BEE-KEEPING. 



449 



the perforation correspond as nearly as possible with the bramble-splits, 

 which are to be drawn through them. The stitch-holes in the hoop should be 

 filled with putty after the hive is finished. The bars should be of the same 

 width, and placed at the same distances from each other as recommended for 

 the boxes ; and the top of the hive should be so constructed as to form a 

 rabbet for the ends of the bar to rest on. This is sometimes accomplished 

 by having a band of straw worked round the top exterior, and upon a level 

 with the usual finishing band, surmounting this with another round, corre- 

 sponding in diameter with the thickness of the bars, — namely, half an inch. This 

 obviates the necessity for stopping with cement as completely as the rabbet 

 of a wooden box, and gives a finished appearance to the hive, — the two bands 

 forming a cornice round it. The direction of the bars should always be from 

 front to back. Centre-boards and floors, with sunk entrances, will be equally 

 advantageous for storifying hives ; as for boxes, the outside covers should be 

 made of straw like round mats, wide enough to extend beyond the edges of 

 the hives. Those who wish glass windows in straw hives may accom- 

 plish this object by cutting through several of the bands of straw in two 

 places, three or four inches asunder. Mr. Golding effects this by thrusting* 

 two strong wooden skewers through the bands of the hive, a little further 

 apart than the desired width of his windows : these give such firmness to the 

 jjart, as to admit of the openings being cut with tolerable precision. The 

 windows are generally cut opposite the entrance, and about the centre ; but 

 they may be made at any part of the hive. The ends of the cut straw bands 

 may be secured by packthread, or softened flexible wire, the panes of 

 glass fastened with putty, and the light excluded by a wooden shutter or dark 

 curtain," 



1347. The cottager's hive, manufac- 

 tured by Messrs. Neighbour & Son, is a 

 valuable and cheap contribution to the 

 economy of the apiary. It consists of 

 three common hives, with floor-board, 

 and is recommended to those who are 

 desirous of putting their poorer neigh- 

 bours into the way of keeping bees on 

 the improved system. Another contri- 

 bution of Messrs. Neighbour & Son is 

 the improved cottage hive, represented 

 in the next page, where three bell-glasses 

 are in operation. It is neatly and strongly 

 made of straw, having a novel and rather 

 ornamental appearance, whether it is by 

 itself or arranged in rows. From each of 

 these glasses the purest honey can be 

 taken from time to time, at the most 

 vigorous period of the season, with great facility : it has three windows in 



2a 



COTTi.GEE S HIVB. 



