152 DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 



One of the greatest wonders of the bee-hive is the mode in 

 which it is ventilated. Fresh air is no less necessary to bees 

 Fig. 52. tnan to human beings, and as 



no provision is made for its sup- 

 ply in the construction of their 

 dwelling, they secure it in this 

 way : " They arrange them- 

 selves in files along the bottom 

 of the hive. Those outside 

 place their heads toward the 

 entrance, and those within in 

 an opposite direction. When 

 thus stationed, they flap their 

 wings so rapidly that we can 

 GLASS HIVE, SHOWING THE ABBANGE- not see that they have any 



MENT OP COMB. wingg at alL Thig rap . d motion 



drives a current of air into the hive, to keep the honey and 

 comb cool." 



II. THE APIAEY AND HIVES. 



The situation selected for an apiary or bee-house should be 

 well sheltered from strong winds, and should not be near any 

 large sheet of water. The hives should face the south, the 

 east, or the southeast. They should be placed in a right line ; 

 and it is better to place them on shelves, one above another, 

 than in rows upon the ground. The distance between the 

 hives should be not less than two feet, and their height from 

 the ground about the same. Near the apiary should be some 

 small trees and shrubbery, on which swarms may alight ; but 

 large trees are objectionable. The grass should be frequently 

 mowed around the bee-house, to prevent dampness and destroy 

 the lurking-places of noxious vermin. 



Much difference of opinion exists in reference to the best 

 form and construction for a bee-hive, and many ingenious plans 

 have been offered by the inventive genius of our country for 

 their improvement. Some of these have peculiar excellences 



