[Illustration: Fig. 7.]
I would say that it consists of a straw, circular, lower compartment,
having three windows and outside shutters; a thermometer is fixed
across the centre window, so that the Bees cannot work between it and
the glass, and thus intercept the view of the graduated scale. This
little thermometer is found to be a useful appendage, as it affords
to the apiarian a correct indication of the state of the hive at
all seasons of the year. This lower or stock hive rests on a stout
wooden floor, at least 2 inches in thickness, projecting in front as a
landing-place for the Bees, which enter under the hoop attached to the
straw, by means of a sunken way; the _hoop_ is used to overcome the
uneven surface of the straw, as well as to give durability to the hive.
The top is also of wood, having three or more circular openings, of
about 3 inches diameter, to receive as many glasses.
In the top of each glass is a small hole, through which a tube of
perforated zinc is suspended, upon which guide-combs may be fixed;
it also forms a convenient support, to which the Bees attach their
combs. Over the glasses is placed a cover of straw (also _hoop_-bound),
closely fitting the top of the stock hive, and secured by means of
thumb-screws, so that it can be removed with great facility, to allow
of inspection or operations. This straw cover is surmounted by a
ventilator, forming a neat finish, and by which the temperature of the
glasses may be regulated.