284 DESCRIPTION OF THE HUISH HIVE. 



of a flower-pot, making the diameter of the base not much 

 smaller than that of the top, we placed a projecting band 

 at the top, on which we placed seven bars, according to the 

 annexed figure. These bars are fastened to the band of 

 straw by small wooden pegs, which are easily drawn out, 

 when a honey comb is to be extracted. With the knowledge 

 that bees will not construct their combs on an insecure foun- 

 dation, we place a piece of network over the bars, of which 

 the meshes are of a middling size, by which we in a degree 

 force the bees to attach their combs to the bars, and thereby 

 render their extraction more easy. Over the network, we 

 place a board of five divisions, attached to each other by 

 hinges ; so that any part of the interior of the hive can be 

 examined without exposing the whole. It is evident that 

 the network is a great annoyance to the bees, for in scarcely 

 a single instance did we not find that the greater portion of 

 it had been nibbled away. In this lapping board we make 

 nine holes, over which we put plates of tin well perforated, 

 in order that the perspiration may escape, which prevents 

 the combs assuming that black appearance, which is in 

 general so great an eyesore to a professed apiarian. Accord- 

 ing to this construction, the deprivation of the hive is very 

 easily effected, and it may be accomplished by the most timid 

 person. The hive being covered with a top according to 

 the annexed figure, it is taken off, and one 

 of the side flaps being lifted up, the position 

 of the comb immediately exhibits itself. If 

 it has not been constructed exactly parallel 

 with the bar, the opposite side may be ex- 

 amined, and that comb selected for extraction which pre- 

 sents the greatest facility. It is, however, necessary that the 

 operator should have in readiness a pair of bellows, to the 

 orifice of which is attached a small tin box with the lid and 

 bottom well perforated, into which some old rags or dried 

 leaves in an ignited state must be placed, and thus being 



