308 
DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
without moving the combs, or injury or exposure to the bees. This 
hive is so constructed, that, if desired, the bees may be confined to a 
space of one foot square, and the hive converted into a swarming hive. 
The hives are all well ventilated at top and bottom, and the bottom 
being attached with butts and buttons, is easily let down and cleaned, 
without disturbing the bees. There is also a most ingenious and eftect- 
ual device for destroying the bee-moth, attached to the bottom of the 
hive, affording the moth or worms a most convenient harbor, or hiding- 
place in which they are sure to secrete themselves, when the trap can 
be withdrawn and the worms destroyed without opening the hive or 
disturbing the bees. 
A “ non-swarming liive'' combining the foregoing advantages has long 
been sought for, as there are many persons who nave never kept bees, 
that would gladly do so, if swarming and the trouble attending it could 
be avoided. " And as the backs of" these hives are glass, they afford a 
good opportunity to observe the operations of the bees without exposure 
to them. It is an interesting sight to observe a good populous colony 
of “busy bees” at their labors in the hive, during the season forgather- 
ing honey, and the pleasure is increased by the reflection that we are 
to share with them in the products of their labors. 
Another important advantage which these hives possess over those in 
common use, is, that the tops are composed of frames, or bars, on which 
the combs are attached, admitting a free circulation of air between all 
the combs, so that all the moisture and vapor, caused by the breath and 
warmth of the bees escapes freely up between them, keeping them dry 
and healthy, and free from mildew or mould ; and it is strongly recom- 
mended to take off the honey boxes during winter, to give free ventila- 
tion, and prevent frost accumulating in the hive. 
These hives are also well adapted to set in a building, on account of 
the peculiar construction of the entrance for the bees, and the alighting 
board, which forms a tube or spout to conduct the bees through the 
side of the building, or out at a window of a dwelling, without admit- 
ting them into it, to interfere with any one. Many persons are using 
these hives in their dwellings and offices. In most instances they are 
made in imitation of an inclosed washstand, and can be opened and all 
the operations of the bees observed without danger from them, and the 
honey obtained in tumblers or glass jars, or, in the small frames, or 
boxes. 
We also give a brief description of Mr. Phelps’s “ bee-feeder.” This 
is a very simple and practical arrangement for feeding bees; and as used 
in these hives obviates all danger of other bees robbing the colonies, or 
swarms, while being fed — a point of much importance, as generally, 
there is great danger of other bees being attracted to the hives by the 
scent of the feed, and, as it is the weakest and smallest families that 
usually require feeding, they are not able to defend themselves against 
the attacks of their more populous neighbors ; and consequently, the 
robbers will enter the hives, and in a very short time, carry off all the 
honey it contains ; and hence more injury than good has, in most cases, 
resulted from attempting to feed, for robbing one hive, does not satisfy 
the burglar bees, but encourages them to attack the next feeble colony, 
