Having thus far given my plan for managing Bees in the _Improved
Cottage Hive_, I would now address a few words to the amateur, for the
purpose of recommending to his attention one of the 'best amateur's
hives that I have ever seen. It was invented by Mr. Taylor, author of
"The Bee-keeper's Manual," and is called "Taylor's Amateurs' Bar Hive."
By the introduction of _bars_ each comb is made available, whether
for separate extraction or for experimental purposes. Indeed, in this
hive both the Bees and their store are at all times completely under
the command of their proprietors. From this hive fine honey may be
obtained, swarming effectually prevented, and artificial swarms, when
required, insured. I was kindly favoured with one of the above hives
from the inventor in time to have a swarm hived into it on the 28th of
May. In about three weeks from that time, I found it necessary to put
on the upper box; and early in September I took it off, containing 30
lbs. of the finest honeycomb, yet leaving a full supply in the lower
or stock-box for the Bees during the winter and spring. Another great
advantage from this hive, above all others, is, that _a comb may be
extracted at any time_, which, where glasses or boxes are used, cannot
be done; these must be filled before they are removed, or much loss of
time is occasioned to the Bees.
Having already described the hive I most approve of, I will now give a
description of a newly-invented one of my own. Convinced, as I have for
some time been, of the many advantages arising from having every hive
fitted with bars, I have at length constructed a _square straw hive_ of
that kind, which, from its inexpensiveness, I trusted would have come
within the reach of almost every cottager; but since putting together
the little items of cost for its several parts I fear that I am
mistaken, for it can cost but little, if any, less than 8_s._ The hive,
as I have already said, is of _straw_, and perfectly _square_, 13-1/2
inches by 13-1/2, fitted with eight bars of 1-1/8 inch wide, with a
cover of wood--the bars are kept in their places by zinc fittings. The
openings in the crown-board are so placed as to allow of one large
glass, or two or three small ones, being worked. It is protected from
the weather by a milk-pan only in the winter, and in the summer, whilst
glasses are on (which may be covered with an old hive), by a milk-pan
and zinc shade. From the facility given by the bars to renew the combs,
this hive may be expected to stand for many years: therefore, two or
three coats of paint should be given it before the Bees are put into
it, and an additional one every year or two afterwards; and, as a
further means of preserving it from decay, the floor-board should be
the exact size of the hive, so that the drip from the milk-pan clears
it. A slight projecture in front for alighting must of course be
allowed; but by a careful adjustment of the milk-pan the drip may be
made to escape this also.