THE BEE. 



resources of the bee are, however, the willow, hazel, osier, poplar, 

 sycamore, and plane ; to which may be added, the snow-drop, 

 crocus, white alyssum, laurustinus, orange and lemon trees, 

 gooseberry and currant and raspberry bushes, sweet marjoram, 

 winter-savory, thyme, and mint. In a word, fruit-trees and green- 

 house plants and shrubs in general, such especially as abound in 

 ornamental grounds, all constitute a part of bee-pasturage. 



" First the gray willows' glossy pearls they steal, 

 Or rob the hazel of its golden meal ; 

 While the gay crocus and the violet blue 

 Yield to the flexile trunk ambrosial dew. 



EVANS, quoted by SEVAN. 



An undulating country is highly favourable to the bee. 



190. The apiary should be near the dwelling-house, in the garden, 

 and in a position sheltered from unfavourable winds. The farm 

 and poultry-yard should be avoided, as well as too great proximity 

 to railways, forges, factories, bakehouses, workshops, and the like. 

 The bee loves tranquil spots, planted with ornamental shrubs 

 and fruit-trees, and sown with sweet flowers, such as mignonette, 

 thyme, mint, rosemary, &c. The aspect of the apiary may be 

 east, west, or south, according as the one or other affords best 

 shelter, but never north. 



191. The hives should be placed on separate stands, a few feet 

 apart, should be clear of any wall or fence, and elevated eighteen 

 inches or two feet above the ground. 



Hives are sometimes assembled together in the open air, 

 forming an out-door apiary, such as is shown in fig. 54, p.l, in 

 which case they are generally made of straw, and protected in cold 

 weather by straw roofs, but sometimes also formed of wooden 

 boxes, as shown in the figure. 



This arrangement, having the advantage of simplicity and 

 cheapness, is most commonly adopted, especially by those to whom 

 economy is important, and in warm climates where shelter is less 

 necessary. 



192. Under other circumstances bee-housss are much more 

 strongly recommended, as well for comfort and convenience as for 

 security. The bee-house, one form of which is shown in fig. 55, 

 p. 33, consists of two or more rows of shelves, established one 

 above the other, on which the hives are placed at distances of 

 from twelve to eighteen inches apart, so that the bee-doors shall 

 be from two to three feet asunder. The house should be thatched 

 not only on the roof but on the sides and ends. A passage should 

 be provided for approaching the hives behind, and windows in the 

 side for ventilation. 



193. A form called the Cabinet bee-house is shown in fig. 56, 

 98 



