OBSERVING HIVES. 



183 



narrow as not to conceal any of the bees, and leaving off 

 the shutters entirely, to replace them with a dark cloth 

 thrown over the hive. But this cloth can be used only when 

 the hive is established inside the house. Its main advan- 

 tages are to do away with the noise and jar of opening 

 the shutters. 



Fig. 80. 

 OBSKRVING-HIVK. 

 (From Alley's "Haudy-Book.") 

 u, stand; B,CC, movable glass frame; E, moulding under which the 

 top of the shutter // slips, to darken the hive, if needed; F, movable top, 

 held in place by hooks. The comb of brood and bees is put in, by remov- 

 ing the top and one side. 



877. A parlor observing-hive of this form may be con- 

 veniently placed in any room in the house ; the alighting- 

 board being outside, and the whole arrangement such that 

 the bees may be inspected at all hours, day, or night, with- 

 out the slightest risk of their stinging. Two such hives 

 may be placed before one window, and put up or taken 

 down in a few minutes, without cutting or defacing the wood- 

 work of the house. 



An observing-hive will prove an unfailing source of pleas- 

 ure and instruction ; and those who live in crowded cities, 



