54 THE APIARY. 



The centre f is a drawer, in which is a feeding- 

 trough, so constructed that the bees 

 can descend through the opening 

 before mentioned on to a false 

 bottom of perforated zinc. Liquid 

 food is easily poured in by pull- 

 ing out the drawer a little way; the bees readily 

 come down on to the perforated zinc, and take the food 

 by inserting their probosces through the perforations, 

 with no danger of being drowned. Care must be exer- 

 cised that the food is not given in such quantity as to 

 come above the holes ; by this means; each hive has a 

 supply of food accessible only to the inmates, with no 

 possibility, when closely shut in, of attracting robber-bees 

 from other hives. 



The exterior of these hives is well painted with two 

 coats of lead colour, covered with two coats of green, 

 and varnished. Notwithstanding this preservation, it is 

 absolutely essential to place such a hive under a shed 

 or cover of some sort, as the action of the sun and rain 

 is likely to decay the wood, whilst the extreme heat of 

 a summer sun might cause the combs to fall from their 

 foundations. 



Neat and tasteful sheds may be erected, either of zinc 



supported by iron or wooden rods, or a thatched roof 



may be sustained in the same manner, and will form a 



pretty addition to the flower-garden. 



When erecting a covering, it will be weli .. make it a 



