MINOR EQUIPMENT 25 



tried. A sheet of this material one-half to three-fourths inch 

 in thickness used as a lining for metal top covers not only pre- 

 vents the hive from becoming overheated in summer but absorbs 

 surplus moisture in winter, and also retains the heat of the 

 cluster. It bids fair to come into general use. Flaxboard should 

 only be used under a water-tight cover, as it will quickly absorb 

 any drip, and, if the cover leaks, will soon be ruined. 



Comb Bucket. — A comb bucket is a very useful article 

 in even a small apiary (Fig. 15). It is a convenient way to carry 

 a few combs when making nuclei or equalizing brood. A tight- 

 fitting cover is an advantage when there is a tendency for robbers 

 to be prying into every opening. The one shown in the illus- 

 tration is of tin, but some bee-keepers make them at home, of 

 thin boards, which not being subject to rust will be more lasting. 



Observatory Hive. — Every bee-keeper should have an obser- 

 vatory hive for the purpose of becoming familiar with the habits 

 of the bees (Fig. 16). These hives are made with glass sides, 

 so that one can see what is going on inside. Some are made full 

 size, but as it will then be impossible to see the interior of the 

 brood nest, they are not very satisfactory. The most suitable is 

 the single frame observer, which can easily be made by anyone 

 handy with tools, or can be bought of any dealer in supplies. 



After the weather has become warm, a single frame of brood 

 and bees can be taken from any hive where it is desirable to 

 replace the old queen. She is taken with this frame and placed 

 in the observing hive, where the curious bee-keeper can see every 

 move, and spend many idle hours profitably in watching his pets. 

 The queen is thus easily observed while laying, the young bees 

 can be seen during all stages of their development, and the field 

 bees can be seen bringing in their loads of pollen and nectar and 

 depositing them in the proper place. 



This little colony will carry on all the usual activities in a 

 normal manner under the very eye of the bee-keeper. If desired 

 the little hive can be placed in the living room with an opening 

 through the sash, for the bees to go to and from the fields. 



