178 AUSTRALIAN BEE LOBE AND BEE CULTURE- 



ing in that line of flight is always in danger of being stung. Next 

 in importance to standing behind or at the side of a hive when 

 handling the bees — the former place is preferable to the latter — is 

 that of not standing in the direct line to the entrance to the ad- 

 joining hives. 



It is not necessary at all times to arrange the hives in straight 

 rows. If the position chosen has a slight incline, with an easterly 

 aspect, it gives a very pretty effect if they are arranged semi- 

 circularly or somewhat in the shape of a crescent. In so doing it 

 is unnecessary to observe the quincunical placing of the hives. 



The arrangement of the hives as stated in the foregoing has 

 a double advantage ; it gives the bee-keeper a better opportunity 

 of noting the hive requiring attention, and breaks the monotony 

 that is always apparent when the hives are placed in straight lines 

 with the entrance of the one in a direct line with the back of the 

 one opposite. Where all the hives are in the same straight line 

 and of the same colour it is embarrassing to a young queen, when 

 returning from her wedding flight; but the quincuncial at once 

 secures a greater variety of surroundings to act as guide-posts for 

 the returning bees. 



BUSH-HOUSE APIARY. 



An ordinary bush-house can readily be fitted up as an apiary, 

 as shown in the illustration. Some years ago I had such a bush- 

 house erected close to the dwelling. It contained fourteen Langs- 

 troth hives. These were about two feet from the ground. Under 

 the hives there grew many varieties of maiden-hair ferns. Other 

 plants suitable for bush-house culture were scattered here and 

 there throughout. In the centre there was a large octagonal table 

 and fixed seats capable of seating sixteen guests. The walls and 

 roof were composed of tea-tree. Aa ian adjunct to the dwelling it 

 formed a grand resort during summer time. When the table and 

 seats were not in use for domestic purposes they formed stands for 

 suitable foliage plants. To visitors it was an endless source of 

 interest, especially when honey was required for the table, and a 

 hive in the house opened, one or more sections taken out, the bees 

 brushed off, and the honey put on the table without the slightest 

 annoyance from the bees. Many timid ladies became courageous 

 and expressed strong 1 desires to look into the hidden mysteries of 

 the bee-home. 



It is not essential that the bush-house apiary should be 

 octagonal. Its shape and design should be in keeping with sur- 



