104 



THE COTTAGE AND FARM BEE KEEPER. 



penetrates the centre of the block. Over this wheel a cord 

 passes, one end of which is held by the hand, while to the other 

 end is fastened a spring balance, with a hook attached to it. 



Three strings tied together at one 

 end, each with a hook at the other 

 end, to catch three eye screws fixed at 

 equal distances in the hive boards, 

 (which of course must be detached 

 from the pedestals,) are suspended to 

 the balance in Buch a manner that 

 the apiator, on pulling the cord, will 

 at once haul up the hive in a straight 

 line. An instrument of this kind, it 

 is evident, must greatly facilitate the 

 process of weighing garden hives, 

 which may-be repeated as often as 

 desirable, without the least trouble. 

 I have frequently used this machine 

 in summer time, when the bees were 

 in their highest state of activity, with- 

 out at all disturbing them ; they fly 

 in and out, and show no signs of an- 

 noyance whatever. As it requires 

 more exertion of force to haul up a heavy hive, I would recommend 

 the use of a set of pulleys suspended from the centre of the triangular 

 block ; these will materially facilitate the process of weighing. 



CONCLUSION. 



And now that I have drawn the practical part of my work to a con- 

 clusion, let me wind up my labors by wishing the candid reader as 

 much success in the scientific management of his bees as has attended 

 and I am persuaded will yet attend, the pains which I do not grudge 

 to bestow on the study of these admirable creatures. And while I 

 wish him success, I do more ; for in this is included the pure pleasure 

 and the serene enjoyment which must be experienced in no small de- 

 gree while giving a close attention to the habits and history of perhaps 



