BEE-KEEPERS MANUAL. 



195 



the bottom. So perfect is the skill and architecture of 

 this insect, that the parts of combs are united at the 

 apex of each, with such astonishing workmanship, that 

 it is impossible to perceive where the union takes place, 

 or any difference from a comb worked down entirely in 

 the usual way. 



In fitting in the cross-bars, care should be taken to 

 have, at least, three-eighths of an inch space between 

 the edges of them and the glass sides of the hive ; since 

 a less space than that would, not give the bees a pas- 

 sage-way of suificient diameter. 



From this kind of hive, piftses of brood-comb may be 

 easily taken, when larvse are wanted to form artificial 

 swarms, or for the purpose of replacing a lost queen. 

 In order to obtain easy access to the combs, the glass 

 sides should be hung on hinges, so as to be opened at 

 any time, and admit the apiarian to perform any opera- 

 tion within, that he may choose. The glass sides or 

 vnndows should be divided in the centre, and open each 

 way, or right and left. Here is an engraving of one side 

 of the hiv^, with the two glass doors closed. 



The doors should be hung with small butt-hinges on 

 each side, being secured in their places when closed, by 



