up in a dark place -without food for twenty-four hours; prepare for them a -clean hive, properly fitted up with comb from healthy -colonies; transfer the bees into it, and confine them two -days longer, feeding them with pure honey.'"</p> - -<p>Mr. Woodbury's apiary was severely attacked by this -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">- 235 -</span> -disease in the spring and summer of 1863. The writer -happened to be on a visit to him at this juncture, -and witnessed him withdrawing infected combs from -hives that were literally masses of corruption, the brood-cells -of which, on being opened with a pointed instrument, -revealed the dark brown slimy matter before -alluded to, and from which arose a most unpleasant -smell. Mr. Woodbury communicated to the <i>Journal -of Horticulture</i>, of July 21, 1863, an exact and graphic -account of his misfortunes, headed "A Dwindling -Apiary." 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 -purification, Mr. Woodbury set about endeavouring to -accomplish his object, and was so far successful, that he -was able to furnish an article to the before-named -journal of August 4th, under the more cheerful title of -"Convalescent," in which he says: "First, let me -indorse the opinions both of Dzierzon and Rothe, that, -except under very especial circumstances, it is unadvisable -to attempt the cure of a foul-breeding stock: -better, far better, to consign its inhabitants to the brimstone -pit; the hive itself, if a straw one, to the flames; -the comb to the melting pot; and appropriate the -honey to any purpose, except that of feeding bees."</p> - -<p>Mr. Woodbury further says: "Before starting, it was -requisite to insure the transfer of the bees to unpolluted -hives; and here I found that Dzierzon declares that every -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">- 236 -</span> -hive that has contained a foul-breeding colony should be -exposed to the sun and air for two years before being -re-stocked. In my own case, this was simply impossible, -and I therefore adopted the practice of another German -writer on the subject, viz., to scrape out the hive very -carefully, wash it all over with a saturated solution of -chloride of lime, keeping it closely shut up for twenty-four -hours, and then, after thoroughly washing it with -clean water, exposing it to the sun and air until the -smell of the disinfectant had passed off. This method -has the advantage of enabling one to use a wooden hive -again after a lapse of a couple of days, and is, I believe, -thoroughly effectual."</p> - -<p>Mr. Woodbury then captured the queen, secured her -in a "cage," and placed her in a clean empty hive; all -her bees were brushed from their combs into it as rapidly -as possible, in order to prevent their carrying much of -the infected honey with them, whilst the combs themselves -were set draining out of the bees' reach, and consigned -as quickly as possible to the melting pot. After the -lapse of three or four days, the queen (still imprisoned) -and bees were again transferred to another clean hive, -furnished with a few pure combs, and in this they were -suffered to remain, their queen being released in a day -or two, as soon as they appeared contentedly settled. -Mr. Woodbury gives another important hint that operations -of this kind with tainted combs should be performed -out of reach of robber-bees from adjacent hives, lest they -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">- 237 -</span> -should carry the infection to their respective houses. By -the before-mentioned process, Mr. Woodbury succeeded -in completely extirpating foul brood from his apiary in -1863, and has had no return of it since. English apiarian -writers have made so little allusion to this disorder, that -some of our older bee-keepers contend that modern hives -and foreign bees have something to do with bringing it -about. To show that the disease made its appearance -in former days, there is a chapter on this subject in -Bonner's "Bee-Keeper's Companion," published at -Berwick, in 1798, entitled, "An uncommon Disaster which -sometimes, though rarely, happens to Bees," which Mr. -Woodbury quotes at length in the <i>Journal of Horticulture</i>. -Bonner, after recounting therein his observations of the -dwindling state of his apiary for which he could not -account, says: "He saw plainly that the young were all -going backward in the cells, and that he looked down -between the combs, but was unable to proceed for the -stench that the rotten maggots produced." Mr. Langstroth -writes that "Aristotle speaks of a disease which -was accompanied with a disgusting smell, so that there -is reason to believe that foul brood was known two -thousand years ago."</p> - -<p>When we take into consideration how sorely our -farmers are perplexed by the cattle plague, known as -the rinderpest, concerning which so many conflicting -opinions exist (and the same may be said of the recommendations -for its cure), can we wonder that our little -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">- 238 -</span> -favourites should occasionally be liable to disorders of -this sort, which puzzle even experienced bee-keepers? -In the hope of allaying unnecessary alarm, we would -just add that "foul brood" is not a very general complaint, -and, so far as our observation extends, has been -most fatal in large experimental apiaries, where extensive -propagation has necessarily had to be pushed forward. -With the experience and advice already gained, -this disorder may now be said to be deprived of its terrors.</p> - - -<h3 id="GENERAL_REMARKS">GENERAL REMARKS.</h3> - -<p>Every bee-keeper should be a book-keeper; that is, so -far as to have a permanent record of the events of the -apiary and the fortunes of his bees. A book similar to a -tradesman's journal would be very suitable for the purpose. -In it he should note down the date of the first -swarm of the season especially, and those of the other -swarms also; and in autumn, the quantity of honey -taken from each hive should be entered, with remarks -on the probable size of the various stocks. These particulars -will not only be interesting for the bee-keeper to -turn to in winter, but will be of practical service in enabling -him to know the exact age and probable strength -of each stock. The bee-book may also be contrived to -show the total amount of honey that the bees have produced -for their owner, and the net money profit of the -apiary. A simple and clear account like this—provided, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">- 239 -</span> -by the bye, that it does show a satisfactory balance—will -be very useful for inducing cottagers and farm-labourers -to start bee-keeping. Nothing like ocular demonstration -for this class. The "humane" apiarian will reason -with them in vain, until he shows them a monster "skep" -of honey, and mentions the price that it will fetch in the -market When convinced that the depriving system -will pay, the cottager will gladly adopt it.</p> - -<p>A writer in the <i>Quarterly Review</i> gives the following -good advice:—"Don't bore the cottager with long lectures; -don't heap upon him many little books; but give -him a hive of the best construction, show him the -management, and then <i>buy his honey;</i> <i>buy</i> all he brings, -even though you should have to give the surplus to some -gardenless widow. But only buy such as comes from -an improved hive—and you cannot easily be deceived in -this,—one which preserves the bees and betters the -honey. Then, when you pay him, you may read to him, -if you will, the wise rules of old Butler, <i>exempli -gratiâ</i>:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>"'If thou wilt have the favour of thy bees that they sting thee -not, thou must not be unchaste or uncleanly; thou must not -come among them with a stinking breath, caused either though -eating of leeks, onions, or garlic, or by any other means, the -noisomeness whereof is corrected by a cup of beer; thou must -not be given to surfeiting or drunkenness; thou must not come -puffing or blowing unto them, neither hastily stir among them, -nor violently defend thyself when they seem to threaten thee; -but, softly moving by, thy hand before thy face, gently put them -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">- 240 -</span> -by; and, lastly, thou must be no stranger to them. In a word -(or rather in five words), be chaste, sweet, sober, quiet, familiar; -so they will love thee and know thee from all others.'"</p> -</div> - -<p>Allusion having been made to the profit that may be -gained by the judicious management of bees, we will illustrate -that point by relating an anecdote of a certain French -<i>curé</i>.<a id="FNanchor_28" href="#Footnote_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> It is one which may be suggestive to some of the -rural clergy in this country, who might almost as easily -keep an apiary as they do a garden or an orchard.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_28" href="#FNanchor_28" class="label">[28]</a> This story, in a disguised form, or, as the writer would say, -an improved form, was quoted in the <i>Cornhill Magazine</i> some -time ago. In transforming the bee-keeping <i>curé</i> into an English -clergyman, the effect was cleverly enhanced, especially as to -the dismay of the decorous English prelate in hearing that his -poor brother in the Church had turned "manufacturer;" but -then the <i>vraisemblance</i> of the story, as we have it, was destroyed.</p> - -</div> - -<p>A good French bishop, in paying his annual visit to -his clergy, was very much afflicted by the representations -they made to him of their extreme poverty, which, -indeed, the appearance of their houses and families corroborated. -Deploring the sad state of things which had -reduced them to such a condition, he arrived at the house -of a curate, who, living amongst a poorer set of parishioners -than any he had yet visited, would, he feared, be -in a still more woful plight than the rest. Contrary, -however, to his expectations, he found the appearance of -this remote parsonage to be superior to those he had -already visited. Everything about the house wore the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">- 241 -</span> -aspect of comfort and plenty. The good bishop was -amazed. "How is this, my friend?" said he; "you are -the first pastor I have met with having a cheerful face -and a plentiful board! Have you any income independent -of your cure?" "Yes, sire," said the pastor, -"I have: my family would starve on the pittance I receive -from the poor people that I instruct. If you will walk -into the garden, I will show you the stock that yields me -such excellent interest." On going into the garden, he -showed the bishop a long range of bee-hives. "There," -said he, "is the bank from which I draw an annual -dividend, and it is one that never stops payment." His -harvest of honey enabled him almost to dispense with -the use of sugar, leaving him a considerable quantify -for disposal in the market; of the coarser portions he -made a tolerable substitute for wine, and the sale of the -wax nearly paid his shoemaker's bill. Ever afterwards, -when any of the clergy complained to the bishop of -poverty, he would say to them, "Keep bees! keep -bees!" In this succinct advice—extending it to laity -as well as clergy in rural districts—we heartily join, -believing that in this country a ten-fold greater number -of hives might be successfully kept than are now -established.</p> - -<p>In a very practical sense, the oft-repeated lines of Gray -are strictly true:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"Full many a flower is born to blush unseen.</div> - <div class="verse indent1">And <i>waste</i> its sweetness on the desert air."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">- 242 -</span></p> - -<p class="p0">An apiary in the garden of every village clergyman -would afford the means of economising this unclaimed -bounty of Providence.</p> - -<p>An amusing, instance of the fondness of bears for -honey is related by a Muscovite ambassador to Rome, in -the "Feminine Monarchie; written out of Experience by -Charles Butler. Printed in the Year 1609,"—a quaint, -but sensible work:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>"A neighbour of mine (saith he), in searching in the woods for -honey, slipped down into a great hollow tree, and there sunk into -a lake of honey up to the breast; where—when he had stuck fast -two days, calling and crying out in vain for help, because nobody -in the meanwhile, came nigh that solitary place—at length, when -he was out of all hope of life, he was strangely delivered by the -means of a great bear, which, coming thither about the same -business that he did, and smelling the honey, stirred with his -striving, clambered up to the top of the tree, and then began to -lower himself down backwards into it. The man bethinking -himself, 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 loins, and withal made an outcry as loud as he -could. The bear being thus suddenly affrighted, what with the -handling and what with the noise, made-up again with all -speed possible. The man held, and the bear pulled, until, with -main force, he had drawn him out of the mire; and then being let -go, away he trots, more afeared than hurt, leaving the smeared -swain in joyful fear."</p> -</div> - -<p>Bees may be very inexpensively and profitably kept -in the cottager's hive (see <a href="#Page_80">page 80</a>), which will be found -a very productive one. It is true that it has not the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">- 243 -</span> -appliances of windows and bell-glasses; for the cottager -is not supposed so much to care for his hives as a source -of amusement; his object in bee-keeping is simply the -profit it may bring. For those of our readers who wish -to have united the facility, of observing the bees with that -of the plentiful production of honey, we would especially -recommend the improved cottage hive, described at -<a href="#Page_69">page 69</a>. If inclined to go to a little further expense, the -hives described at pages <a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>, and <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, all afford -constant opportunity for inspection of the bees, and allow -of their working freely in the most natural manner. The -Stewarton hive (<a href="#Page_109">page 109</a>) is also a favourite with those -who give the preference to honey, stored in boxes, -although the opportunities for observation are not so -great as with some others.</p> - -<p>There are few hobbies which cost so little outlay as -the keeping of bees! Once the "plant" of hives is -purchased, there is little, if any, additional expense, and -always a probability of a fair return. If honey be -obtainable, the bees will find it; they work for nothing, -and provide themselves, with sustenance, requiring only -a very little labour from their keepers, and that labour -of a pleasing and instructive, kind.</p> - -<p>To the advanced and skilful apiarian we would -especially commend the use of the bar and frame hives. -With these, as we have attempted to show, the bee-keeper -has a full command over his hives and bees. -Many mistakes, it is true, have been made by uninitiated -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">- 244 -</span> -bee-keepers in using the more elaborate hives. Being -struck with the remarkable facilities afforded by these -superior hives for the extraction of any one comb, and, -perhaps, fascinated with their easy sway over so highly-organized -a community, these new-fangled bee-keepers -have acquired a habit of perpetually and incautiously -meddling with the bees. The inevitable results in such -cases are, distress to the bees, impoverishment of the -stocks, and loss and vexation to the over-zealous apiarian. -All these things may be avoided, if it is remembered -that there are first steps in bee-keeping, as well as in -chemistry, croquet, or cricket. In bee-keeping, as in -floriculture, it is a great point to know when to "let well -alone." There is no florist, however anxious for a prize, -who would be continually pulling up his plants to see -how their roots were growing. Doubtless, the full control -which the bars and frames afford over the inmost -recesses of the hives is a great temptation to the bee-keeper; -but if he yields too readily to it, he will imperil -his chance of profit and deprive himself of that continuous -source of interest which a judicious apiarian -always enjoys.</p> - -<p>Many persons who are well-informed on most subjects -are extraordinarily ignorant of the natural history -of bees and the economy of the bee-hive. Perhaps -we might venture to suggest that more pains should be -taken at schools, or by parents, to inform young persons -on this, in connexion with kindred subjects. As an -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">- 245 -</span> -amusing illustration of the ignorance referred to, we -transcribe an order we received a short time since from a -seminary in the north of England. The young gentleman -thus writes:—"Master —— presents his compliments -to Messrs. Neighbour, and begs they will send him a -swarm of bees; he encloses <i>six postage stamps</i>, and -hopes they will send him a <i>good</i> swarm." This embryo -naturalist was evidently of a mercantile turn, and had a -mind to buy in the cheapest market, for in a postscript he -adds:—"Please let it be fourpence, if you can!" We -need scarcely say that, in reply, we endeavoured to -enlighten our juvenile correspondent as to what constituted -a swarm of bees, and returned the stamps, with -our thanks.</p> - -<p>Much superstition has existed, and, in some quarters, -still exists, among the poor respecting bees. If a death -occurs in the family of the bee-owner, these superstitious -folk consider it needful to make the bees aware of the -bereavement by "waking" them; that is, by giving a -few raps at the entrance, and audibly announcing the -circumstance. If this be not done, "no luck," say they, -will come of the bees the following season. Last summer, -even near the metropolis, we heard a cottager -bemoaning to his neighbour "his bad luck with his bees," -when the other replied, "Ah! no wonder; you never -'waked' your bees when your wife died; what can you -expect if you omit such needful duty?" In many parts of -France, as well as here, it is a custom on such occasions -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">- 246 -</span> -to put the bees into mourning, by placing black crape or -some such material round the hives. Bees also receive -intelligence when a marriage or a christening takes -place: in these cases, the hives are draped with red -cloth. In fact, 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-keeper. -How would these good people manage with the newly-imported -foreign bees, for they can hardly be expected -to have learned our "lingo"? This difficulty is, however, -not "likely" to be experienced, for it is to be hoped that -intelligent bee-keepers do not believe in such nonsense. -Fancy a man in this nineteenth century haranguing his -bees after the above-mentioned fashion! Mr. 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 exposed." -A clergyman told him that he attended a funeral where, -as soon as the coffin was brought from the house, the bees -gathered on it so much as to excite alarm. Some -years after this occurrence, being engaged in varnishing -a table, the bees alighted upon it in such numbers -as to convince the clergyman that love of the varnish on -the outside, rather than any respect for the deceased -within, was the occasion of their conduct at the funeral. -Mr. Langstroth adds: "How many superstitions, believed -even by intelligent persons, might be as easily -explained, if it were possible to ascertain as fully all the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">- 247 -</span> -facts connected with them?" Another infatuation is, -that you should on no account part with your bees for -silver money—only for <i>gold</i>. This is so far sensible, -that it ensures a respectable price. Certain credulous -bee-keepers cannot, on any account; be induced to part -with their bees for money; they will <i>barter</i>, but not <i>sell</i>,—to -sell bees is, in their view, to lay themselves open to -evil fortune. If these apprehensions are correct, our -punishment will be a severe one, for we have been -great offenders in that way, and seem likely to go on -sinning.</p> - -<p>It is scarcely necessary to add that, with the increase -of education, such superstitions and fancies are becoming -less and less, and will soon, it is hoped, be ranked -amongst the follies of bygone days.</p> - -<p>The culture of bees would be greatly promoted if a -knowledge of it were considered necessary as one of the -regular qualifications of a gardener. So little time is -needed to gain the skill requisite for the tendance of an -apiary, that it seems only reasonable to expect it of a -well-taught gardener, and he should feel a pleasure in -the circumstance of its forming a part of his duties. In -Germany, where a country gentleman's table is kept -constantly supplied with fresh honey, the gardeners are -expected to understand the management of hives; and -in Bavaria, modern bee-culture is taught in the colleges -to all the horticultural students. Travellers in Switzerland -will call to mind the almost invariable practice of -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">- 248 -</span> -placing new honey on the breakfast tables at hotels in -that country.</p> - -<p>Some writers on bee-culture attach much importance -to the particular position in which an apiary stands, and -the aspect towards which it faces. A southern, or rather -a south-eastern aspect, is the one which we have already -recommended. Our reason for this preference is, that -we deem it very important for the bees to have the first -of the morning sun. Bees are early risers, and should -have every inducement given them for the maintenance -of so excellent a practice. A few years since, many -strong opinions were expressed in favour of a northern -aspect for hives. The chief reason given for those -opinions, though very plausible, appears to us to be a -very partial and inadequate one. It was said that, when -the hives face the south, the bees may, like the incautious -swallow in the fable, be tempted to fly abroad in the -transient winter sunshine, and then perish in the freezing -atmosphere when a passing cloud intervenes. But it is -a very easy matter, if considered needful, to screen the -entrance by fixing up matting so as to intercept the rays -of the sun. At our own apiary we make no alteration -in winter, under the belief that the bees will take care of -themselves and that they seldom venture out when the -weather is unsuitable.</p> - -<p>With hives exposed in the open garden, it is a good -practice to wind hay-bands round them in frosty weather, -as such a protection enables the bees to resist the cold.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">- 249 -</span></p> - -<p>When a thaw occurs, everything, both in and out of -doors, has a great deal of dampness about it. The -combs of a hive are not exempt from this, so that it is -advisable to have slight upward ventilation in winter. -Holes the size of a pin's head allow of the escape of a -good deal of bad air, which is generated by the exhalations -of the bees, as well as by the dampness before -referred to. These holes, being small, do not create sufficient -draught through the hives to be pernicious; if closed -up by propolis, they are readily reopened with a pin. With -wooden hives in winter, a bell-glass is often found to be -useful; it should be placed over the hole in the crown-board, -with a zinc trough to receive the condensed moisture.</p> - -<p>In summer, bees do much towards ventilating their -own stock-hives. The observant apiarian will not fail to -remark how, on a warm day, several of the little creatures -will stand at the entrance, with their abdomens -sightly raised and their twinkling wings in rapid -motion, producing a current of air inwards; while -another set are engaged in like manner, driving the bad -air out, so that a supply of pure oxygen is conveyed to -the crowded inmates. In this fanning operation their -wings vibrate with such rapidity, that their shape is as -indistinct as are the spokes of a wheel when revolving in -rapid centrifugal motion.</p> - -<p>This important office entails great physical exertion -on the part of the bees, and they relieve each other in -detachments.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">- 250 -</span></p> - -<p>Fine colonies are sometimes destroyed by the entrance-way -becoming stopped by some impediment or other, -and care is requisite to keep a watch, that so fatal a -catastrophe does not happen, because the bees (<i>unless -where very ample ventilation is given</i>), excited by their -imprisonment, make matters worse, by raising the temperature -of their hive to such a pitch, that the combs -melt from their foundations, and the bees themselves are -suffocated, presenting, alas! a most woful spectacle to -witness.</p> - -<p>We give this hint because, having ourselves suffered -from a similar cause when workmen have been employed -in the vicinity of hives, these gentlemen, thoughtless -of the welfare of the bees, but most careful of their -own convenience, placed a piece of wood across, or -otherwise stopped, the entrances, to prevent the bees -coming out. In <i>summer weather</i> a very short time of -confinement in a close hive suffices to complete the work -of desolation; but should the bee-keeper's attention be -drawn to such a state of things, he must immediately -raise the hive from its floor-board, and let the poor -bees have all the air possible, leaving them thus exposed -for the purpose of affording them a chance of revival. -When bees are likely to incommode those whose duties -temporarily oblige them to be near the entrances, it is -better to move the hives a few paces (for less loss will -be experienced), or else let the workmen cover their -faces with net. The foregoing remarks more particularly -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">- 251 -</span> -apply to the summer season. In winter or in -the spring, when the weather is cool and the bees are -not so numerous, hives may be shut up even for a day -or so without much <i>ventilation</i>, and but little harm will -arise therefrom.</p> - -<p>When we send away stocks or swarms, we are always -careful to pack them so as to allow of a full current of air, -in order that they may travel even in the hottest weather.</p> - -<p>Some bee-keepers find an adapting-board convenient -for placing underneath straw supers, as it facilitates their -removal. These boards are made of mahogany half -an inch thick, with a hole in the centre corresponding -with that in the stock-hive. We do not consider it necessary -to fix cross sticks in the straw stock-hives, as is -frequently done; but if the apiarian prefers to have his -hives so furnished, there is no serious objection to it. -These observations refer to our cottager's hive -(<a href="#Page_80">page 80</a>).</p> - -<p>There is another little matter of detail that should be -named here; that is, the necessity of the bee-keeper -always having a common hive in readiness near the -bees, so as to be able to secure any swarm which may -unexpectedly start.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Here our pleasant task must close. 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 observations. By way of -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_252">- 252 -</span> -illustrating the two characters combined, we will quote -another simple idyll, by the German bee-keeper, Herr -Braun, whose winter musings we have already presented -to the reader:—</p> - - -<h3 id="FIRST_FLIGHT">ON THE FIRST FLIGHT OF BEES IN SPRING.</h3> - -<h4>[<i>From the German of</i> Adalbert Braun.]<br /> - -<span class="smcap">By "A Devonshire Bee-keeper."</span></h4> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Hark! what is so gaily humming</div> - <div class="verse indent2">In the little garden there?</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Hark! what is so briskly whizzing</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Through the still and silent air?</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Friend, it is our bees—the darlings—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Now enliven'd by the spring;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Yes, the winter is departed,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">And once more they're on the wing.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Happy he, who winter's perils</div> - <div class="verse indent2">All his stocks brings safely through;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Thank Him, of all good the Giver—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Faithful Watchman He, and true.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Of my own are none departed,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">All as yet unhurt remain;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Though no longer rich in honey,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Yet is spring returned again!</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Come, and let us view them nearer—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Enter by the garden gate;—</div> - <div class="verse indent0">So—stand still and watch their doings—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Light your pipe, and patient wait.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_253">- 253 -</span> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">See how busily they traverse</div> - <div class="verse indent2">To their pasturage and back,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">That they may by toil unwearied</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Save the commonwealth from wrack.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Look, O look, what loads of pollen</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Bring they in with heedful care.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Nurslings, fear not; for your cravings</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Here's sufficient and to spare.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">How they dart and how they hurtle</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Through the genial balmy air!</div> - <div class="verse indent0">To the mountains—to the meadows—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">'Tis the scent attracts them there.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">There they dexterously rifle</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Nectar from each flow'r in bloom.</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Toil they for our honey-harvest,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">For us fill the honey-room.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Yes, our bees, our darling darlings,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">We salute you all to-day;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">For your life is our enjoyment—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Winter's sleep has pass'd away.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Grant prosperity, O Heaven!</div> - <div class="verse indent2">To the new-born honey-year—</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Give thy favour—give thy blessing—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">To these objects of our care.</div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Now let each attentive guardian</div> - <div class="verse indent2">In devoted service strive</div> - <div class="verse indent0">For the proud, the matron-monarch—</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Sov'reign of the honey-hive.</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_254">- 254 -</span> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">So that we may learn by watching</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Who that in the noon-tide glance,</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Or in midnight's darkest moments,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Summons her to Hymen's dance.<a id="FNanchor_29" href="#Footnote_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a></div> - </div> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">Ev'ry bee-hive calls for patience,</div> - <div class="verse indent2">Whilst great Haller's lessons teach</div> - <div class="verse indent0">Without patience Nature's secrets</div> - <div class="verse indent2">None successfully can reach.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class="tdr"> -<span class="smcap">T. W. Woodbury</span>, <i>Mount Radford, Exeter</i>.<br /> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_29" href="#FNanchor_29" class="label">[29]</a> This point cannot now be considered doubtful, but it must -be remembered that Herr Braun's verses were written twenty -years ago.</p> - -</div> - -<p>In conclusion, we would remind all bee-keepers who -earnestly desire success, and who hope to draw pecuniary -profit from their pursuit, of the golden rule in bee-keeping:—"Keep -your stocks strong." In exercising -the assiduous attention and persevering effort which that -maxim enjoins, they will not only be regarded as, <i>bee-keepers</i>, -but, as Mr. Langstroth says, will acquire a right -to the title of <i>bee-masters</i>.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page254" style="width: 178px;"> - <img src="images/page254.png" width="178" height="57" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_255">- 255 -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 406px;"> - <img src="images/pref1ed.png" width="406" height="78" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="APPENDIX">APPENDIX.</h2> -</div> - - -<h3>TESTIMONIALS OF THE PRESS.</h3> - -<hr class="tb" /> - - -<h4>GREAT EXHIBITION, 1851.</h4> - -<div class="textleft" style="width: 53px;"> - <img src="images/letter_t.png" width="53" height="53" alt="T" /> -</div> - -<p class="p0">HE "Working Apiary" in the Great Exhibition of 1851 -will long live in the remembrance of the many thousand -visitors who witnessed with much interest the matchless -industry of its busy occupants.</p> - -<p>We extract the following from many notices that appeared in -the public journals relative thereto.</p> - -<p>In noticing the hives exhibited in the Crystal Palace, I would -say, first and foremost, in my opinion, stands Mr. Taylor's -Eight-bar Hive and Messrs. Neighbour, and Son's Improved -Cottage Hive, both exhibited by Messrs. Neighbour.—<i>J. H. -Payne, see "Cottage Gardener," Nos. 169, 170.</i></p> - -<p class="tdc"><i>From the "Illustrated London News."</i></p> - -<p>Messrs. Neighbour's Apiary consists of a large glass case, -with parts of the sides covered with perforated zinc for the sake -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_256">- 256 -</span> -of ventilation. This apiary contains three hives: first, Neighbour's -Ventilating Box-Hive, containing from 15,600 to 20,000 -bees, which were hived on the 30th of April of the present year, the -day before that of the opening of the Great Exhibition; Neighbour's -Observatory Glass-Hive, containing about the same -number as the box-hive; and a two-storied square box-hive, -with sloping roof. From this latter, however, the bees decamped -within a week after they had been hived, owing to some disturbance, -or perhaps to the dislike taken by the bees to their new -habitation. The Ventilating Box-Hive is in shape square, having -windows and shutters. The entrance is at the back, enabling the -bees to go to Kensington Gardens, or other resorts, when they -please. Above the wooden box is placed a bell-glass, into which -the bees ascend to work through a circular opening in the top of -the square box. In the top of the bell-glass is an aperture, through -which is inserted a tubular trunk of perforated zinc to take off the -moisture from within. The Observatory Hive is of glass, with a -superior crystal compartment, an opening being formed between -the two; the bees are at present forming a comb in this upper -glass, which affords a very interesting sight, as, generally speaking, -the bees are in such a cluster when at work, that one can -scarcely view their mathematically-formed cells. A straw cover -is suspended over the upper compartment by a rope over a pulley, -which cover is raised up by the attendant at pleasure. The larger -or bottom compartment rests on a wooden floor, which has a -circular groove sinking therein to receive the bell-glass. A landing -place projecting, as usual, with sunken way, to enable the -bees to pass in and out of their habitation, completes this contrivance.</p> - -<p>In addition to Mr. Neighbour's Crystal Apiary, he also -exhibits a Cottager's Straw Hive, Taylor's Amateur Bee-Hive, -a Glass Hive, Nutt's Patent Collateral Hive, the Ladies' -Observatory Hive, Neighbour's Improved Cottage Hive, and -Payne's Cottage Hive.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_257">- 257 -</span></p> - -<p>The Cottager's Hive is simply that of the form we find in use -in most parts of the country, where the industrious cottagers or -their wives, by a little attention to their interesting little labourers, -are enabled to add something to their usually scanty earnings. -This kind of hive is usually made of straw, resting on a circular -wooden board, with part of the board or floor projecting in front -as a landing-place for the bees, which enter under the edge of the -straw by means of a sinking in the floor.</p> - -<p>Taylor's Amateur's Bee-Hive consists of three small square -boxes, one above another, with a roof over the top story, the ventilation -being effected by perforations under the eaves; each side -of every story has a window and shutter. The landing-place is -in front of the bottom story, and the entrance to the hive is a -long slit about three-quarters of an inch high.</p> - -<p>The Glass Hive, or Ladies' Observatory Hive, is similar to that -in which the bees are at work in Mr. Neighbour's Apiary -already mentioned, but on account of the number of bees at work -therein, and the extent of comb already effected, the interior -perches cannot be seen. These wooden perches are arranged in -parallel lines, leaving a space next the glass all round, the whole -being framed together with a bar at right angles, and resting on -an upright support in the middle.</p> - -<p>The Improved Cottage Hive of the same exhibitor consists of a -straw circular lower compartment, having windows and outside -shutters. A thermometer is placed just inside one of the windows. -The floor is of wood, with a landing-place and sunken way, as -already mentioned in some of the other hives. In the top, which -is also of wood, are three circular perforations, each of about two -inches in diameter, above which are placed as many bell-glasses. -There is a small hole in the top of each of the glasses, through which -a perforated tubular trunk is inserted for the sake of taking off the -moisture from the interior of the hive. Within the glass is a feeding-trough -of zinc, circular in shape, with a floating perforated floor, -on which the bees alight, and in the winter season regale themselves -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_258">- 258 -</span> -with the honey which is found in the various perforations, -as it floats up to the level of the honey contained in the small -filling-trough, through which the honey, or beer and sugar, is -poured. The glasses are covered with a straw cap, removable at -pleasure.</p> - -<p>Messrs. Neighbour's contributions are completed with tin -perforated fumigators, by the use of which the bees are stupefied -for a while, when required to be moved from one hive to another, -and specimens of honey and honeycomb of the season 1850.</p> - -<p class="tdc"><i>From the "Express."</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bees and Bee-Hives.</span>—In the North-East Gallery, directly -under the Transept, are arranged, by Messrs. Neighbour, of -Holborn, several descriptions of bee-hives, which it will be interesting -to many of our readers to examine, as this branch of -rural economy is claiming much general and deserved attention -throughout the country. The novelty of these hives consists in -the facilities that are afforded in taking therefrom, at any time of -the gathering season, the purest honey, without destroying or -even injuring the bees, thus humanely superseding the barbarous -and hateful system of murdering these interesting insects to obtain -the produce of their industry.</p> - -<p>Immediately adjoining the group of untenanted bee-hives may -be observed living hives with the bees most industriously at work. -These useful little creatures have been highly honoured by the -Executive Committee, for of all the animal workers that contribute -to the interest of the Exhibition, they alone are allowed -therein to display their matchless ingenuity and skill. By a -simple contrivance, the bees are allowed egress and ingress without -in the least degree molesting the visitors, thus enabling the -admirers of the works of nature to view the whole process of -forming the cells and depositing the honey therein.</p> - -<p>Within these few days, Messrs. Neighbour have added to the -Apiary a bee-hive constructed entirely of glass, protected by a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_259">- 259 -</span> -cover neatly made of straw, but so contrived that on application -to the attendant it can be removed instantly, thus illustrating more -particularly the curious workmanship of these amusing insects.</p> - -<p>Her Majesty the Queen and the Prince Consort, with the -Royal Children, were some time engaged in watching with deep -interest the busy scene before them, and putting many questions -relating to the habits and economy of the honey-bee.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - - -<h4>INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, 1862.</h4> - -<p class="tdc"><i>From the "Illustrated London News," August 16, 1862.</i></p> - -<p>One of the most interesting and instructive objects in the -Exhibition is a transparent hive, in which the bees may be seen -at full work. Among the collection of bee-hives exhibited by -Messrs. Neighbour and Son, is one of glass, stocked with a colony -of Italian Alp bees. Here the queen-bee may be seen surrounded -by her subjects, which pay the most deferential attention to their -sovereign. Through an aperture cut in the wall, the busy throng -of bees are continually passing and repassing. They go out at -their pleasure into the open court, fly over the annexe into the -grounds of the Horticultural Society and other adjacent gardens, -and return laden with sweets.</p> - -<p class="tdc"><i>From the "Journal of Horticulture," October 21, 1862.</i></p> - -<p>G. Neighbour, and Sons, 149, Regent Street, and 117, Holborn, -No. 2157, have a very handsome and complete stall, on -ascending the steps of which we found a flourishing stock of -Ligurians, apparently not at all ashamed of the public position -which they occupied, and working vigorously in the full light of -day. The queen, one of the largest and finest-coloured we have -met with, was perambulating the combs and receiving the homage -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_260">- 260 -</span> -of her subjects, stopping frequently to deposit an egg in every -empty cell. The hive itself was a "Woodbury Unicomb," -handsomely got up in mahogany, invented, as its name implies, -by our valued correspondent, "A Devonshire Bee-keeper," the -construction of which will be readily understood by an inspection -of the engraving at <a href="#Page_102">page 102</a>. Its distinctive features are -the adaptation of the movable-bar system to unicomb-hives, by -which any colony in an apiary of "Woodbury hives" can be -placed in the unicomb-hive in a few minutes, and the use of -"outside venetians," or "sun-blinds," as they are called, instead -of the usual impervious shutters. By this contrivance light is -never excluded, so that when the hive is open for inspection, all -its inmates continue their avocations with their accustomed regularity, -and a quiet and orderly scene is presented to the spectator -instead of the hubbub and confusion which ensues in ordinary -unicomb-hives. On the left-hand side of the unicomb hangs a -beautifully-executed drawing of a Ligurian queen-bee magnified, -together with the queen-worker and drone of <i>Apis Ligustica</i>, of -the natural size. Immediately under the drawing is placed a -square glass super, containing nearly forty pounds of the finest -honeycomb. On the right of the unicomb-hive is another super -of the same description, containing nearly thirty pounds of the -purest honey. These supers are, undoubtedly, by far the finest -in the Exhibition, and are the first worked in England by Ligurian -bees, being from the apiary of "A Devonshire Bee-keeper." -In addition to these, the most striking objects, are shown Neighbour's -Improved Single Box and Cottage Hives, Taylor's Bar-Hives, -Woodbury Frame and Bar-hives, the new Bottle-feeder, -and bee apparatus of every description. It will be apparent from -the foregoing, that Messrs. Neighbour's stall is well worth -inspection, although the various novelties it contains appear to -have met with but scant appreciation by the Jury, who merely -awarded to them that "honourable mention" so lavishly accorded -to far less deserving objects.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_261">- 261 -</span></p> - -<p class="tdc"><i>From the "Illustrated News of the World" September 6, 1862.</i></p> - -<p>One of the most interesting and instructive objects is the honey-bee -at full work in transparent hives. In the International Exhibition, -Class 9, Eastern Annexe, Messrs. Neighbour and -Son of Holborn and Regent Street, exhibit, amongst a collection -of the most approved bee hives and apparatus, a glass hive, stocked -with a colony of Italian Alp bees. The hive is so constructed as -to admit of easily seeing the queen surrounded by the working -bees. Contrary to the long-established notion that the bees work -only in the dark, this hive is completely open to broad daylight. -The bees do not manifest the least dislike to the exposure, and -they are not discomfited when light is occasionally admitted for -inspecting them. 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 case. -The queen may be seen depositing the eggs in the cells; in this -manner she goes on multiplying the species, the working-bees -surrounding her, and paying the most deferential attention, with -their heads always towards her. Not the least interesting part -is to watch the entrance; facility is afforded for doing so, the -sunken way communicating with the hive being covered with -a flat piece of glass. The busy throng pass and repass through -the aperture cut in the wall, so that the bees go out at -their pleasure into the open court, fly over the Annexe into the -Horticultural and other adjacent gardens, and return laden with -crystal sweets gathered from the flowers. The novelty of being -able to inspect living bees, and those of a new variety, as easily -as goods in a shop window, will well repay the trouble of finding -Messrs. Neighbour's stand. These gentlemen will no doubt -cheerfully give any information that may be required.</p> - -<p class="tdc"><i>From the "Gardener's Weekly Magazine," September 1, 1862, -Conducted by Shirley Hibberd, Esq., F.R.H.S.</i></p> - -<p>Neighbour and Son, 149, Regent Street, London (2157).—This<span class="pagenum" id="Page_262">- 262 -</span> -is the most important of the exhibitions in this department. -The "bees at work" are in hives open to the inspection of visitors, -the bees passing out through tubes to the open air, and not being -visible within the building, except through the glass of the hives; -The collection of hives of all kinds is complete and interesting, and -we subjoin a figure of the stand (see <a href="#Page_102">page 102</a>) to show how bees -as well as hives may be exhibited conveniently. Amongst the -various contrivances exhibited by Messrs. Neighbour, Nutt's Collateral -Hive has an important place, and though very fancifully -got up, and therefore very attractive to amateur bee-keepers, we -must make the same objection to it as we have above to other -forms of the same from different makers. The Single-box Hive, -the Taylor's Shallow Eight-bar Hive, are the best bee-boxes in -this collection, and every way admirable. Here are no fancy -ventilators which the bees will close up, nor provoking side -boxes which they will hesitate to enter, and from which it will be -hard to dislodge them in order to get them to winter in the -"pavilion." Whoever begins bee-keeping with either of these -will have a fair chance of success. The most popular of the -hives is that called the "Improved Cottage." Its popularity, no -doubt, is due to the compromise between wood and straw which it -accomplishes. People cannot get rid of the idea that a bee-hive -<i>must</i> be made of straw, though it is a material so ill-adapted for -union of swarms, supering, and other operations of advanced bee-culture. -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 system." It consists -of stock-hive, small super-hive, and straw cover, and is on the -principle of Payne's, which, has been most successful among -country-people who have got so far as to prefer keeping to killing -their bees. The "Woodbury Bar and Frame Hive" is a -novel construction, combining all the best features of the best bar -boxes, and adding some new ones of great value and importance. -We recommend every bee-keeper to become possessed of this -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_263">- 263 -</span> -admirable contrivance, with which Mr. Woodbury has accomplished -wonderful things in the multiplication of the new race of -Ligurian bees. In general form and proportions it resembles -Taylor's and Tegetmeier's boxes, but in the arrangement of the -bars it is unique. The stock-box is furnished with ten movable -bars and frames, after the German plan. Each bar has a projection -running along the under side; this ridge is chosen by the -bees for the foundation of combs, rendering guide-combs unnecessary. -The supers have glass sides and eight bars, so that the -operator need never be in doubt when to add another box above, -or take away the harvest.</p> - -<p>The "Unicomb," or one-comb observatory hive, is intended -solely for purposes of observation, and though furnished with -doors to keep up a uniform degree of heat, Messrs. Neighbour -have found in their experience at the Regent's Park Gardens and -elsewhere, that the bees manifest no dislike to a continual exposure -to light. As this elegant contrivance can be placed in the -window of a drawing-room, it is adapted to the amusement and -instruction of the family circle, as well as to the more serious -objects of the entomologist and scientific apiarian. All that is -necessary is to connect the outlet with the open air by means of a -length of tubing or wooden tunnel, and the bees pass in and out -without obtaining access to the room, and all the mysteries of -the hive are open to daily observation. There are numerous -other hives, bee-feeders, bee-armour, &c., &c., which we have -not space to notice, but which we advise our apiarian friends to -inspect, as the collection of Messrs. Neighbour illustrates fully -every department of this interesting subject.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_264">- 264 -</span></p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - - -<h4>BATH AND WEST OF ENGLAND AGRICULTURAL SHOW AT EXETER, IN JUNE, 1863.</h4> - -<p class="tdc"><i>From the "Journal of Horticulture" June 23, 1863.</i></p> - -<p>A novel feature in the Exhibition of the Bath and West of -England Agricultural Society, which took place at Exeter list -week, was the stall of Messrs. Neighbour and Sons, in which -were exhibited bees at work in glass hives, and apiarian appliances -of every description. There were two Ligurian stocks of -bees at full work, one in a full-sized Woodbury Unicomb Hive, -having been brought from London For the occasion, and the -other a smaller hive of the same description, being from the -neighbouring apiary of our valued correspondent, "A Devonshire -Bee-keeper." Amongst the hives exhibited, the Woodbury -Frame Hive in straw appeared both novel and good, whilst -amongst the apparatus, artificial combs, and the stereotyped -plates for making them, seemed to us the most worthy of attention.</p> - -<p>There was a remarkably curious specimen of artificial combs, -or partition wall, partially fabricated into complete comb by the -bees, which struck us as being well worth examination, showing, -as it did, the various stages by which this transformation is -effected, and being calculated to throw light on the problem as -to the mode in which bees construct their combs. It is almost -unnecessary to state that this unique and instructive stall was -crowded throughout the week, and we hope its financial results -were such as will lead Messrs. Neighbour to continue their -attendance at the Society's meetings.</p> - -<p class="tdc"><i>From the "Western Times" Exeter, June 12, 1863.</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">For the Little Busy Bee.</span>—Next to the poultry tents, -and set back against the yard fencing, is the exhibition of -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_265">- 265 -</span> -Messrs. George Neighbour and Sons, 127, High Holborn, and -149, Regent Street, London, inventors and manufacturers of -improved bee-hives for taking honey without the destruction of -the bees. The savage knows where to find the nest of the wild -bee, and how to get at his honey; but all the improvement upon -the covetousness of the savage made by the long after ages of the -world to modern times, was to find the means of luring the -pattern of industry to a convenient atelier, where he might be -more easily first murdered and then robbed. Their habits early -attracted the attention of some of the best observers of ancient as -well as modern times. Cicero and Pliny tell of the philosopher -Hyliscus quitting human society, and retiring to the desert to contemplate -their peaceful industry. The ancient poet, in his <i>Sic vos -vobis</i>, plaintively sings over bee and beast living, or rather dying, -not for themselves, but the lord of creation, yet was it left to -modern times—very modern times—to join the sentiment of -humanity to the rapacity of the barbarian. Mr. 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 bee, and also -subsidiarily of promoting its comfort during its busy and useful -life. We are not allowed to forget here that we have residing in -our city one of the first apiarians in the kingdom—Mr. Thomas -Woodbury, of Mount Radford. If the bee-philosophy be his -hobby, 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 object. One proof of -his genius in this his favourite department of action, is seen -among this collection of Mr. Neighbour's, in the "Woodbury -Unicomb Hive." It might be, when closed up, for aught that -appears, a neat case of books; but on opening two doors of the -Venetian blind pattern, back and front, we see between the glass -walls the insect city exposed to view, with all the population in -action. There it may be seen</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_266">- 266 -</span></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"How skilfully she builds her cell;</div> - <div class="verse indent2">How neat she spreads her wax;</div> - <div class="verse indent0">And labours hard to store it well</div> - <div class="verse indent2">With the sweet food she makes."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="p0">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 work. "Neighbour's Unicomb -Observatory Hive" is a great novelty, being constructed with -glass slides, the hidden mysteries of the hive being exposed to -the full light of day. "Huber's Book or Leaf Hive" is constructed -to facilitate the object of the scientific apiarian. But the -class of hives which will most interest those desirous of promoting -bee-keeping among the many will be those for the cottage. There -can be no doubt that many a poor cottager in the country, if he -could be made to see the advantage it would be to him, and were -taught the most economical and successful way of managing this -species of "live stock," would add thereby something considerable -to his small earnings in the course of a summer. Members -of Cottage Garden Societies have turned their attention to it very -generally; but to get the thing well afloat, requires in every -district the devotion of some earnest enthusiast who will take up -the apostolic rule of action "This one thing I do." There is -the No. 5 "Improved Cottage Hive," in which three bell -glasses are employed, enabling you to take a glass of the purest -honey from the hive in the most vigorous period of the season. -Then there are other hives of simpler construction and less expensive, -but all illustrative of the sentiment of humanity which seeks -to preserve from wanton destruction those useful and interesting -auxiliaries to our luxury and comfort. This comparatively unimportant -stand, in point of size, cannot but attract the attention -of a large number of visitors, especially of the ladies and the -clergy, who are desirous of promoting the cultivation of the bee -among the poor. To heighten the interest for the curious, in -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_267">- 267 -</span> -one of Mr. Woodbury's hives the bees are all alive and at it, -and for those who are disposed to go further into the subject, -information is available touching this fashionable, profitable, -and domesticated member of the apiarian family, the Ligurian -or Italian Alp bee. Our old dark-coated delver is threatened -with supercession, just as the black rat was driven off by the -Norwegian invader, now in possession,—as the old races of cattle -are being metamorphosed in the sleek, shapely, beef-bearing, -small-boned animals of the present time.</p> - -<p class="tdc"><i>From the "Devon Weekly Times" June 12, 1863,</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bees.</span>—Messrs. Neighbour & Sons, of London, are exhibitors -of two Woodbury Unicomb Hives, showing the royal -and common bees in full work. These hives are very ingeniously -constructed, and were invented by Mr. T. Woodbury, of Mount -Radford. Among other apiarian attractions, we may mention -the improved Cottage and Cottager's Hives, which are well -worthy the notice of those for whom they are designed, and the -Ladies' Observatory Hive. The Messrs. Neighbour also exhibit -Ligurian bees.</p> - - -<p class="tdc"><i>From "Woolmer's Exeter Gazette" June 12, 1863.</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Improved Bee-Hives.</span>—At a stand near the poultry tents -are exhibited Neighbour's Improved Bee-hives for the taking -of honey without the destruction of bees. The hives are stocked -with the famous Ligurian bee. The Unicomb Observatory -Hive is constructed with glass sides, so that the whole of the -movements of the Apiarian colony are visible, including the proceedings -of the queen and her court. This and some of the -other descriptions of hives manufactured by Messrs. Neighbour -are invented by T. W. Woodbury, Esq. They are furnished -with movable bars, after the German fashion. Each bar has a -projection along the underside; this ridge being waxed, induces<span class="pagenum" id="Page_268">- 268 -</span> -the bees to build parallel combs, thus obviating the necessity for -a guide-comb. This description of hive is best suited for the -Ligurian or Italian Alp bee. Stocks of this species, now so -much in repute, may be obtained of Messrs. Neighbour, 149, -Regent Street, London.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - - -<h4>ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW, NEWCASTLE, 1864.</h4> - -<p class="tdc"><i>From the "Northern Daily Express" July 22 (published at -Newcastle).</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">A Model Factory.</span>—Stand 194.—G. Neighbour and -Sons, Regent Street, and High Holborn, London. We have -heard of model farms and model lodging-houses for the working -classes, but it was reserved for the Royal Agricultural Society's -Meeting in 1864 to introduce to our notice a model factory, -where we may see representatives of the working classes busily -engaged in their daily avocations. The stand which we have -quoted above may afford fruitful study to such philanthropists as -the Earl of Shaftesbury, who make it their benevolent aim to -elevate the masses, and the lesson here given from actual life will -not be lost upon working men themselves. There are several -striking features worthy of notice in the "model factory." We -can clearly perceive that it has been established on a principle -which is essential to the success of any great concern—namely, -the principle of a good understanding amongst the operatives -themselves, and between them and the head of the establishment. -What strikes us in this model factory is the unity of action which -reigns throughout. There is no jostling of rival interests, and -no misunderstandings or cross purposes. The operatives in this -establishment are so numerous that we question if any one has as -yet been able to count their number, and yet all seem to be -working in perfect harmony, their joint labour continually leading -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_269">- 269 -</span> -to one beautiful and sublime result. Another feature specially -noticeable in the establishment in question is the principle of -subordination. Singular to say, that while the operatives are -males<a id="FNanchor_30" href="#Footnote_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a>, the foreman of this model factory is a female; but that -circumstance need not shock the sensibilities of our fair friends -any more than it ought to offend the prejudices of the sterner sex, -inasmuch as the mighty empire of Great Britain is ruled by the -gentle hand of a female; and moreover, in the one case as in the -other, the presiding genius, amid all her official cares and duties, -takes care to preserve the modesty of her sex. She never in the -slightest degree obtrudes herself needlessly on public observation, -and probably on that very account the respect shown to her by -her subjects is the more profound and devoted. There is, however, -one particular in which we would take leave to demur to -the idea of this factory being in every respect regarded as a -"model." We have not been able to discover that there is any -particular period of the day in which the operatives are allowed -to take refreshments. We, in England, have been accustomed -to regard the dinner-hour somewhat in the light of a sacred institution. -And if the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society -mean to set this up as a model institution, we are of opinion that -some explanation on this point is desirable. Indeed, we have not -been able to discover that the operatives in this establishment take -any refreshment whatever. If they do, it must be "on the sly," -vulgarly speaking. There is one peculiarity, however, which -must tend to popularize this institution, and which has sensed to -make it one of the most attractive objects on the show ground. -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 extent, and perhaps -wisely so. As you approach the door you see an intimation -In legible characters, "No admission except on business." This -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">- 270 -</span> -may be very proper, but it is rather tantalising. In the model -factory which we are now describing all the operations are open -to inspection. Every action is patent to the eye of the spectator. -This has been effected by a skilful contrivance, and it is this contrivance, -in fact, which has entitled the inventor to obtain a place -in the show ground for his model factory, which he describes by -the somewhat ambiguous term "a new implement." But our -readers may wish to learn what is the staple manufacture of this -wonderful workshop. We reply—"honey." The factory we -speak of is nothing more nor less than a bee-hive; or, to quote -from the catalogue, "An Unicomb Observatory Bee-hive," with -living Italian Alpine bees at full work; it was invented by T. -W. Woodbury, of Exeter, and is improved and manufactured -by the exhibitors. As implied by its name, this hive has one -comb, so that both sides are fully exposed to the light of day, -thus allowing of an easy inspection of the queen-bee, surrounded -by her retinue.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_30" href="#FNanchor_30" class="label">[30]</a> The reporter was in error as to the sex of the workers.</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - - -<h4>BEES AND BEE-HIVES AT THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL -SOCIETY'S MEETING AT PLYMOUTH.</h4> - -<p class="tdc"><i>From the "Journal of Horticulture" August 22, 1865.</i></p> - -<p>Living bees at work are always attractive, not only to bee-keepers, -but to the general public. Messrs. Neighbour and Sons' -exhibition formed no exception to this general rule, for their -stand was at all times densely crowded. The chief object of interest -was the Woodbury Unicomb Observatory Hive, in which -was a stock of Ligurian bees, with a very fine queen surrounded -by her yellow Italian subjects. Messrs. Neighbour also exhibited -a square Woodbury glass hive stocked with English bees, in -which the position of the bars and frames, with bees and combs, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_271">- 271 -</span> -could be very distinctly seen. Both these colonies were brought -from Mr. A. Neighbour's apiary, near London. The bees -obtained egress and ingress by means of a covered way nearly -three feet long, which appeared but little to inconvenience them, -whilst, being covered with glass, it added not a little to the -interest with which they were observed. In the wall of the shed -were small apertures, with alighting-boards fixed on the outside, -and although the public passed in crowds before these unprotected -entrances, no one was stung, nor were the bees themselves -interfered with or molested—a warning notice appended to the -outside being universally attended to, and a respectful distance -maintained.</p> - -<p>Amongst Messrs. Neighbour's collection were the Woodbury -Straw Bar-and-Frame, Neighbour's Improved Cottage, the -Ladies' Observatory, Cottager's, and many low-priced straw -hives on the improved system. The impressed wax sheets, with -specimens of combs partially worked therefrom, were interesting -and curious. The bottle-feeder, bee-dresses, india-rubber gloves, -and other apiarian appliances also received, and were worthy of, -much attention.</p> - -<p>By way of illustrating the fruits of the honey-harvest of the -present year, Messrs. Neighbour had a square super of fine white -honeycomb from the apiary of our esteemed correspondent, -Mr. Woodbury, and an octagon glass super from our valued -contributor, Mr. S. Bevan Fox, both of which admirable specimens -were most highly commended.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_273">- 273 -</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 410px;"> - <img src="images/page1.png" width="410" height="73" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDEX">INDEX.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="tdc"> -[ <a href="#A">A</a> ][ <a href="#B">B</a> ][ <a href="#C">C</a> ][ <a href="#D">D</a> ][ <a href="#E">E</a> ][ <a href="#F">F</a> ][ <a href="#G">G</a> ][ <a href="#H">H</a> ]<br /> -[ <a href="#I">I</a> ][ <a href="#J">J</a> ][ <a href="#K">K</a> ][ <a href="#L">L</a> ][ <a href="#M">M</a> ][ <a href="#N">N</a> ][ <a href="#O">O</a> ][ <a href="#P">P</a> ]<br /> -[ <a href="#Q">Q</a> ][ <a href="#R">R</a> ][ <a href="#S">S</a> ][ <a href="#T">T</a> ][ <a href="#U">U</a> ][ <a href="#V">V</a> ][ <a href="#W">W</a> ][ <a href="#Z">Z</a> ] -</div> - - -<table class="tblcont" style="width: 80%;" summary="index"> -<tr> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr smaller" style="width: 15em;">PAGE.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td id="A" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">A.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Acclimatising bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_213">213</a>, <a href="#Page_249">249</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Adapting-board</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_162">162</a>, <a href="#Page_183">183</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Age of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a>, <a href="#Page_11">11</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Anatomy of bees (Plates I and a), description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Anecdotes of,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_240">240</a>, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>, <a href="#Page_245">245</a>, <a href="#Page_246">246</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Anger of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_163">163</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Antennæ (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate I</a>)</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— act as a barometer</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Apiary, best time to set up an</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— exterior and interior of an</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_138">138</a>, <a href="#Page_139">139</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Artificial swarming</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_169">169</a>, <a href="#Page_182">182</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— time for</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_171">171</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Artificial comb</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_157">157</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Aspect</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_248">248</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Australia, sending bees to</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_213">213</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td id="B" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">B.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Baby-bee, cradle of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— emerging from the cell</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Bar, improved</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_90">90</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Bar and frame-hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_84">84</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— manipulation of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— advantages of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_168">168</a>, <a href="#Page_174">174</a>, <a href="#Page_178">178</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— changing after winter</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_178">178</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— recommended</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_243">243</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Bee-dress or protector</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_170">170</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— necessity for</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_165">165</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Bee-decoy, to attract swarms</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Bees live in society</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— lesson to man</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— young</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— cluster outside hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— peaceful whilst swarming</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— should not be fed in winter</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— tempted to rob</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— reduced size of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_168">168</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— at the International Exhibition of 1862</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_213">213</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— breath, human, obnoxious to</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— artificial scent ditto</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_190">190</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Bee-keeping in London</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_215">215</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— Zoological and Horticultural Gardens</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_221">221</a><span class="pagenum" id="Page_274">- 274 -</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Bee-keeping, profit arising from</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_239">239</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl" id="BEE_HIVES">Bee-hives (modern):—</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Huber's book or leaf hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Neighbour's cottager's:—</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_80">80</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Neighbour's improved cottage:—</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_68">68</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Care necessary to keep a good store of food</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_75">75</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Neighbour's improved cottage without window:—</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_76">76</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Neighbour's unicomb observatory:—</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Description and application of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_98">98</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Exhibited in Paris, 1855</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_101">101</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Prize medal</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_101">101</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Neighbour's single-box:—</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Description of and directions for</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_63">63</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Keep glass warm</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Nutt's collateral:—</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_51">51</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Taking surplus honey</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Stewarton hive:—</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_109">109</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Directions for management</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_112">112</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Nadir box, value of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Extra boxes required</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Taylor's improved cottage:—</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Taylor's amateur's eight-bar wood:—</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Stand for ditto</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_67">67</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Taylor's eight-bar straw</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Woodbury bar and frame:—</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_84">84</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Straw ditto</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Glass ditto</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Special advantages of straw</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_86">86</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Origin of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_86">86</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Manipulation with</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_157">157</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Super</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Putting on</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_162">162</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Woodbury Unicomb:—</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Construction of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> Modes of tenanting</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> How transferred to box-hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Bee-houses, advantage of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_123">123</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— engravings of houses to contain twelve hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_126">126</a>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— object of colouring alighting-boards</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— loss of queens</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Bee-house to contain nine hives, engraving</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_128">128</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Bell-glasses</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_133">133</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Bottle-feeder</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— directions for using</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_142">142</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Breathing of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td id="Brood" class="tdl">Brood, royal</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_175">175</a>, <a href="#Page_179">179</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— wire cover for (engraving of)</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="C" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">C.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Cells, contracted size of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_168">168</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Cells, royal, <i>see</i> <a href="#Brood">Brood</a>. - <span class="pagenum" id="Page_275">- 275 -</span></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Changing old stocks to new hives not to be attempted by inexperienced</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_183">182</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— old hives into humane ones</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_183">183</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— old stocks to frame-hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_184">184</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Classes for whom bee-keeping has interest</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Combs, value of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— must not be jarred</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_149">149</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— how fixed in frames</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl vtop">—— ensuring regularity of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_161">161</a>,<br /> - <a href="#Page_184">(<i>note</i>) 184</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— artificial, description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_151">151</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— how fixed in frames</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_160">160</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Compound bar-frame</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_91">91</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Cottagers, way to convince, of the humane system</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_139">139</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Cover for square hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— for round hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_81">81</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>, <a href="#Page_132">132</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Crown-board</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="D" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">D.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Dampness in hives in winter injurious</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_148">148</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Depriving system, special advantages of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Diseases of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_231">231</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Dividing hives, reason why they do not answer</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_173">173</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Driving bees, directions for</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_179">179</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Drone, description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Drones, massacre of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Dysentery</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_232">232</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="E" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">E.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Eggs of bees (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate 2, fig. 7</a>)</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— how made into queens</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— position in the hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— time hatching</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Engraved pressing roller</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_150">150</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Entrance to hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— stopped, danger therefrom</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_250">250</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Epitaph on brimstoned bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Evans, poet of the bees (note on)</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_4">4</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— 'poetry of,'</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_142">142</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Evening thoughts in January</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_129">129</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="F" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">F.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Feeding</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>, <a href="#Page_143">143</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Feet of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Food necessary (<i>note</i>)</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Foul brood</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_232">232</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Frames</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— should hang true</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_91">91</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— how kept perpendicular</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_91">91</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— manipulation with</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_157">157</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">French bishop, anecdote of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_240">240</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Fructifying flowers, bees useful for</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_194">194</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Fumigator box</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— tube</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_147">147</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="G" class="tdc" colspan="2"><span class="caption3nb">G.</span><span class="pagenum" id="Page_276">- 276 -</span><br /></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Gardeners ought to be bee-keepers</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_247">247</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">General remarks</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_238">238</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Glasses, bell</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_133">133</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— must be kept warm</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Guide-comb for glasses</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_135">135</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— for bars</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— <i>note</i></td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_161">161</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="H" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">H.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Hive should be ready for swarm</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_250">250</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Hives, <i>see</i> Bee-hives.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Hearing of bees, sense of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Honey-bag (<a href="#Plate_II">Plate II, figs. 1 and 2</a>)</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— way to drain from comb</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_230">230</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— cutters</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— dew</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_199">199</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Human breath obnoxious</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_147">147</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Huber (Francis), life of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_121">121</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="I" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">I.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Improved cottage-hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_68">68</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— comb-bar</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_90">90</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Impressed wax sheets</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_151">151</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Impregnation of queen</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_6">6</a>, <a href="#Page_13">13</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Increase of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">India-rubber gloves</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Insects, cleansing hives from</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Interchange of combs for strengthening weak hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_92">92</a>, <a href="#Page_168">168</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Italian Alp Bee (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate I, figs. 1, 2, 3</a>), not - all of them yellow</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_200">200</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— German bee-keeper's opinion</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_203">203</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— great honey-collecting powers</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_203">203</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— Hermann's book on</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_205">205</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— introduction into England</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_203">203</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— importation of queens unsuccessful in many instances</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_206">206</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— plan of uniting foreign queens to English stocks</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_207">(<i>note</i>) 207</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="J" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">J.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"><i>Journal of Horticulture</i>,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_208">208</a>, <a href="#Page_217">217</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="K" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">K.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Keeping bell-glasses warm</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— boxes</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="L" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">L.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Legs of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Ligurian honey-bee, <i>see</i> Italian Bee.</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Loyalty of bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_104">104</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="M" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">M.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Mortar not necessary for closing crevices</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_82">82</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Moths, how to prevent</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_228">228</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="N" class="tdc" colspan="2"><span class="caption3nb">N.</span><span class="pagenum" id="Page_277">- 277 -</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Neglect of bee-keeping</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Neighbour's hives, <i>see</i> Bee-hives.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">New bottle-feeder</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Number of eggs in the season</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Nutt's hive, <i>see</i> Bee-hives</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Nutt, Thos. (the late)</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="O" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">O.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Ornamental zinc cover</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_131">131</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="P" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">P.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Pasturage for bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_197">197</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— honey yielding flowers</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_198">198</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— wild flowers best</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_199">199</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Poison of sting</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Pollen, food for infant-bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_193">193</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— how collected</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_193">193</a>, <a href="#Page_194">194</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— brush (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate I, fig. 1, 2<i>b</i>.</a>)</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— basket, <a href="#Plate_I">2<i>b*</i></a>, description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_41">41</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Putting in super-hives and bell-glasses,</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_56">56</a>, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>,<br /> - <a href="#Page_79">79</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>, <a href="#Page_110">110</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Propolis, or bees' cement</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_195">195</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="Q" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">Q.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Queen (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate I, fig. 1</a>), description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_4">4</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— movements of, laying eggs</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Queen, marriage day</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_177">177</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— attachment of bees to</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— disrespect until fertile</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_8">8</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— jealousy of her rivals</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_8">8</a>, <a href="#Page_175">175</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— dismay of bees at loss of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— raised from worker</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— longevity of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— old one goes with first swarm</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— leaves the hive only in fine weather</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— in super-hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_83">83</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— loss of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>, <a href="#Page_174">174</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td id="R" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">R.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Roller, engraved pressing</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_150">150</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Robber-bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Royal brood</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_175">175</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td id="S" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">S.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Spiracles</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_41">41</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Spring, good time to commence bee-keeping</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Sprinkling bees</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_146">146</a>, <a href="#Page_165">165</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Stands for hives—</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— engravings</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— for Nutt's</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_84">84</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— Woodbury</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— Stewarton hive, <i>see</i> Bee-hives.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_278">- 278 -</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Sting of worker-bee, (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate II, fig. 4</a>)</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_189">189</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— queen</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_8">8</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Stocks, ventilated for travelling</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_251">251</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— why called so</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_162">162</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— best kept strong</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_117">117</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Stomach (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate II, figs, 1 and 2 <i>hh</i></a>)</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Supers, glass</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_133">133</a>, <a href="#Page_134">134</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— straw</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— for Woodbury hives, engraving</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_162">162</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Superstitions</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_245">245</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Swarming, usual time of year for</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— cause of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_22">22</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— agitation before</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— usual time of day for</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— desirable to prevent</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— consequence of a second flight of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— how to hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_28">28</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— means of preventing second flight</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— two sometimes depart from their<br /> - respective hives at same time, and mingle</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— care to prevent loss of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— time for removing</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— care to be exercised with</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_53">53</a>, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— first most valuable</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— second, cause of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— how to restore</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_30">30</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— premonitory symptoms of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td id="T" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">T.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Taking honey</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <a href="#Page_163">163</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Taylor's hives, <i>see</i> Bee-hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Thomson's "Seasons," extract from</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Thorax (<a href="#Plate_I">Plate II, fig. 1</a>)</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_40">40</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td id="U" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">U.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Unicomb hives</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_6">6</a>, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>, <a href="#Page_102">102</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td id="V" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">V.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Ventilation</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_51">51</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_249">249</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td id="W" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">W.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Wasps, how to prevent the increase of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_223">223</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— attack of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_225">225</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Water essential</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_200">200</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Weighing hives, importance of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_185">185</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— engraving of Salter's spring balance</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_186">186</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Wildman</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_215">215</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— marvellous feats of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_217">217</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Woodbury hives, <i>see</i> Bee-hives.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— super, <i>see</i> Supers.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Worker-bee, description of</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">—— number in a hive</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td id="Z" class="tdc caption3nb" colspan="2">Z.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">Zinc covers</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_131">131</a>, <a href="#Page_132">132</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_279">- 279 -</span></p> - - -<p class="caption3nb">NEIGHBOUR'S</p> - -<p class="caption2">IMPROVED BEE-HIVES,</p> - -<p class="tdc">FOR</p> - -<p class="tdc larger">TAKING HONEY WITHOUT THE DESTRUCTION OF THE BEES.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" id="page279" style="width: 388px;"> - <img src="images/page279.png" width="388" height="212" alt="" /> - <span class="smaller">DRAWINGS AND DETAILED LISTS FORWARDED ON RECEIPT<br /> - OF TWO POSTAGE STAMPS.</span> -</div> - -<table summary="data"> -<tr> - <td colspan="3"></td> - <td>£</td> - <td><i>s.</i></td> - <td><i>d.</i></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">1.</td> - <td class="tdl">Nutt's Collateral Bee-Hive</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">5</td> - <td class="tdr">5</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdc smaller" colspan="2">Stand for ditto, 16<i>s.</i></td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">2.</td> - <td class="tdl">Neighbour's Improved Single-box Hive</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">3</td> - <td class="tdr">3</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdc smaller" colspan="2">Stand for ditto, 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">3.</td> - <td class="tdl">Taylor's Shallow-box or Eight-bar Hive, complete with cover</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">3</td> - <td class="tdr">10</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdc smaller" colspan="2">Stand for ditto, 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">5.</td> - <td class="tdl">Neighbour's Improved Cottage Hive<span class="pagenum" id="Page_280">- 280 -</span></td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - <td class="tdr">15</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdc smaller" colspan="2">Stand for ditto, 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">6.</td> - <td class="tdl">An Improved Cottage Hive</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - <td class="tdr">8</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">7.</td> - <td class="tdl">The Ladies' Observatory or Crystal Hive. Price complete</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">2</td> - <td class="tdr">5</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">8.</td> - <td class="tdl">The Cottager's Hive</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">10</td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">9 </td> - <td class="tdl">& 10. Bee Feeders</td> - <td class="tdr">each <sup>5</sup>/<sub>.</sub> and</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">4</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">11 </td> - <td class="tdl">& 12. Fumigators</td> - <td class="tdr">each <sup>2</sup>/<sub>.</sub> and</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">2</td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">13.</td> - <td class="tdl">Honey Cutters</td> - <td class="tdr">per pair</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">5</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">14.</td> - <td class="tdl">Taylor's Improved Cottage Hive</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdc smaller" colspan="2">With Stand, £1. 10<i>s.</i></td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">15.</td> - <td class="tdl">Fountain Bee Feeder</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">18.</td> - <td class="tdl">Taylor's Eight-bar Straw Hive, complete</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">2</td> - <td class="tdr">12</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdc smaller" colspan="2">Stock Hive only, 15<i>s.</i></td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">19.</td> - <td class="tdl">Huber's Book or Leaf Hive</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">2</td> - <td class="tdr">5</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">20.</td> - <td class="tdl">Taylor's Unicomb Observatory Hive</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">3</td> - <td class="tdr">3</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">45.</td> - <td class="tdl">Woodbury Straw Bar and Frame Hive (Stock Hive)</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - <td class="tdr">5</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">46.</td> - <td class="tdl">Woodbury Unicomb Hive</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> - <td class="tdr">10</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdc smaller" colspan="2">Stand, 24<i>s.</i></td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">47.</td> - <td class="tdl">Common Cottager's Hive</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">5</td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">42.</td> - <td class="tdl">Woodbury Bar and Frame Hive, complete with outside<br /> - cover and super</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">3</td> - <td class="tdr">10</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdc smaller" colspan="2">Stand for ditto, 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">50.</td> - <td class="tdl">Stewarton Hive</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdc smaller" colspan="2">Floor-boards for ditto, 3<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">24.</td> - <td class="tdl">Taylor's Glass</td> - <td class="tdr">7<i>s.</i> and</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">4</td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Payne's ditto</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">3</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">25.</td> - <td class="tdl">Bell Glass</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">4</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">26.</td> - <td class="tdl"> "</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">2</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">27.</td> - <td class="tdl"> "</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">28.</td> - <td class="tdl"> " <span class="smaller">without knob and flat top to put on the table - inverted, price with lid</span></td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">4</td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">29.</td> - <td class="tdl">Zinc Cover</td> - <td class="tdr">each <sup>7</sup>/<sub>6</sub> and</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">15</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">30.</td> - <td class="tdl">Shallow Glasses (new shape)</td> - <td class="tdr">each <sup>5</sup>/<sub>6</sub> and</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">3</td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">31.</td> - <td class="tdl">Bee Dress and Protector</td> - <td class="tdr"><sup>5</sup>/<sub>.</sub>, by post</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">7</td> - <td class="tdr">4</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">37.</td> - <td class="tdl">Zinc Cover</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - <td class="tdr">1</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">38.</td> - <td class="tdl">Ornamental ditto</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">2</td> - <td class="tdr">5</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">39.</td> - <td class="tdl">Bee House to contain Two Hives</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">4</td> - <td class="tdr">4</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">40.</td> - <td class="tdl"> " " Twelve Hives</td> - <td class="tdr">£15. and</td> - <td class="tdr">19</td> - <td class="tdr">10</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">44.</td> - <td class="tdl">Bottle Feeder</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">2</td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">46.</td> - <td class="tdl">Engraved Pressing Roller</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">7</td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> - <td colspan="3"></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">49.</td> - <td class="tdl">Impressed Wax Sheets or Artificial Combs per dozen</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">50.</td> - <td class="tdl">India-rubber gloves</td> - <td>per pair</td> - <td class="tdr">0</td> - <td class="tdr">5</td> - <td class="tdr">6</td> -</tr> -</table> - - - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="transnote"> - -<p class="caption3nb">Transcriber Note</p> - - -<p>The Appendix ends on <a href="#Page_271">page 271</a>. However, the Index which begins two -pages afterward start at page 269. Therefore, the Index was renumbered -starting at 273. The item numbers for the Price List at the end of the -book are not in numerical order and there are some repeated numbers. No -attempt was made to correct this. On <a href="#Page_144">page 144</a>, the word "bee-keeper" -in the first line of "ZINC FOUNTAIN BEE-FEEDER" was changed to -"bee-feeder".</p> -</div> - - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE APIARY; OR, BEES, BEE-HIVES, AND BEE CULTURE (1866) ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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