122 THE BEE keeper's MANtJAL. 



with glass than wood, while the glass possesses some most 

 decided advantages over any other material. The hives are 

 lighter and more compact, than when made of doubled wood, 

 and can be more easily moved, while the Apiarian can grati- 

 fy his rational curiosity, and inspect at all times, the condition 

 of his stocks. The very interest inspired by being able to see 

 what they are doing, will go far to protect them from that 

 indifference and neglect, which is so often fatal to their 

 prosperity. The way in which I make my hives, not only 

 protects the bees against extremes of heat and cold, but it 

 guards them very effectually, against the injurious and often 

 fatal effects of condensed moisture. B)' means of my mov- 

 able frames, the combs are prevented from being attached 

 to the sides, top or bottom of the hive ; they are in fact, 

 suspended in the air. If now the dampness can be pre- 

 vented from condensing any where, over the bees, so that 

 it may not drip upon their combs, and if it can be easily 

 discharged from the hive wherever it may collect, it cannot, 

 under any circumstances, seriously annoy them. Such are 

 the arrangements in my hives, that but very little moisture 

 forms in them, and all that does, is deposited on the sides in 

 pf'eference to any other part of the interior ; just as it is 

 upon the colder walls or windows, rather than the ceiling of 

 a room. But as the combs are kept away from the sides, 

 this moisture cannot annoy the bees ; nor can it penetrate 

 the glass as it does unpainted wood or straw, thus causing a 

 more protracted dampness ; it must run down their smooth 

 surfaces, and fall upon the bottom-board, from whence it 

 can be easily discharged from the hive. By packing in 

 winter, the necessary amount of protection is secured for 

 the top and sides of the hive, and the very worst property 

 of glass, (its parting so rapidly with heat,) is changed into 

 one of the very best for the purposes of a bee-Jiive. I pre- 



