CHAPTER XVI 



THE APIARY. 



The position of the apiary is a matter of importance. 

 In most cases, it is seen to front the south, according to 

 the usual practice of the present day ; and especially 

 when enclosed, somewhat on the plan of bee-houses 

 illustrated at page 218. This position is considered 

 necessary by bee-keepers generally, in order to afford 

 the bees all the warmth, both in summer and winter, 

 that it is possible to give, and which I consider so ruin- 

 ous to their prosperity. 



SOUTH-EAST THE BEST POINT TO FRONT. 



It will not, in all cases, be found convenient to have 

 the apiary front any point of the compass ; in conse- 

 quence of the situation of the ground where it is to be 

 erected, since it is often necessary to build parallel to 

 some fence already constructed ; but the best possible 

 way it can point is ^outh-east. Directly to the south 

 or to the east, is not particularly objectionable, when 

 the back of the building has an opening to admit a cur- 

 rent of air among the hives, as I have directed ; but 



