68 



CHAPTER VI. 



OBSERVATORY BEEHIVE FOR PERMANENT USE. 



THERE are two kinds of observatory beehives. The 

 hive seen at flower shows, in which from one to 

 three frames of comb with bees are placed for a 

 few days on exhibition, is not suitable as a per- 

 manent home for the bees, as sufficient heat cannot 

 be maintained by them to hatch eggs and rear 

 brood except under very favourable conditions. 

 This form of hive is fully described in the next 

 chapter. 



The observatory hive forming the subject of this 

 chapter is a permanent home for the bees, special 

 provision being made for wintering, and tiering up 

 in the summer for gathering surplus honey. Ten 

 standard frames are used in the brood chamber, 

 and at the sides are flaps which may be opened so 

 that the bees may be observed through glass frames 

 in the inner shell of the hive. The outer flaps must 

 be kept closed except when the bees are examined, 

 or, having great objections to light, they will cover 

 the glass with propolis ; it is a good plan to place 

 a cushion of some thick material between the flaps 

 and the glass, especially in winter. 



To make the observatory hive, first prepare 

 pieces of red deal for the stand. Two side-pieces A 

 (Fig. 66), 2 ft. 3 in. long by 2j in. by Ij in., and two 

 cross-pieces B and c, 1 ft. 5j in. long by 2^ in. by 

 Ij in., will be required. Bevel off the front for the 

 alighting board as shown, and mortise the cross- 

 pieces into the sides. 



For the floor-board, prepare a piece of pine 1 ft. 

 6| in. by 1 ft. 6j in. by f in. thick, and in this sink 

 a recess 12 in. wide by | in. deep and sloping up 



