THE APIAKY OR BEE-GAEDEN. 63 



shock, and have to rest a oonsiderahio time, and perhaps 

 be driven down a second time. 



In the winter time a sunny spot is of greater advantage 

 to bees than it is in the summer; for when bees come out 

 for a dance and airing during the dark days of winter, 

 the rays of the sun prevent many that sit down to rest 

 from being chilled to death. Still, practically and experi- 

 mentally considered, the advantages of such sheltered 

 places are of small importance. If the pasture of the 

 neighbourhood be good, bees wUl do well wheresoever 

 placed. On the housetop and on the bleak hillside, un- 

 derneath the hedgerow and in the open field, we have 

 found them to thrive exceedingly. We have seen them 

 placed amid lofty houses, where they were compelled 

 to rise to their tops in short spiral turns, and drop down 

 about as perpendicularly as a bucket in a well, and yet, 

 in this position, collect from 4 lb. to 6 lb. per day, per 

 hive, in fine weather. An unfavourable position for an 

 apiary will not, we hope, prevent any of our readers from 

 keeping bees, for they have wits and ingenuity enough to 

 make the best of every position. A warm sheltered place 

 is, however, recommended for the home of bees. 



How far should hives be off the ground, and how far 

 asunder ? 



We think 8 inches above the ground is quite enough, 

 and most of our hives in summer are not more than . 

 i inches above the level of the ground. But why keep 

 them so near the ground 1 Is the health of the bees not 

 affected when placed near the earth ? Bees are as healthy 

 when placed 2 inches above the ground as when placed 

 20. If hives are raised 2 and 3 feet above the ground, 

 the bees, when heavily burdened, often miss the flight- 

 board on their return from the fields, and thus come un- 



