Since the introduction of the wood hive by Mr. Woodbury, that gentleman has recommended, in the Journal of Horticulture, that the stock hive be made of straw, of exactly the same dimensions; this material being warmer in winter, slightly ventilating, and allowing of absorption. Bees during cold weather cluster together to generate the requisite degree of heat, the temperature of the interior of the hive being thus so much higher than the external atmosphere, a good deal of moisture condenses at the top and on the sides of the hive; the straw, as before stated, prevents this dampness hanging about the hive, and tends to keep the inmates more healthy. Dampness in a hive is a fruitful source of mischief, causing empty combs to grow mouldy, and is injurious in many ways.

The square straw hives, and a machine for making them, exhibited in the Austrian department of the International Exhibition of 1862, suggested the idea of employing that material for English bar and frame hives. We have had made a machine somewhat similar to the one exhibited and suited to the size of our hives, by which our hive maker is able to manufacture neat square straw hives. These have a wood frame at top an inch deep, with the requisite notches to allow the ten comb frames to hang. A similar frame forms the base, the straw being worked between. The floorboard is 1¼ inch thick, "keyed" with stout keys as before mentioned. An inch projection is left on all sides beyond the exterior of the hive, from which it is slightly chamfered down. An entrance 4 inches wide is cut out of the substance of the board, beginning at the edge, and continuing on the same level until inside the hive, where it slopes upwards. This entrance is about ⅜ of an inch high where the hive crosses it.

These straw hives have been generally made without windows; as Mr. Woodbury and other scientific apiarians so prefer them. They consider that glass windows are unsuited for winter, because then moisture condenses on the glass. There is no doubt that the having a peep hole or two in a hive adds very agreeably to its value for amateur bee-keepers, and to meet the wishes of such, we have had straw hives constructed with windows. It is not every one who would like to lift out the frames as often as is necessary for an inspection of the state of the colony, nor, perhaps, is it advisable to be often thus meddling. The windows have also a very neat appearance. We have hives with one, and some with two and three windows; of course, a little extra expense is incurred where these are made; but that is not objected to by those who approve of the additional convenience. The crown board (if correct to call a straw top by that name) has, like the hive, a frame of wood all round, and a square piece of wood in the centre, with a two inch hole; this hole is for the purpose of administering food in a mode to be explained hereafter. A circular block of wood, 4 inches in diameter, closes the opening.

GLASS BAR AND FRAME HIVES.

Some bee-keepers like to be able to make a full and daily inspection of the hive; we have therefore prepared a few hives, constructed of wooden frames enclosed on all sides and on the top with window glass. The dimensions are precisely the same as those before mentioned, and allow of the same number of bars and frames (ten). The crown has a round hole cut in the glass to admit of feeding. The four sides are constructed of double glass, to preserve the bees from variations of temperature. We cannot, however, recommend this hive for a winter residence for the bees; we should prefer lifting the combs out with the bees, and placing them in a straw hive of similar construction, to pass through the ordeal of the winter season. A stock of bees might be kept through the year in a hive of this kind, but would require well wrapping round to keep out the cold. There should be a small glass over the hole at top so as to allow the moisture to arise and condense, instead of doing so in the hive. The operation of exchanging the hive is so easy, that we should be content to place a stock in one, say, from April to September, and shift it in the autumn. Such a hive is a very pleasing object of interest, as in it the whole commonwealth of bees is exposed to view; and the hive need not be obscured from daylight, provided it be protected from sun and rain. All the external wood-work is of oak colour varnished, so that the appearance of the "Glass Bar and Frame Hive" is extremely neat and much approved of.

Frame.—As before mentioned, each stock hive has ten of these frames, each 13 inches long by 7¼ inches high, with a ⅝ inch projection at either upper end, which rests in the notch, either back or front. The width both of the bar and frame is ⅞ of an inch; this is less by ¼ of an inch than the bar recommended by the older apiarians. Mr. Woodbury,—whose authority on the modern plans for keeping bees is of great weight,—finds the ⅞ of an inch bar an improvement, because with them the combs are closer together, and require fewer bees to cover the brood. Then, too, in the same space that eight old fashioned bars occupied the narrower frames admit of an additional bar, so that, by using these, increased accommodation is afforded for breeding and the storing of honey.

Improved Comb Bar.—Mr. Woodbury says that this little contrivance has proved very effectual in securing straight combs when guide combs are not obtainable. The lower angles are rounded off, whilst a central rib is added of about ⅛ of an inch in breadth and depth. This central rib extends to within ½ an inch of each end, where it is removed in order to admit of the bar fitting into the usual notch. All that is necessary to insure the regular formation of combs is, to coat the underneath surface of the central rib with melted wax. Mr. Woodbury further says, "my practice is to use plain bars whenever guide-combs are attainable, as these can be attached with much greater facility to a plain than to a ribbed bar; but whenever I put in a bar without comb, I always use one of the improved ones. By this method, crooked and irregular combs are altogether unknown in my apiary."

Most of our bars are made with the ridge; but should any of our customers prefer the flat ones, we keep a few to supply their requirements.

With the moveable "bar and frame hive" every comb is available for extraction, and may easily be taken out of the hive; each comb being fixed within its frame, there is less disturbance to the bees than if the combs were fixed to the sides, as is the case with ordinary hives. A strip of wood, about ½ an inch wide, rests on the floorboard; in this strip are ten notches, made to receive the lower part of the frames, so as to retain them in their places at equal distances from each other. A difficulty is found with a well stocked hive in dropping the frames into the exact notches, so that it is not necessary to have these rack works always in use; but when any movement of the hive is made, it is essential to have the frames firmly fixed by the aid of this contrivance. It is also advisable to have the frames perpendicularly supported until the combs are built, so in order that the frames should hang true, the hive ought to be on the level. A little inclination may be given to it from back to front, causing the hive slightly to fall towards the entrance, so as to allow the moisture inside the hive, caused by the exhalations of the bees, to run off.

"Compound Bar Frame."—In the Journal of Horticulture, Mr. Woodbury thus describes the compound bar frame. Being his own adaptation, we cannot do better than use his own words. "This is a contrivance of my own, which I have found very advantageous in enabling me to use frames in stock hives and bars in supers, without forfeiting the advantages arising from the unlimited interchangeability of every comb in every hive and super in the apiary. Its construction will be readily understood by an inspection of the annexed sketch, in which the comb bar is shown slightly raised from its frame. The bar itself is 13¼ inches long by ⅞ of an inch wide and ⅜ of an inch thick. When the comb bar is in its place, the whole forms a frame 13 inches long by 7¼ inches high (inside measure), with ⅝ of an inch projection at each end, which rests in its appropriate notch in either the back or front of the hive. When filled with comb, the bar becomes so firmly cemented to the frame as to admit of its being handled with facility." This contrivance is, no doubt, very excellent in the hands of Mr. Woodbury; but in the hands of the unpractised severe mishaps may arise. In warm weather the propolis and wax, with which the bees cement the bar to the frame, becomes soft, consequently in handling the frames, unless dexterity is used, the comb is likely to drop out. We, therefore, recommend that the bar and frame be made both in one: greater firmness and simplicity are thereby gained. Some of these compound bars and frames are kept in stock at our establishment, though they cannot be recommended for general use; but should any one prefer them, they can be supplied at the same price as the common frames.

In describing the stock hives of wood, straw, and glass, allusion has frequently been made to the depriving hives, technically called "supers." These are also made of glass in wood frames, 13 inches inside, 6 inches deep, with eight bars (without frames). The accompanying cut represents the super used with the bar and frame hive.

Honey-combs in supers are better when made thicker than those for breeding, consequently the bars are placed a little further apart than in the lower or stock hive; they are either the "Woodbury Ribbed," contrived to induce the straight building of combs, or flat bars with guide combs affixed.

Cover.—A loose outer case, forming a complete cover for the hive, is found very useful. The case is made in two parts for convenience, the roof is also separate, having an acorn at top which forms a neat finish. These outside cases are made of wood, and drop lightly over all; when thus protected and fixed on a pedestal, the hive may be placed in the open air in such position as fancy may dictate. The aspect should be south or south-east, and if against a wall, sufficient space must be allowed for a free passage behind, as it is from thence all operations must be conducted by the apiarian. The case and roof with the stand being the only parts exposed to weather, will be the only portions that require painting; they are sometimes stained and varnished, and we are inclined to prefer the latter for appearance. Should the apiarian have a complete bee-hive house, the cover and stands will not be needed.

When removing or replacing the covers, care should be taken to do so very gently, or the bees will be enraged and rush out, and may inflict stings upon those within their reach. The necessity for lifting off the cover for the purpose of looking in, either at the window of the stock hive or of the super, we have obviated by making a door both in the upper and lower parts of the outside case. These doors, or unglazed windows, are hinged at the bottom so as to open downwards, rendering inspection easy without disturbance to the bees.

A wooden range for supporting a number of hives makes a safe and economical stand; it may be formed by driving firmly into the ground two rows of posts, each row about 13 inches apart; to these two rails about 2 inches square are nailed, and upon these the hives firmly rest. Care should be taken not to have the hives nearer together than 18 inches; the intermediate space will be found very convenient on which to rest the cover, or for supporting an empty hive during the proper performance of any operation.

Mr. Woodbury has his hives arranged on rails, somewhat after the plan before described.

In describing as above the various hives and frames, some hints have been given as to the methods of handling them. This, however, will not suffice for an induction to the mysteries of practical bee-keeping; and we must refer the reader to a subsequent section, wherein the details as to manipulation will be fully explained, and the results of the experience of several distinguished apiarians will be embodied.

TAYLOR'S IMPROVED COTTAGE HIVE. No. 14.

No. 14 hive is similar in principle to No. 8. It is also similar in size, with the exception of being quite straight at the sides. A zinc rim affords protection from the weather. Under the upper straw hive a bell glass is worked. A mahogany adapting board, with a 4 inch hole in the centre corresponding with that of the hive, supplies an even surface for the glass to rest on, and facilitates its removal when full. For particulars for stocking and management see directions for No. 8 and No. 5 hives.

EIGHT-BAR STRAW HIVE. No. 18.

This is an ingenious contrivance of Mr. Taylor's. Hoops are worked in the straw, both at top and bottom of the stock hive, and in the upper hoop are openings cut to receive eight comb bars; each bar is 1¼ of an inch wide, with a space of h an inch between. Since the introduction of square straw bar and frame hives, these have not been much in request. Considerable inconvenience is found with this hive, because the bars being of unequal lengths they cannot be interchanged one with the other.

The description given of No. 3 hive, and mode of stocking and furnishing it with guide comb, apply to this hive. The large straw hive raised up in the engraving is an outside case; the roof is a large zinc cover. If placed in a bee-house, the outside case and zinc roof are not required.

NEIGHBOUR'S UNICOMB OBSERVATORY HIVE. No. 20.

This hive is well adapted for those persons who are desirous of having the opportunity of closely examining the workmanship of these industrious and interesting insects. It is particularly intended for a window recess or an indoor apiary; and will also be found an interesting addition to the green house. An aperture should be cut in the sash corresponding with the entrance to the hive, through which the bees may find egress and ingress, without being able to gain access to the apartment, as on the plan in the case of the Ladies' Observatory Hive.

The Unicomb Hive is constructed of so narrow a width between thin plates of glass that it admits of one comb only to be built, and at the same time leaves space between the comb and the glass on either side for the bees to pass and repass. It is thus made so that every bee may be exposed to view. The queen forming the most prominent feature of attention, she is readily distinguished by the greater length of her body, as well as by the attention paid to her by the other bees.

The mode of stocking this hive is as follows:—procure a strong swarm if practicable, and let it be first hived into a common straw hive in the usual way. Take care to make the necessary preparations previous to the operation of stocking; for this purpose first unscrew the top and take out the bar intended for the foundation of the comb. A sort of wooden trough, contrived to act as a funnel, is provided with this hive. It is in separate pieces, so as to be packed conveniently, and requires screwing together. The funnel must now be attached to the hive, and care be taken that it is quite firmly fixed—the metal plates are attached for this purpose. Having made these preparations at dusk, dash the bees out on to a cloth or sheet spread on the ground, place four pieces of wood so as to raise the hive a little from the cloth; then invert the hive so as to have the funnel downwards, placing it over the bees, and letting it rest on the four pieces of wood just named. In a short time (say half an hour or an hour) the bees will ascend into the hive; they will go up more quickly if occasionally stirred with the feather of a goose quill.

When the bees have ascended into the hive, take off the funnel, replace the bar, screw on the top board, take it to the place intended for it permanently to occupy, and which has been prepared for it. It will be as well to screen the hive from view for a few days until the bees become settled in their new domicile. Although this hive is constructed of double glass to keep up a more uniform degree of warmth, still from the cold nature of glass and the close contact into which the bees are brought with it, it is advisable to place flannel between the outer shutters and the glass of the hive on both sides; this is found essential in winter, and very much adds to the comfort of the bees if placed so every cold night during most of the year. In the day time in summer months with the hive being of double glass the whole may be fully exposed to view. If the temperature of the apartment in which the hive stands be kept at 60 degrees, this extra attention will not be so needful. Bees cease to appear disturbed when the exposure to light is continuous. As soon as the bees are settled, comb building will immediately commence, and in about two weeks' time there will be one comb spreading over the whole hive. The queen may be viewed depositing her eggs, and all the usual operations of the rearing of brood, storing of honey, and the building of combs, will be open to full inspection, with perfect ease to the spectator. As an object of lively and permanent interest for the breakfast parlour or conservatory, the "Unicomb Observatory Hive" may be regarded as infinitely superior to an Aquarium or Fernery.

At the Exposition Universelle of 1855 in Paris, we exhibited a hive of this description in full working order. The bees left London on the 5th of July of that year, and were placed in the Exposition on the following morning. An entrance was made for them through the side of the building, as before explained. Our bees had no national antipathies, and they immediately sallied forth to their "fresh fields and pastures new" in the Champs Elysées, the gardens of the Tuileries, the Luxembourg, &c., whence they soon returned laden with luscious store from French flowers.

The Jurors of the Exposition awarded us a Prize Medal for bee-hives.

WOODBURY UNICOMB HIVE.

The "Woodbury Unicomb Hive" has many advantages over hives of this kind as previously constructed. The engraving shows the interior compartment divided into six; these are six Woodbury frames. The inner sash opens to admit of hanging up the frames on the notches prepared for them. The width of the hive between the glasses of the sashes is just sufficient to admit of one thickness of comb with space on either side for the bees to pass and repass, the same as in Neighbour's Unicomb. There is, however, a great advantage in the use of this hive; with it, any one possessing a Woodbury box or straw bar and frame hive can readily commence a Unicomb, and as readily put the combs and bees back into the square hive again. The outside shutters on either side are composed of Venetian blinds admitting daylight, but obscuring the rays of the sun. We had the entrance made at one end, as represented in our drawing; this alteration was made after the pattern of the hive from which Mr. Woodbury allowed us to copy. His own was intended to stand wholly out of doors, and had two central entrances, one on either side at the bottom, the hive itself turning on a pivot.

When the hive was being examined on one side, the entrance was closed by a piece of wood inserted in it, and when the other side was brought round to be inspected, the piece of wood withdrawn and placed in the opposite entrance. This was a most ingenious contrivance; but it did not answer our purpose for indoors. When Mr. Woodbury sent us his hive, we were preparing for the International Exhibition of 1862, and in placing it against the sides of the building, we followed our old plan for ingress by having the entrance at the end. Since that time we have made a considerable improvement by adapting Mr. Woodbury's cleverly contrived turn-table to suit our own hive. Like Mr. Woodbury's hive, ours has two iron wheels, the one fixed to the bottom of the hive, the other fixed to a stout board running the full length of the hive; on these two wheels the whole hive turns. In the centre there is an opening into the hive, with a passage-way running underneath, so that the bees' entrance is in no way affected by the position of the hive, which revolves to suit the convenience of visitors inspecting it. Should the queen with her attendants not be visible on one side, the other side of the comb can be brought into full view, and examined with the same facility as a picture, or as articles are inspected in a shop window. Thus, in the Unicomb Observatory Hive, the sovereign mother, her train of servitors, the drones with their aimless movements, and the crowd of ever busy workers—either building their combs or storing honey—may be always seen as presenting a veritable "Tableau vivant."

Another improvement that we have made upon Mr. Woodbury's pattern is that of accommodating the frames; his was constructed before frame hives were in use, consequently it is only suitable for combs on bars. Our adaptation has necessitated an increase in size. The dimensions are nearly 3 feet square and 7 inches deep from back to front. Provision is made at top for feeding and for working two small flat top glasses for deprivation, which are protected by the weather board.

An alighting board is placed at the centre, close under the entrance, when the hive is located out of doors. When the hive is placed indoors, a passage-way about 18 inches long, covered with glass, is fixed to the entrance, the other end communicating with an opening in the wall or sash; through this the bees find access, an alighting board being fixed outside the building. It is requisite that the passage-way be about this length, in order to allow of the hive turning round clear of the side of the building.

In the summer of 1863 we had ample proof of the success of this hive during its exhibition at the annual show of the Bath and West of England Agricultural Society at Exeter. We selected six combs, and packed them in one of the square box "Woodbury bar and frame" hives, and on arrival at Exeter, Mr. Woodbury assisted us in taking out the frames and placing them in the Unicomb. That being fixed against the boarded side of a shed, we found the covered way a great convenience, and it answered remarkably well; the bees did not seem to be inconvenienced by having to travel through so long a passage. A glass covering admitted a full view of the little labourers as they crowded in, and the sight of them very much enhanced the interest of visitors examining the hive.[4]

Since the time before mentioned, we have exhibited bees at the meetings of the Bath and West of England Agricultural Society at Bristol, and of the Royal Agricultural Society at Newcastle in 1864. On both occasions further proof was given that this hive admirably answers the purpose intended, and it afforded pleasure and interest to many thousands of visitors.

Mode of Stocking.—The Unicomb hive may be stocked in two ways, which have been previously referred to. The bee-keeper may either select the comb upon which the queen is found and put it into the hive, and so form an artificial swarm; or he may take six brood-combs from a hive, and so stock the "Unicomb" at once, which we did for the show at Exeter.

The former plan is, perhaps, the most advisable, because new comb has to be built within the five frames; for, be it remembered, in this case five empty frames must be put in. It is a better plan still if artificial combs are placed in each frame so as to afford an interesting opportunity of watching the formation of the cells therein. The combs are sure to be dark in colour when taken from a stock hive; and new combs being whiter have a better appearance in the hive. The comb upon which the queen was introduced may be taken away after the artificial swarm has made combs within some of the other five frames; when the queen is on one of the new combs, opportunity may easily be taken for opening the hive and removing the old dark comb. The bees can easily be shaken or brushed off the comb, and will return to the hive. The comb with the unhatched brood may be deposited in any square hive that needs strengthening. We mention this to show how to obtain a hive with entirely fine white comb.

If the possessor of a square Woodbury frame-hive wishes to start a strong Unicomb hive, and does not object to appropriate the stock, he must take out of the Woodbury hive any six combs on the frames, and put the Unicomb in its place so as to receive all the returning bees that happen to be abroad; the remaining four combs, supposing there are ten, may be inserted in any other frame hives in the garden in which are vacancies for them.

We have had this hive in operation, in the manner last described, during the summer of 1863, and found it to answer remarkably well. On a lawn, placed on a suitable ornamental stand, it formed a pleasing object, besides affording great interest and instruction.

In Unicomb hives stocked with a natural swarm (as is generally the plan), there is considerable difficulty in keeping the bees alive through the winter. In a hive where the combs are removeable, no loss of bees need be occasioned. We do not recommend the hive we are now describing as a winter residence for bees. For four months in the year, when bees are most active and when their operations are most interesting, this hive may be brought into use, either of the two plans before described being adopted. An artificial swarm should be put in during May or June, and taken out, in the method before mentioned, and then placed in the square box during the month of September; sometimes it may do for a stock to be put in a month or so earlier, but should never be retained later in this hive. In October we often have cold nights; the bees and brood being in such close contact with the glass, and not able to cluster as is their natural wont, suffer from exposure to the variations of temperature. In some degree to moderate this. Me have used treble glass with a space between each square; greater warmth is thus attained, and the view is not intercepted. Opportunity should be taken for cleaning the Unicomb hive when empty, so as to be ready for re-stocking as a new hive in the following summer. The "Unicomb Observatory" hive is one which might have been suggested by the lines of Evans:—

HUBER'S HIVE. No. 19.

To Francis Huber—not improperly styled the "Prince of Apiarians,"—we are indebted for more extensive and accurate observations on the habits of the Bee than has been contributed by all other observers since the time of Aristotle.

During the early period of Huber's investigations, he prosecuted them by means of single comb hives which allow of each side of the comb being examined. He found, however, that these had one important defect. The bees could not in these hives cluster together, which is their natural method of withstanding the effects of a reduced temperature. Huber hit upon the ingenious expedient of combining a number of single comb frames so as to form one complete hive, which could be opened in order to expose any particular comb, without disturbing the rest. From the manner of the opening and closing of this hive, it has generally been called the "Leaf or Book Hive." The division separating each comb is joined both back and front with "butt hinges," fastened with a moveable pin, on withdrawing which, at either side, each comb and the bees on it may be inspected as easily as if in a single comb hive. Huber's Leaf Hive is thus in appearance as if several of those "History of England" back-gammon chess boards were set up on end together. The floorboard on which the hive stands is larger than the hive when closed, so as to allow of its being opened freely at any particular "volume." An entrance way for the bees is hollowed out of the floorboard as in other hives. There is a glass window in each end of the hive, which is provided with a shutter.

There is, however, one serious objection to Huber's hive, which, though not noticed by him or his careful assistant, has prevented its general use. That is, the difficulty there is in closing it without crushing some of the bees, a catastrophe which, by exasperating their comrades, is certain to interfere with any experiments. There is no such risk in the Bar and Frame Hive, whilst in it every facility possessed by Huber's is retained; so that we strongly recommend scientific apiarians, in preference to Huber's, that they should use some kind of Bar and Frame Hive. We have here introduced a description of Huber's Leaf Hive (and should be glad to exhibit one) for the sake of its historic interest in connection with apiarian science. The invention was invaluable for Huber himself, and it suggested to other apiarians the adoption of the present plan of vertical bars and frames.

The character of Huber, and the circumstances under which he pursued his observations, are so remarkable, that we need scarcely apologize for stating a few particulars respecting him here. He was born at Geneva in July, 1750, his family being in honourable station and noted for talent. Just as he attained to manhood he lost his sight, and remained blind to the end of his days. This apparently insuperable obstacle in the way of scientific observation, was overcome by the remarkable fidelity with which Burnens, his assistant, watched the bees, and reported their movements to Huber, Madame Huber also who, although betrothed to him before his calamity, had remained constant in her affection, assisted in the investigations with great assiduity during their long and happy wedded life. We quote the following from "Memoirs of Huber," by Professor de Candolle:—

"We have seen the blind shine as poets, and distinguish themselves as philosophers, musicians, and calculators; but it was reserved for Huber to give a lustre to his class in the sciences of observation, and on objects so minute that the most clear-sighted observer can scarcely perceive them. The reading of the works of Reaumur and Bonnet, and the conversation of the latter, directed his curiosity to the history of bees. His habitual residence in the country inspired him with the desire, first of verifying some facts, then of filling some blanks in their history; but this kind of observation required not only the use of such an instrument as the optician must furnish, but an intelligent assistant, who alone could adjust it to its use. He had then a servant named Francis Burnens, remarkable for his sagacity and for the devotion he bore for his master. Huber practiced him in the art of observation, directed him to his researches by questions adroitly combined, and aided by the recollections of his youth, and by the testimonies of his wife and friends, he rectified the assertions of his assistant, and became enabled to form in his own mind a true and perfect image of the manifest facts. 'I am much more certain,' said he, smiling, to a scientific friend, 'of what I state than you are, for you publish what your own eyes only have seen, while I take the mean among many witnesses.' This is, doubtless, very plausible reasoning, but very few persons will by it be rendered distrustful of their own eyesight."

The results of Huber's observations were published in 1792, in the form of letters to Ch. Bonnet, under the title of "Nouvelles Observation sur les Abeilles." This work made a strong impression upon many naturalists, not only because of the novelty of the facts stated, and the excellent inductive reasoning employed, but also on account of the rigorous accuracy of the observations recorded, when it was considered with what an extraordinary difficulty the author had to struggle.

Huber retained the clear faculties of his observant mind until his death, which took place on the 22nd of December, 1831. Most of the facts relating to the impregnation of the queen, the formation of cells, and the whole economy of the bee-community as discovered and described by Huber, have received full confirmation from the investigations of succeeding naturalists.