GUIDE-COMB FOR GLASSES. 137 



the breadth of six inches. We believe, that not only does 

 a glass present a much handsomer appearance when 

 thus worked — and will, on that account, most (ully 

 reward the trouble of fixing- guide-comb — but that more 

 honey is stored in the same space, and in less time than 

 if the glass be placed on the hive merely in a naked 

 condition for the bees to follow their own devices. 



This mode of fixing guide-comb does not solely apply 

 to the above-shaped glass, but is equally useful for all 

 kinds of glasses. It is introduced in connection with this 

 glass because, from its having a flat top and no knob, 

 the regularity is more clearly apparent. 



The working of bees in the bell glasses illustrates 

 how tractable their disposition really is, if only scope be 

 allowed for the due exercise of their natural instinct. 

 They have no secrets in their economy, and they do not 

 shrink from our constant observation as they daily pur- 

 sue their simple policy of continuous thrift and perse- 

 vering accumulation. Yet it is only owing to the labours 

 of successive inventors that we are now enabled to 

 watch "the Very pulse of the machine " of the bee-com- 

 monwealth : — 



" Long from the eye of man and face of day. 

 Involved in darkness all their customs lay, 

 Until a sage well versed in Nature's lore, 

 A genius formed all science to explore ; 

 Hives well contrived, in crystal frames disposed. 

 And there the busy citizens disclosed." 



Murphy's 7aniere. 



