HIVES. 



167 



called "Observatory Hives." In these glass is sub- 

 stituted for wood in the sides, shutters being fixed 

 over them to exclude the light. In some cases 

 Venetian blinds are used instead of shutters. The 

 frames with the combs are sometimes arranged 

 vertically in one or two series, and sometimes 

 laterally — a dozen or more standing one behind 

 another. In the latter instance both the top and 

 the sides are of glass. The whole hive may be made 



Fig. 58. — The Caer-Stewarton Hive. 



to revolve by means of two iron wheels, the one fixed 

 to its bottom, the other to a stout board running its 

 whole length. In the centre of the floor-board there 

 is an opening into a passage below, which leads to 

 the open air. This arrangement enables the hive to 

 be turned in any direction without interfering with 

 the egress and ingress of the bees. If the queen 

 with her attendants cannot be found on one side of 

 the combs, the other side may be brought into view 



