0 THE APIARY. 
observatory hive described in another chapter, would be 
desirable in such a situation, It is quite common to set 
the hives upon the roof of a building; Mr. Muth, of 
Cincinnati, keeps quite a number of colonies upon the 
roof of his store, with excellent success. The illustra- 
tion (fig. 17), shows several colonies arranged upon the 
roof of a piazza and house, in the village of Ilion, N. Y. 
ARRANGEMENT OF THE HIVES. 
Where a large number of hives is to be kept in one 
yard, it is desirable to have them in as compact form as 
practicable, as the movements of the bees can thus be 
more easily observed, and the buildings or rooms occupi- 
ed in the necessary operations, will be more accessible 
from all parts of the apiary. When convenient, I prefer 
arranging the hives in the form of a square. Where there 
are but few colonies, of course their disposition is imma, 
terial. If a small building is erected, as it should be, 
for immediate convenience in practical operations, it 
should be placed at the center of the apiary, or in the 
most accessible locality. 
Fig. 18 shows the arrangement of my own apiary, with 
a tight fence in the rear, and this building in the center. 
The house should be about 8x10 feet, and made per- 
fectly bee-tight. In periods of scarcity, bees are attract- 
ed even by the smallest opening, and will be seen vigor- 
ously at work, endeavoring to gain admission. It is pre- 
ferable to cover the bottom of the house with hydraulic 
cement, instead of ordinary flooring. The door should 
close with a weight or spring, so that it may never be 
left open, unless intentionally. Wmmdows should be 
arranged on opposite sides, to give ample circulation of 
air, when desired, and the sash made movable or hung 
with hinges. Lights of glass reaching the entire length 
of the sash, are best, as in transferring, or like opera- 
