4? BEE FARMING. 



corner, for it is advisable to put no obstacle before the hive 

 Strong laths are sufficient for a foundation for the cover, 

 virhich may be either straws, thatch, or reeds. The common 

 river-sedge (Scirpus maritimus, L.) is the best; it has a 

 much neater appearance than straw, and, if the shed is de- 

 signed as an ornament, by all means use reeds, sedge, or 

 the still more common rush (Juncus communis, L.) On 

 the score of cheapness little need be said. If suitable timber 

 IS at hand a pound v/ill go far towards completing the 

 structure ; on the other hand, if one of the splendid bee- 

 houses (so-called) is purchased from a dealer in apiarian 

 furniture, a good durable house will cost not less than 15/. 

 Having had extensive experience in our own and neigh- 

 bouring apiaries we cannot too strongly condemn all such 

 houses. 



Again, if a separate wooden cover is made for each of 

 the hives it will be very expensive. Let us then persuade 

 all our friends to have an open shed. 



Many may object that the keen winds of winter with 

 bitter sharp frosts may injure the bees. It is not cold that 

 injures the stocks, but, as we have shown before, the wet 

 and moisture after a thaw. A free passage for the air 

 through the hives, whether they be of wood or straw, will 

 kjep them free from damp, and the bees are healthy. 



One inducement to preserve the stocks in open sheds is, 

 that they consume far less honey during the winter, for, when 

 kept in an unnatural, w-"ni., or damp atmosphere, they are 

 continually eating ; but if they are kept in a natural condition, 

 such as we can imagine their state in the tree-stems of the 

 primeval forests, the contrary is the case. If the wood 

 hives are of sufficient thickness, and the stand is in a 

 sheltered position, it may be enough to cover in the hive 

 itself, though we recommend in every case when convenient 

 to provide some warm covering, such as old sacking, or 

 a tea-chest placed loosely over the hive. 



