32 



THE AIIAEY; On, 



Not being able to form an idea of the state of the hive in spring 

 and autumn by looking into the stock hive^ it will be advisable to 

 adopt the means of weighing. A stock at Michaelmas should 

 weigh 20 lbs. exclusive of the hive, or be made up to that weight 

 by feeding. 



THE LADIES' OBSERVATOEY OS CETSTAL 

 BEE-HIVE. No. 7. 



This engraving illustrates the con- 

 struction of the "Ladies Observatory" 

 hive. The stock hive cylindrical with a flat 

 top and a hole in the centre ; the dimen- 

 sions 12| inches inside, 8| inches deep, 

 the outer cover being raised, and is made 

 of stout glass, so as not easily to break. 



A support, composed of seven wooden 

 bars fixed on a pedestal from the floor- 

 board, is very useful for the bees to cling 

 to and attach their combs, instead of 

 resting wholly against the glass. 



The floor-board is of mahogany, the 

 border being Erench polished. A middle sized bell-glass for 

 deprivation is placed over the hole ; this hole may be closed by a 

 zinc slide. A cover of straw, 18 inches deep, 15 inches wide, with 

 a zinc ventilating top similar to that affixed to the No. 5 hive, 

 completes the arrangements. The weight of the stock hive and 

 board is about 16 lbs. 



This hive is well adapted for those persons who are desirous of 

 having the opportunity of more closely examining the workmanship 

 of these industrious and interesting insects, as the whole of the 

 interior may be exposed to view; it is particularly suitable for a 

 window or an indoor apiary, and also will be found a valuable 

 addition to the green house. Under these circumstances, the 

 entrance-way should be covered with a flat piece of glass, and 

 an aperture cut in the sash corresponding with the entrance to the 

 hive ; through the glazed passage the bees may then find egress and 

 ingress without being able to gain access to the apartment ; an 

 ahghting board four inches wide must be fixed outside on a level 

 with the entrance. 



