HIVES. 



i6s 



and securely covered. The figure represents the way 

 in which the slides shift. The top box D is that in 

 which the honey to be taken by the bee-master is 

 stored. It is four inches in depth, its other dimensions 

 being similar to those of the boxes below it. It is 

 furnished with only seven or eight, instead of nine 

 bars, the object being to induce the bees to build longer 

 cells for depositing honey in. This not only secures 



Fig. 57. — Stewarton Hive. 



a greater quantity for less expenditure of wax, but 

 prevents the queen laying eggs in them, if she should 

 go up into the top box. For her majesty, finding 

 it impossible to reach the bottom of the cells to 

 place her eggs as she has been accustomed to do, 

 will retire to the lower boxes, where she finds places 

 perfectly adapted to her instincts or her needs. The 

 honey is thus kept free from brood, and it presents 

 a massive and rich appearance. Bees seem greatly 



