BEESj BEB-HIVESj AND BEE OTJLTtJRE. 33 



We had a hive of this kind in operation in the Great Exhi- 

 bitions of 1851 and 1862, fixed in the manner above described. It 

 answered admirably, and excited much interest and curiosity, though 

 placed there under many disadvantages. 



When a hive of this kind is to be stocked, procure an early and 

 strong swarm, which must be temporarily hived in a common straw 

 hive, from which dislodge the bees into the glass hive, but for this 

 purpose a little preparation will have to be made. Spread a 

 sheet on the ground, place the mahogany floorboard on it with 

 the support, put three bricks, or some solid blocks of about the 

 same substance, upon which the glass will rest: then with a 

 sharp and sudden blow precipitate the swarm out of the straw hive 

 on to the floorboard and support, place the glass hive on the bricks, 

 and the bees will collect under the bars and on to the pedestal. In 

 about one hour's time the whole will have settled quietly, 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 on the floorboard. 

 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. 

 Iff ten days or a fortnight, if the weather continues fine and warm, 

 they will prepare to swarm again ; the opening at the top must now 

 be unstopped, and the beU-glass put on, guide comb having been 

 previously fixed. The directions given for the No. 5, 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. 



