APPLIANCES. 



39 



66. Snper-Clearer. — This appliance is one of the most 

 important helps to the apiarist. We had the honour some four 

 years ago of introducing it to the bee-keepers of this country, and 

 at the present day it can be found in use in every well-ordered 

 apiary. It consists of a flat board the same size as the bottom of 

 a super ; upon each side is a bee-space {bbbb in the annexed 

 illustration), and in the centre is a trap formed of wire gauze (a), 



Wmk ^, 



'-Srf^ 



0- 



bection VieAf of Webster's Super-Clearer, 



a, Wire Cloth Tubular Escape ; bb, Bee Spaces. 



which allows the bees to pass through one way, but effectually 

 prevents their returning. When it is desired to remove a super, 

 the "clearer" is quietly slipped underneath it, and allowed to 

 remain in this position for from six to twelve hours ; at the 

 expiration of this time the super will be found quite clear of bees, 

 and thus can be removed without the remotest chance of the 

 manipulator getting a sting. 



67. Travelling Cages. — Bee-keeping, at the present time, 

 has assumed such extensive proportions, that whereas, a few years 

 ago, no one thought of sending bees any distance by rail or other- 

 wisi-, now they are sent hundreds and even thousands of miles. 

 Hives of bees have 

 been sent to Aus- 

 tralia, India — in fact, 

 all over the habit- 

 able globe. We will 

 give a description 

 of the cage used 

 for queens. An 

 oblong block of 

 soft wood 3iin. by 

 liin. by |^in. is pro- 

 cured; into this are 



bored, almost through, two holes with a |in. centre-bit, at 

 the extremity two smaller ones are made contiguous to each 

 other ; the division thus formed is cut away with a sharp knife, this 

 forms a long narrow hole across the end of the block. At the 

 bottom of each division between these three holes a tunnel is cut, 

 thus connecting all three together. In the narrow hole foodis 

 placed and covered over by a piece of thin wax to prevent its 

 evaporating. This food is made by mixing finely powdered loaf 

 sugar with honey until it is about the consistency of putty. It is 



Travelling Box for Queen. 



