THE APIARY OR BEE-GARDEN. 37 



underneath the hedgerow and in an open field, we have 

 found them to thrive exceedingly. We have seen them 

 placed amid lofty houses, where they were compelled to 

 rise to their tops in short spiral turns, and drop down 

 about as perpendicularly as a bucket in a well, and yet in 

 this position collect from 4 lb. to 6 lb. per hive every fine 

 day. Bees have wits enough to make the most of every 

 position. A warm sheltered place is, however, recom- 

 mended for the home of bees. 



How far should hives be off the ground,' and how far 

 asunder t 



We think 8 inches above the ground is quite enough, 

 and most of our hives are never more than 6 inches 

 above the level of the ground. Is the health of the bees 

 not affected when placed so near the earth 1 Bees are as 

 healthy when placed 2 inches above the ground as when 

 placed 20 inches. If hives are raised 2 and 3 feet, the 

 bees, when heavUy burdened, often miss the flight-board 

 on their return from the fields, and thus come unexpect- 

 edly to the ground ; and, by reason of the sudden and 

 severe shake, do not rise for some time — and some are 

 chilled to death ere they gain nerve and resolution enough 

 to make another attempt. If an elevated position has any 

 advantages at all, we have faUed to learn what they are. 



Three posts, about 15 inches long, driven half their 

 length into the ground, answer well for a stand for one 

 hive. These posts are driven into the ground about 15 

 inches apart, and the front one a little lower than the two 

 behind, so as to make the water run off the flight-board, 

 and not into the hive. Three round stones or river 

 bullets, half buried in the soil, answer as well as the 

 posts. Some bee-keepers are of opinion that bee-hives 

 are like corn-stalks — if not placed high above the ground, 

 vermin will go in and eat their treasures. A very little 

 schooling wiU teach bee-keepers how to keep mice out of 



