152 Domestic ANIMALS. 
One of the greatest wonders of the bee-hive is the mode in 
which it is ventilated. Fresh air is no less necessary to bees 
Fig. 52. than to luman beings, and as 
no provision is made for its sup- 
ply in the construction of their 
dwelling, they secure it in this 
way: “They arrange them- 
selves in files along the bottom 
of the hive. Those outside: 
place their heads toward the 
entrance, and those within in 
an opposite direction. When 
thus stationed, they flap their 
wings so rapidly that we can 
Gass Hive, Suowine Taz Azganer- NOt see that they have any 
MEST oF Ooms: wings at all. This rapid motion 
drives a current of air into the hive, to keep the honey and 
comb cool.” 
Il—THE APIARY AND HIVES. 
The situation selected for an apiary or bee-house should be 
well sheltered from strong winds, and should not be near any 
large sheet of water. The hives should face the south, the 
east, or the southeast. They should be placed in a right line; 
and it is better to place them on shelves, one above another, 
than in rows upon the ground. The distance between the 
hives should be not less than two feet, and their height from 
the ground about the same. Neat the apiary should be some 
small trees and shrubbery, on which swarms may alight; but 
large trees are objectionable. The grass should be frequently 
mowed around the bee-house, to prevent dampness and destroy 
the lurking-places of noxious vermin. 
Much difference of opinion exists in reference to the best 
form and construction for a bee-hive, and many ingenious plans 
have been offered by the inventive genius of our country for 
their improvement. Some of these have peculiar excellences 
