HIVE ARRANGEMENTS- 



181 



roundings. The object to be gained is that which will produce the 

 most ornate effect, both with regard to internal fittings and the 

 «xternal parterre. 



In practice, I found' that the alighting board, if the hives 

 are raised sufficiently above the surface to admit of the cultivation 

 •of ferns, &c, underneath, should protrude about 3 inches beyond 

 the wall of tea-tree ; but if the plants are grown alternately with 

 the hives, it is better to place the latter a little above the surface 

 •of the floor, and openings in the walls made to admit of the full 

 front of the hive as shown in the accompanying sketch. If neces- 

 sary, the whole of the walls of the house can be utilised for bee- 

 keeping, the centre for pot-culture, hanging baskets for ferns 

 suspended from the rafters, &c. If the space available be circum- 

 scribed, and it be found necessary to tier the hives, then the Langs- 

 troth hive will be found unsuitable for the purpose. These are 

 always manipulated from the top, and there must be a sufficient 

 headroom allowed for the purpose. Where time and space are 

 •of no object, the Berlepsch hive will be found most convenient for 

 tiering. These are worked from the back, and therefore offer 

 greater facilities for stacking. In the commencement the idea of 

 tiering must be taken into consideration and provision made for 

 Berlepsch hives. The stand for the first row should be at the least 

 2 feet 6 inches from the floor, otherwise it will be found difficult 

 to replace the frames with ease. 



In gardens, ornamental or otherwise, in addition to the bush- 

 house for bees, hives may be dotted here and there in out-of-way 

 places that will give a picturesque appearance to the garden site. 

 In placing hives in irregular and out-of-the-way places note the 

 bushes or trees are not so close as to impede the working of the 

 hive, and at the same time see that there is sufficient head room 

 for the manipulator. There are few things more troublesome than 

 having your veil pulled off your head when in the act of examining 

 A frame. 



