THE APIARY. 49 



the apiary be situated near to good pasturage, 

 such as clover, saintfoin, buckwheat, &c. better 

 still if in a garden well stocked with suitable 

 plants. 



It should be near the residence of the proprie- 

 tor, as well for the purpose of rendering the bees 

 tractable and well acquainted with the family, as 

 for affording a good view of their general proceed- 

 ings ; if it be so situated that its front may form 

 a right angle with the window of the family sit- 

 ting-room, an easy opportunity will be afforded 

 to watch the bustle of swarming. 



An out-door apiary should admit of being ap- 

 proached at the back part, to give an opportunity 

 of making observations on the proceedings of the 

 bees, or to perform any requisite operation upon 

 them. 



The hives should be placed upon separate 

 stands, supported by single posts or pedestals, be 

 raised from sixteen inches to two feet above the 

 ground, and be three or four feet from each other ; 

 and they should stand quite clear of any wall or 

 fence. 



The resting boards should project several 

 inches in front of the hives, that the bees may 

 have plenty of room to alight, when they return 

 home loaded from the fields, and should be screw- 

 ed down firmly to the tops of the stands, that the 

 D 



