_Seneca Falls, N. Y._, Aug. 1, 1870.
P. S.--I have written this without the consent or knowledge of Mr.
Langstroth, or his family, simply because, knowing the circumstances, I
felt it a duty and a privilege to speak--R. B.
* * * * *
The Egyptian beehives are made of coal dust and clay, which being well
blended together, the mixture is formed into a hollow cylinder about a
span in diameter and from four to six feet high. This is dried in the
sun, and becomes so hard that it may be handled at pleasure.--_Domestic
Encyclopædia._
* * * * *
Whoever intends to erect an apiary should purchase colonies towards the
close of the year, and only such as are full of combs and stocked with a
sufficient number of bees should be chosen. To ascertain the age of the
hives, it should be remarked that the combs of the last season are
white, while those of former years are dark yellow. Where the combs are
black, the hive should be rejected, as too old and liable to the attack
of vermin.--DR. WILLICH.