3IO , A Modern Bee- F mm 



attained. Queens may now be sent by post just as safely 

 as an ordinary letter, and Benton's cage has rendered the 

 system absolutely perfect. 



The Benton Cage 



consists of three compartments ; one is ventilated for 

 general accommodation,, and particularly for advantage to 

 the bees under high temperatures ; from this a small 

 passage communicates with the central compartment, 

 otherwise having no ventilation. The last has another 

 small opening leading into the third space wherein is 



The Pood, 



which is made by thoroughly incorporating with finely 

 powdered loaf sugar just sufficient liquid honey to form a 

 thick paste ; this should be almost dry, and give no sign 

 of " running " under any temperature. 



It is best made up some time before actually required 

 for use, so that any excess of moisture may descend, leav- 

 ing the upper portion just right for the cages. When the 

 compartment is filled a sheet of wax or a piece of parch- 

 ment covers the opening, while a thin lid of wood fits 

 over the whole, being secured with brads or tacks. (See 

 Fig- SS-) Fo"" long journeys abroad duplicate compart- 

 ments are needed, with also a few more bees. 



Inserting fhe Bees. 



The lid is first to be tacked on only at one corner, at 

 the side of the food compartment. Hold the cage in the 

 left hand with the thumb on the lid just above the 

 ventilated chamber, and now pick from the combs about a 

 ■dozen young bees with the right hand, inserting them one 

 at a time while the thumb moves the lid back to receive 

 each in its turn. The queen is to be put in last to make 



