128 
HIVES. 
single bee, thus effectually guarding a weak swarm from robbery, 
and the entrance may be closed entirely by making the notches 
d, d, in the slide, correspond with the pillars, C, C. 
The large observation glass in the back of the hive, gives a 
view of all the combs, and is covered by the door, F, which is 
hung to the clamp above, and cannot tighten by damp weather. 
This is convenient for noting the progress of new swarms in 
building comb, and for visitors to see the bees at work. It will 
also reveal the strength of the stock or show when it is neces- 
sary to examine the combs, and toward spring, the amount of 
honey on hand may be judged of by the bight the bees have 
ascended in consuming their stores. 
The cap, (forming a perfect roof,) is made large enough to fit 
loosely over the hive, and being supported by strips fastened 
upon its inside, excludes water and insects, and is easily removed 
without jar. The movable side, f is inserted from above into 
the rabbets, a, a, and is held in place by buttons, and by the 
notched clamp, Ic. The hive is so constructed as to be firmly 
clamped on all sides, and will not warp, though exposed to the 
direct rays of the summer sun. The movable side being slightly 
shortened at the bottom, no bees are crushed in closing the hive. 
By thus opening the hive at the side, honey for the table, or 
frames of honey and brood to strengthen weak stocks, are easily 
removed without injuring the combs, or irritating the bees, as 
in lifting them out at the top of the hive. The double pro- 
jections on the frames prevent them from swinging together, 
and hold them at an exact distance from each other, and from 
the walls of the hive, leaving no place in the hive in which 
