264 THE OPEN HIVE OF MARTIN. 



the projection being six lines, reduced the breadth of each 

 frame to six lines. I made two other frames, which are 

 applied to the sides, giving them the same thickness, and 

 two inches in breadth, and I filled the space by a pane of 

 glass placed within. By these means I had all the advan- 

 tages of the hive of Huber, as well as those of the mirror 

 hive, which has but one comb." 



Notwithstanding all the advantages which this hive ap- 

 parently possesses, the inspection of the interior of it is 

 not so easy as with the common mirror hive ; nevertheless, 

 the latter possesses many defects, which depreciate it in the 

 estimation of the naturalist. It is very difficult to introduce 

 a swarm into it, and it is seldom accomplished without a 

 great deal of trouble, even with the most skilful manage- 

 ment. With Huber's hive, the introduction of the swarm 

 is as easy as in the common cottage hive ; but the chief 

 benefit of the Huber hive consists in the regular formation 

 of the combs on the cross bars of the frames ; but as this is 

 a contingency dependent on the mere caprice of the bees, 

 the value of the hive becomes in consequence greatly dete- 

 riorated. 



THE OPEN HIVE OF MESSRS. MARTIN OF CORBEIL. 



This hive may be considered in its general principles as 

 one of the most extraordinary, that ever was put into use, 

 inasmuch as it is opposed to those general modes of practice, 

 which have universally been considered as the basis and the 

 proof of good management. The maintenance of a particular 

 degree of temperature has always been considered as highly 

 conducive to the welfare of the hive; as it promotes the early 

 deposition of the eggs by the queen, and a general incentive 

 to activity and industry on the part of the bees. In this 

 hive, however, the bees, with all their works being exposed 

 to the open air, every possible degree of temperature is 



