QUEEN CAGES. 



129 



material and projecting i-8th part all round as a flange, to 

 prevent slipping too far between the combs. The door of 

 wire forms the bottom of the 

 cage, and is opened and closed 

 by means of a wire passing 

 up either corner in front, and 

 wrought through the top. In 

 some there is a circular hole 

 on top with movable cover, 

 for introducing the Queen to 

 the cage. But to any, saving 

 the merest nervous novice, the 

 space between the wires at 

 bottom is amply sufficient for 

 the admittance of the royal 

 person. Some are circular 

 for bung-holes in common 

 straw skeps ; but I give the 

 preference to those of the flat form, as they fit the exact 

 space between the combs of any hive. Some, for ap- 

 pearance sake, are constructed of copper wire net ; and 

 some, to prevent the rusting of the iron wire, are 

 japanned ; but they could be made of galvanized wire. 



"Advantages. — From its thickness it fits the unvary- 

 ing width of space between the combs of all hives alike. 

 The flange portion on top, resting on the frames or bars, 

 prevents it slipping into the hive. In hives possessing 

 slides it is only necessary to divide a central one, draw- 

 ing the outer portion sufficiently to receive the cage. 

 The Queen is to be admitted to the cage through the 

 aperture between the central wires at bottom, while 

 the operator holds it inverted, with the door open, in his 

 left hand, the forefinger and thumb of which cuts off" 

 her retreat sideways ; she is then shut in, and the cage 



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