LADIES' OBSERVATORY HIVE. 79. 



and all the stragglers on the board will have collected 

 together, the swarm hanging pear-shaped from the bar 

 support ; the bricks can now be removed, and the glass 

 put in its right place ^n the floor-board. The straw 

 cover being put on the hive, it can be removed to the 

 place it is destined permanently to occupy. 



The light should not be admitted for some days after 

 hiving ; if undisturbed, the bees will speedily build comb, 

 working from the wooden bars, which are placed there 

 for their assistance and support. In ten days or a fort- 

 mght, if the weather continue fine and warm, they will 

 prepare to swarm again ; the opening at the top must 

 now be unstopped, and the bell-glass put on, guide- 

 comb having been previously fixed. The directions 

 given for the improved cottage hive equally apply to 

 the ladies' observatory hive. 



It is advisable, in winter, to furnish the glass stock- 

 hive with more protection from cold than is afforded by 

 the straw cover alone ; some thick baize, or wrapper of 

 wadding, for which there is space between the glass hive 

 and the cover, will prevent so much moisture condensing 

 on the sides of the glass. Moisture is injurious, causing 

 the combs to grow mouldy; a little protection in the 

 way of wrapping very much prevents this. 



The hole at top is used for supplying food, should the 

 apiarian fear the stock of honey is in danger of running 

 short ; either the bottle feeder or the round feeder may- 

 be used for the purpose. 



