ASPECT SHELTER HIVES. 307 



and smooth wood also of this tree, is in constant 

 and general use with the carver, the turner, and 

 musical instrument maker. 



The APIARY should be fixed in a dry and sheltered 

 situation, and so far detached that it may be well de- 

 fended from every kind of vermin, the bee having 

 many enemies. A south-west aspect is recommended 

 by the elder apiarians, on the ground that, from the 

 south-east, the bees are disturbed too early, and 

 thence do not work so late in the evening, by which 

 they are losers. Whether the use or curiosity of this 

 idea predominate, I have not sufficient experience to 

 decide ; but certainly in some situations a S. W. as- 

 pect may be improper, and shelter from high winds 

 is at any rate indispensable. The apiary should not 

 stand contiguous to shrubs or plants of a height equal 

 to the entrance of the hives, which may impede the 

 flight of the bees heavily laden, on their return home : 

 nevertheless, low trees, shrubs, bushes, and espaliers, 

 close at hand, are necessary on which the swarms 

 may alight. The BEE-HOUSE or hives should be so 

 posited, that access may be had around them for the 

 purpose of detecting or removing any nuisance ; and 

 the ground should be kept free from weeds, or any 

 harbour of vermin, and in a state of perfect neatness, 

 in which the bees delight. Gravel walks and flower 

 borders, are the useful and ornamental features of the 

 apiary. 



HIVES either stand in a bee-house, box, or shed, or 

 under a thatched or other kind of roof. The STAND 

 on which the hive is placed, should always be kept 



