BEQTJISITBfl OF AN IMPROVED HIVE. 103 



lions. (See directions for transferring bees from an old 



hive.) 



30. It should allow of the easy and safe dislodgement of 



the bees from the hive. 



This requisite is especially important to secure the union 

 of colonies, when it becomes necessary to break up some of 

 the stocks. (See remarks on the Union of Stocks.) 



31. It should allow the heal and odor of the main hive, 

 as well as the bees themselves, to pass in the freest manner, 

 to the surplus honey receptacles. 



In this respect, all the hives with which I am acquainted, 

 are more or less deficient : the bees are forced ix> work in 

 receptacles difficult of access, and in which, especially in 

 cool nights, they find it impossible to keep up the animal 

 heat necessary for comb-building. Bees cannot, in such 

 hives, work to advantage in glass tumblers, or other small ves- 

 sels. One of ihe most important arrangements of my hive, is 

 that by which the heat ascends into all the receptacles for 

 storing honey, as naturally and almost as easily as the 

 warmest air ascends to the top of a heated room. 



32. It should permit the surplus honey to be taken away, 

 in the most convenient, beautiful and salable forms, at any 

 time, and without any risk of annoyance from the bees. 



In my hives, it may be taken in tumblers, glass boxes, 

 wooden boxes small or large, earthern jars, flower-pots ; in 

 short, in any kind of receptacle which may suit the fancy, 

 or the convenience of the bee-keeper. Or all these may 

 be dispensed with, and the honey may be taken from the 

 interior of the main hive, by removing the frames with 

 loaded combs, and supplying their place with empty ones. 



33. It should admit of the easy removal of all the good 

 honey from the main hive, that its place may be supplied 

 with an inferior article. 



