POSITION AND ASPECT. 157 
croquet lawn, or a much frequented path, or where 
any kind of labour is customarily performed. 
“Another requisite of a good position is ample 
space for approach in the rear of the hives. The 
apiarian will, let us hope, have heavy weights to hit, 
and sundry small mechanical operations to perform, 
for which he must have room for the free use of his 
limbs. When a swarm has been taken, it should be 
brought in at the back of the shed, and be placed on 
the stand where it is to remain ; it is a most improper 
procedure to bring it in the front way—in fact, the 
bees will not be bothered with people in front of the 
shop; they want no publicity, and we must humour 
them if we want honey. 
‘At the risk of appearing tedious we repeat that 
these two preliminary conditions are of great impor- 
tance. But it must be remembered that bees care 
nothing about scenery or indeed propriety. They will 
sail across a wood-yard or a melancholy marsh with 
as much gladness as over a flower garden, or through 
a labyrinth of costly statuary, provided they can find 
their way to suitable pasture. When in full work, 
they generally rise up high into the air immediately 
after quitting the hive, and no one can say where they 
are going to; but in coming home laden, they sail 
low, and cannot abide interruption in regaining the 
hive. Therefore we may plant our bees in any clean 
dry place, whence they can go out freely in any 
aspect from due east to due south—midway between 
these points being best, and where also we can find 
room in the rear for necessary manipulations. An 
arched recess in the wall of the house forms a capital 
