166 DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 



■without moving the combs, or injury or exposure to the bees. This 

 hive is so constructed, that, if desired, the bees may be confined to a 

 space of one foot square, and the hive converted into a swarming hive. 



The hives are all well ventilated at top and bottom, and the bottom 

 being attached with butts and buttons, is easily let down and cleaned, 

 without disturbing the bees. There is also a most ingenious and eflfect- 

 nal device for destroying the bee-moth, attached to the bottom of the 

 hive, affording the moth or worms a most convenient harbor, or hiding- 

 place in which they are sure to secrete themselves, when the trap can 

 be withdrawn and the worms destroyed without opening the hive or 

 disturbing the bees. 



A " non-swarming hive," combining the foregoing advantages has long 

 been sought for, as there are many persons who have never kept bees, 

 that would gladly do so, if swarming and the trouble attending it could 

 be avoided. And as the backs of these hives are glass, they afford a 

 good opportunity to observe the operations of the bees without exposure 

 to them. It is an interesting sight to observe a good populous colony 

 of " busy bees" at their labors in the hive, during the season for gather- 

 ing honey, and the pleasure is increased by the reflection that we are 

 to share with them in the products of their labors. 



Another important advantage which these hives possess over those in 

 common use, is, that the tops are composed of frames, or bars, on which 

 the combs are attached, admitting a free circulation of air between all 

 the combs, so that all the moisture and vapor, caused by the breath and 

 warmth of the bees escapes freely up between them, keeping them dry 

 and healthy, and free from mildew or mould ; and it is strongly recom- 

 mended to take off the honey boxes during winter, to give free ventila- 

 tion, and prevent frost accumulating in/ the hive. 



These hives are also well adapted to set in a building, on account of 

 the peculiar construction of the entrance for the bees, and the alighting 

 board, which forms a tube or spout to conduct the bees through the 

 side of the building, or out at a window of a dwelling, without admit- 

 ting them into it, to interfere with any one. Many persons are using 

 these hives in their dwellings and offices. In most instances they are 

 made in imitation of an inclosed washstand, and can be opened and all 

 the operations of the bees observed without danger from them, and the 

 honey obtained in tumblers or glass jars, or, in the small frames, or 

 boxes. 



We also give a brief description of Mr. Phelps's " bee-feeder." This 

 is a very simple and practical arrangement for feeding bees; and as used 

 in these hives obviates all danger of other bees robbing the colonies, or 

 swarms, while being fed — a point of much importance, as generally, 

 there is great danger of other bees being attracted to the hives by the 

 scent of the feed, and, as it is the weakest and smallest families that 

 usually require feeding, they are not able to defend themselves against 

 the attacks of their more populous neighbors; and consequently, the 

 robbers will enter the hives, and in a very short time, carry off all the 

 honey it contains ; and hence more injury than good has, in most cases, 

 resulted from attempting to feed, for robbing one hive, does not satisfy 

 the burglar bees, but encourages them to attack the next feeble colony, 



