O a
Observing hive. It is found almost impossible in our cold climate to preserve bees in an
observing hive. I have invented a plan by which they may be allowed to
cluster in the winter so as to preserve their animal heat. If the inside of their hive be covered with flannel they may
be kept warm and free from moisture so apt to breed dysentery. 
December 17, 1851. Here is a rough sketch of an observing hive on an entirely new plan. 
Observing hive. A series of my movable frames are inserted, about 3/8 of an inch from each
other and from the sides, bottom and top of the hive. As soon as the breeding season
is over these are all removed and placed together in any box just as the frames
in my practical hives, and of course need no unusual protection in the
cold weather. When the spring is sufficiently advanced they are placed again in the observing hive. 
The only objection I can now see to this, is that the Queen might conceal herself between the frames,
but as on my plan the bees in an observing hive work in the light, and as she would have to be on the
comb a large part of the time to lay, she would soon lose all shyness. Brood comb might very easily be taken
for any purpose, and such a hive would be in many other respects most admirably adapted to the intended purpose of
rearing. Unite this plan with that of my open hive, and you will have very [illegible] for 
observation, at all seasons of the year. Even if bees winter in common observing hives they are
feeble in the spring and not being able as in common hives to economize their heat to the
best advantage. It will be late in the season before they become strong. My plan allows
them to be cluster and increase in the usual manner until the season admits them
to be put into the observing hives. I have tried the plan of giving them more room to cluster in winter
but find that it does not answer, the bees drop down and are not easily able to rise again, the
moisture on the glass gives them disease. No amount of protection in our climate will keep
them in such a hive in winter in the open air. As the queen keeps on the comb she would be able
to be seen easily at all times, in my hive. December 17, 1851. 



