Stings: their Prevention and Cure 88
Pollen or Food for Infant Bees 91
Propolis or Bees' Cement 92
Pasturage for Bees 93
The Ligurian or Italian Alp Bee 95
Living Bees at the International Exhibition of
1862, sending Bees to Australia, &c. 100
Bee-keeping in London 102
Wasps and Moths 106
Draining Honey from the Combs 110
General Remarks 110
On the First Flight of Bees in Spring 116
APPENDIX.--Testimonials of the Press.
Great Exhibition of 1801:--
From the "Cottage Gardener" 119
" "Illustrated London News" 119
" "Express" 121
International Exhibition of 1802:--
From the "Illustrated London News" 121
" "Journal of Horticulture" 121
" "Illustrated News of the World" 122
" "Gardener's Weekly Magazine" 123
Bath and West of England Agricultural Show at
Exeter in June, 1863:--
From the "Journal of Horticulture" 124
" "Western Times" 124
" "Devon Weekly Times" 126
" "Exeter Gazette" 126
Royal Agricultural Show, Newcastle, 1804:--
From the "Northern Daily Express" 126
[Illustration]
ERRATA.
At second line from bottom of page 23, for "cottage" read
"cottager."
At page 30, fifth line from bottom, for "last page" read "page 25."
At page 44, sixteenth line, for "_this_ plates of glass" read
"_thin_ plates of glass."
At page 53, fourteenth line, read "bee hive" for "bee house."
[Transcriber Note: Above ERRATA corrections were applied.]
EXPLANATIONS OMITTED.
At page 62, "Hold the glass horizontally over the flame of the
candle."
At page 80, "An empty hive should be placed on the stand when the
living hive is removed, for the purpose of amusing returning
bees. If the hive is kept in a bee-house, the entrance should be
shut down unto the hive is restored, when the clustered bees may
be at once admitted."
[Transcriber Note: Above EXPLANATIONS were placed.]
PREFACE.
[Illustration]
Our apology for preparing a bee book is a very simple one.
We are so frequently applied to for advice on matters connected with
bees and bee-hives, that it seemed likely to prove a great advantage,
alike to our correspondents and ourselves, if we could point to a
"handy-book" of our own, which should contain full and detailed replies
sufficient to meet all ordinary enquiries. Most of the apiarian manuals
possess some special excellence or other, and we have no wish to
disparage any of them. Yet in all, we have found a want of explanations
relating to several of the more recent improvements.
It has, more especially, been our aim to give explicit and detailed
directions on most subjects connected with the hiving and removing
of bees; and also, to show how, by judicious application of the
"depriving" system, the productive powers of the bees may be enormously
increased.
We need say little here as to the interest that attaches to the apiary
as a source of perennial pleasure for the amateur naturalist. Many
of the hives and methods of management are described with a direct
reference to this class of bee-keepers; so that, besides plain and
simple directions suitable for cottagers with their ordinary hives,
this work will be found to include instructions useful for the
scientific apiarian, or, at least, valuable, for those who desire to
gain a much wider acquaintance with the secrets of bee-keeping than is
now usually possessed. We would lay stress on the term "acquaintance,"
for there is nothing in the management of the various bar-and-frame
hives which is at all difficult when frequent practice has rendered
the bee-keeper familiar with them. Such explicit directions are herein
given as to how the right operations may be performed at the right
times, that a novice may at once commence to use the modern hives.
The word "new-fangled" has done good service for the indolent and
prejudiced; but we trust that our readers will be of a very different
class. Let them give a fair trial to the modern appliances for the
humane and depriving system of bee-keeping, and they will find offered
to them an entirely new field of interest and observation. At present,
our continental neighbours far surpass us as bee-masters; but we trust
that the season of 1865, if the summer be fine, will prove a turning
point in the course of. English bee-keeping. There is little doubt that
a greater number of intelligent and influential persons in this country
will become bee-keepers than has ever been the case before.
Our task would have lost half its interest, did we not hope that it
would result in something beyond the encouragement of a refined and
interesting amusement for the leisurely classes. The social importance
of bee keeping as a source of pecuniary profit for small farmers and
agricultural labourers, has never been appreciated as it deserves.
Yet these persons will not, of themselves, lay aside the bungling and
wasteful plan of destroying the bees, or learn without being taught the
only proper method, that of deprivation. Their educated neighbours when
once interested in bee-keeping, will be the persons to introduce the
more profitable system of humane bee-keeping. The clergy, especially,
as permanent residents in the country, may have great influence in
this respect. There is not a rural or suburban parish in the kingdom
in which bee-keeping might not be largely extended, and the well being
of all but the very poorest inhabitants would be greatly promoted.
Not only would the general practice of bee-keeping add largely to the
national resources, but that addition would chiefly fall to the share
of those classes to whom it would be of most value. Moreover, in the
course of thus adding to their income, the uneducated classes would
become interested in an elevating and instructive pursuit.
It is curious to observe that honey, whether regarded as a manufactured
article or as an agricultural product, is obtained under economical
conditions of exceptional advantage. If regarded as a manufactured
article, we notice that there is no outlay required for "labour," nor
any expense for "raw material." The industrious labourers are eager to
utilize all their strength: they never "combine" except for the benefit
of their master, they never "strike" for wages, and they provide their
own subsistence. All that the master manufacturer of honey has to do
financially, is to make a little outlay for "fixed capital" in the
needful "plant" of hives and utensils--no "floating capital" is needed.
Then, on the other hand, if we regard honey as an agricultural product,
it presents as such a still more striking contrast to the economists'
theory of what are the "requisites of production." Not only is there no
outlay needed for wages and none for raw material, but there is nothing
to be paid for "use of a natural agent." Every square yard of land
in the United Kingdom may come to be cultivated, as in China, but no
proprietor will ever be able to claim "rent" for those "waste products"
of the flowers and leaves, which none but the winged workers of the
hive can ever utilize.
The recent domestication in England of the Ligurian or "Italian Alp"
bee adds a new and additional source of interest to bee-culture. We
have, therefore, gone pretty fully into this part of the subject; and
believe that what is here published with regard to their introduction
embodies the most recent and reliable information respecting them that
is possessed by English apiarians.[1]
[Footnote 1: Some of our apiarian friends may be inclined to be
discouraged from cultivating the Ligurian bees in consequence of the
liability to their becoming hybridised when located in proximity to
the black bees. We can dispel these fears by stating that we have not
unfrequently found that hybrid queens possess the surprising fecundity
of the genuine Italian ones, whilst the English stocks in course of
time become strengthened by the infusion of foreign blood.]
We are under many obligations for the advice and assistance that we
have on many occasions received from Mr. T. W. Woodbury, of Exeter,
whose apiarian skill is unrivalled in this country. Our acknowledgments
are also due to Mr. Henry Taylor, author of an excellent "Bee-Keeper's
Manual," for his help and counsel during the earlier years of our
apiarian experience. Both the before-mentioned gentlemen have freely
communicated to us their contrivances and suggestions, without thought
of fee or reward for them. In common with most recent writers on
bee-culture, we are necessarily largely indebted to the standard works
of Huber and succeeding apiarians. From the more recent volume of
the Rev. L. L. Langstroth we have also obtained useful information.
But having ourselves of later years had considerable experience in
the manipulation and practical management of bees, we are enabled to
confirm or qualify the statement of others, as well as to summarize
information gleaned from many various sources. We should state that our
thanks are due to Mr. W. Martin Wood, who has rendered us valuable aid
in the arrangement of this work.
Let it be understood that we have no _patented devices_ to push: we
are free to choose out of the many apiarian contrivances that have
been offered of late years, and we feel perfectly at liberty to praise
or blame as our experience warrants us in doing. It does not follow
that we necessarily disparage hives which are not described herein;
we have sought, as much as possible, to indicate the _principles_ on
which _good hives_ must be constructed, whatever their outward size or
shape. All through the work, we have endeavoured to adopt the golden
rule of "submission to nature," by reference to which all the fancied
difficulties of bee-keeping may be easily overcome. In none of the
attempts of men to hold sway over natural objects, is the truth of
Bacon's leading doctrine more beautifully illustrated than in the power
that the apiarian exercises in the little world of bees.
There are one or two literary peculiarities of this work to which we
ought to refer. It will be noticed that the numbers affixed to the
names of the various hives and utensils do not follow in regular order.
Those numbers refer to our Illustrated Catalogue, with which most
English apiarians have long been familiar, and we could not alter them
without great inconvenience.
Some persons may consider we have used too many poetical quotations in
a book dealing wholly with matters of fact. We trust, however, that
an examination of the extracts will at once remove that feeling of
objection.
We venture to hope that the following pages contain many valuable hints
and interesting statements which may tend to excite increased and
renewed attention to the most useful and industrious of all insects.
Although bees have neither reason nor religion for their guide, yet
from them man may learn many a lesson of virtue and industry, and may
even draw from them thoughts suggestive of trust and faith in God.
We beg leave to conclude our preface, and introduce the subject, by the
following extract from Shakespeare,--who, without doubt, kept bees in
that garden at Stratford wherein he used to meditate:--
"So work the honey bees;
Creatures, that by a rule in Nature, teach
The art of order to a peopled kingdom.
They have a king and officers of sorts;
Where some, like magistrates, correct at home;
Others, like merchants, venture trade abroad;
Others, like soldiers, armed in their stings.
Make boot upon the Summer's velvet buds.
Which pillage they, with merry march, bring home
To the tent royal of their emperor:
Who, busied in his majesty, surveys
The singing masons building roofs of gold;
The civil citizens kneading up the honey;
The poor mechanic porters crowding in
Their heavy burdens at his narrow gate;
The sad-eyed justice, with his surly hum,
Delivering o'er to executors pale
The lazy, yawning drone."--
Shakespeare's _Henry V., Act I., Scene 2._
THE APIARY;
OR
BEES, BEE-HIVES, & BEE CULTURE.
[Illustration]
There are two classes of persons for whom bee-culture should
have a strong interest, and two distinct purposes for which the pursuit
may be followed. First, there is the cottager or small farmer who,
in thousands of instances, might add considerably to his income by
bee-keeping; and secondly, there is the man of "retired leisure" and
refinement, who, in the personal tendance of an apiary would find
an easy and interesting occupation, and one which could not fail to
quicken his faculties of general scientific observation. Moreover,
in contemplating the wonderful skill, industry, and prevision of his
insect artisans, the bee-keeper would find in his apiary constant
illustrations of creative wisdom.
Amongst the humbler classes in the rural districts, the neglect of
bee-keeping is to be attributed to an exaggerated idea of the trouble
needful for the care of a few hives, and also to ignorance of the
easier and more profitable methods of modern management. Many of the
wealthier country or suburban residents, also, are averse to the
personal trouble which they fancy needful in keeping an apiary; and,
perhaps, some gentlemen are more afraid than they would like to own
of that very efficient weapon of defence with which the honey bee is
provided. But the prejudices against bees are quite unnecessary; bees
are as tractable as they are intelligent, and it is the purpose of this
little book to show that bee-culture is an easy and safe, as well as a
deeply interesting, pursuit. Possibly, also, some who do us the favour
to read our detailed explanations, will see how the rural clergyman,
or the benevolent landlord, who keeps an apiary of his own, may be
of signal service to his poorer neighbours in explaining to them the
mysteries of bee-keeping.
I. THE INHABITANTS OF THE HIVE.
Every hive or bee colony comprises three distinct classes of bees, each
class having functions peculiar to itself, and which are essential
to the well-being of the whole community. As each bee knows its own
proper duties, they all work harmoniously and zealously together, for
the common weal. Certain apparent exceptions to the good-fellowship of
the bees will be hereafter noticed, but those arise out of essential
conditions in the social economy of the bee community.
The three classes of bees are:--the queen bee, with the pupæ or embryos
intended for queens; the working bees; and the drones or male bees.
The Queen.--Dr. Evans[2] introduces the queen bee to our
notice thus:--
First of the throng, and foremost of the whole,
One 'stands confest the sovereign and the soul.'
[Footnote 2: Dr. Evans,--who may be styled the poet-laureate of the
bees,--lived at Shrewsbury, where he practiced as a physician. His poem
on bees is written with great taste and careful elaboration, and it
describes the habits of bees with a degree of accuracy only attainable
after continuous scientific observation.]
The queen may very readily be distinguished from the rest of the bees
by the greater length of her body, and the comparative shortness of her
wings; her legs are longer, and are not furnished with either brushes
or baskets as those of the working bee, for being constantly fed by
the latter, she does not need those implements; the upper surface of
her body is of a brighter black than the other bees, whilst her colour
underneath is a yellowish brown; her wings, which do not extend more
than half the length of her body, are sinewy and strong; her long
abdomen tapers nearly to a point; her head is rounder, her tongue more
slender, and not nearly so long, as that of the working bee, and her
sting is curved; her movements are measured and majestic, as she moves
in the hive the other bees form a circle round her, none venturing to
turn their backs upon her, but all anxious to show that respect and
attention due to her rank and station. Whenever in the exercise of her
sovereign will the queen wishes to travel amongst her subjects, she
experiences no inconvenience from overcrowding; although the part of
the hive to which she is journeying may be the most populous, way is
immediately made, the common bees tumbling over each other to get out
of her way, so great is their anxiety not to interfere with the royal
progress.
It is the chief function of the queen to lay the eggs from which all
future bees originate, the multiplication of the species being the
purpose of her existence, and she follows it up with an assiduity
similar to that with which the workers construct combs or collect
honey. A queen is estimated to lay in the breeding season from 1,500 to
2,000 eggs a-day, and in the course of one year is supposed to produce
more than 100,000 bees. This is indeed a vast number; but when there
is taken into consideration the great number required for swarms, the
constant lessening of their strength by death in various ways, and the
many casualties attending them in their distant travels in search of
the luscious store, it does not seem that the case is over stated.
In a Glass Unicomb Hive,--which we shall hereinafter describe,--all the
movements of the queen-bee may be traced; she may be seen thrusting
her head into a cell to discover whether it be occupied with an egg or
honey, and if empty, she turns round in a dignified manner and inserts
her long body--so long, that she is able to deposit the egg at the
bottom of the cell; she then passes on to another, and so continues
industriously multiplying her laborious subjects. It not unfrequently
happens when the queen is prolific, and if it be an early season, that
many eggs are wasted for want of unoccupied cells; for in that case
the queen leaves them exposed at the bottom of the hive when they
are greedily devoured by the bees. The queen-bee, unlike the great
majority of her subjects, is a stayer at home; generally speaking, she
only quits the hive twice in her life. The first occasion is on the
all-important day of her marriage, which always takes place at a great
height in the air, and generally on the second or third day of her
princess-life; she never afterwards leaves the hive, except to lead off
an emigrating swarm. Evans, with proper loyalty, has duly furnished a
glowing epithalamium for the queen-bee:--thus.
When noon-tide Sirius glares on high,
Young love ascends the glowing sky,
From vein to vein swift shoots prolific fire.
And thrills each insect fibre with desire;
Then Nature to fulfil thy prime decree,
Wheels round in wanton rings, the courtier Bee;
Now shyly distant, now with bolder air,
He woos and wins the all-complying fair;
Through fields of ether, veiled in vap'ry gloom
They seek, with amorous haste, the nuptial room;
As erst the immortal pair, on Ida's height,
wreath'd round their noon of joy, ambrosial night,
The loyalty and attachment of bees to their queen is one of their most
remarkable characteristics; they constantly supply her with food, and
fawn upon and caress her, softly touching her with their antennæ, a
favour which she occasionally returns. When she moves about the hive,
all the bees through whom she successively passes pay her the same
homage; those whom she leaves behind in her track close together, and
resume their accustomed occupations.
The majestic deportment of the queen-bee and the homage paid to her is,
with a little poetic license, thus described by Evans:--
But mark of royal port and awful mien.
Where moves with measured pace the insect Queen!
Twelve chosen guards, with slow and solemn gait.
Bend at her nod, and round her person wait.
This homage is, however, only paid to matron queens.
Whilst they continue princesses, they receive no distinctive marks
of respect. Dr. Dunbar, the noted Scotch apiarian, observed a very
striking instance of this whilst experimenting on the combative
qualities of the queen-bee. "So long," says he, "as the queen which
survived the rencontre with her rival, remained a virgin, not the
slightest degree of respect or attention was paid her--not a single bee
gave her food; she was obliged, as often as she required it, to help
herself; and in crossing the honey cells for that purpose, she had to
scramble, often with difficulty, over the crowd, not an individual of
which got out of her way, or seemed to care whether she fed or starved;
but no sooner did she become a mother, than the scene was changed, and
all testified towards her that most affectionate attention, which is
uniformly exhibited to fertile queens."
The queen-bee, though provided with a sting, never uses it on any
account, except in combat with her sister queens. But she admits of
no rival to her throne; almost her first act on coming forth from the
cell, is an attempt to tear open and destroy the cells containing the
pupæ of princesses likely to become competitors. Should it so happen
that another queen of similar age does exist in the hive at the
same time, the two are speedily brought into contact with each other
in order to fight it out and decide by a struggle, mortal to one of
them, which is to be the ruler;--the stronger of course is victorious,
and remains supreme. This, it must be admitted, is a wiser method of
settling the affair than it would be to range the whole band under two
distinct banners, and so create a civil war, killing and destroying
each other for matters with which they individually have little or no
concern: for the bees care not which queen it is, as long as they are
certain of having one to rule over them and perpetuate the community.
After perusing the description given above of the attachment of bees
to their queen, it may be easy to imagine the consternation a hive
is thrown into when deprived of her presence. The bees first make a
diligent search for their monarch in the hive, and then afterwards rush
forth in immense numbers to seek her. When such a commotion is observed
in an apiary, the experienced bee-master will repair the loss by giving
a queen: the bees have generally their own remedy for such a calamity,
in their power of raising a new queen from amongst their larvæ; but
if neither of these means be available, the whole colony dwindles and
dies. The following is the method by which working bees provide a
successor to the throne when deprived of their queen by accident, or in
anticipation of the first swarm, which is always led by the old queen:--
They select, when not more than three days old, an egg or grub
previously intended for a worker-bee, and then enlarge the cell so
selected by destroying the surrounding partitions; they thus form a
royal cradle, in shape very much like an acorn cup inverted. The chosen
embryo is then fed liberally with a peculiar description of nurture,
called by naturalists "royal jelly"--a pungent food, prepared by the
working bees exclusively for those of the larvæ that are destined to
become candidates for the honour of royalty. Should a queen be forcibly
separated from her subjects, she resents the interference, refuses
food, pines, and dies.
The whole natural history of the queen-bee is in itself a subject that
will well repay for continuous study. Those who desire to follow it, we
would refer to the complete works of Huber--the greatest of
apiarians,--Swammerdam, Bevan, Langstroth,
&c. The observations upon the queen-bee needful to verify the above
mentioned facts can only be made in hives constructed for the purpose,
of which our "Unicomb Observatory Hive" is one of the best. In ordinary
hives the queen is scarcely ever to be seen; where there are several
rows of comb, she invariably keeps between them, both for warmth and
to be more secure from danger. The writer has frequently observed in
stocks which have unfortunately died, that the queen was one of the
last to expire; and she is always more difficult to gain possession of
than other bees, being by instinct taught that she is indispensable to
the welfare of her subjects.
The queen enjoys a far longer life than any of her subjects, her age
generally extending to four or even five years. The drones, which are
mostly hatched in the early spring, seldom live more than three or
four months, even if they should escape the sting of the executioner,
to which they generally fall victims. The worker-bee, it is now a
well-ascertained fact, lives from six to eight months, in no case
exceeding the latter; so that we may reckon that the bees hatched in
April and May expire about the end of the year, and it is those of the
autumn who carry on the duties of the hive until the spring and summer,
that being the time when the greatest number of eggs are laid. The
population of a hive is very small during the winter, in comparison
with the vast numbers gathering produce in the summer,--produce which
they themselves live to enjoy but for a short period. So that not only,
as of old, may lessons of industry be learned from bees, but they also
teach self-denial to mankind, since they labour for the community
rather than for themselves. Evans, in describing the age of bees, thus
paraphrases the well known couplet of Homer in allusion to the fleeting
generations of men:--
Like leaves on trees, the race of bees is found,
Now green in youth, now withering on the ground;
Another race the spring or fall supplies.
They droop successive, and successive rise.
The Drone.--The drones are male bees; they possess no sting,
are more hairy and larger than the common bee, and may be easily
distinguished by their heavy motion, thick-set form, and louder
humming. Evans thus describes the drones:--
Their short proboscis sips.
No luscious nectar from the wild thyme's lips;
From the lime leaf no amber drops they steal.
Not bear their grooveless thighs the foodful meal:
On others' toils in pampered leisure thrive,
The lazy fathers of the industrious hive;
Yet oft, we're told, these seeming idlers share
The pleasing duties of parental care;
With fond attention guard each genial cell,
And watch the embryo bursting from the shell.
But Dr. Evans had been "told" what was not correct when he sought to
dignify drones with the office of "nursing fathers,"--that task is
undertaken by the younger of the working-bees. No occupation falls
to the lot of the drones in gathering honey, nor have they the means
provided them by nature for assisting in the labours of the hive. The
drones are the progenitors of working bees, and nothing more; so far as
is known, that is the only purpose of their short existence.
In a well-populated hive the number of drones is computed at from
one to two thousand. "Naturalists," says Huber, "have been extremely
embarrassed to account for the number of males in most hives, and
which seem only a burden to the community, since they appear to
fulfil no function. But we now begin to discern the object of nature
in multiplying them to such an extent. As fecundation cannot be
accomplished within the hive, and as the queen is obliged to traverse
the expanse of the atmosphere, it is requisite that the males should
be numerous, that she may have the chance of meeting some one of them
in her flight. Were only two or three in each hive, there would be
little probability of their departure at the same instant with the
queen, or that they would meet her in their excursions; and most
of the females might thus remain sterile." It is important for the
safety of the queen-bee that her stay in the air should be as brief
as possible: her large size, and the slowness of her flight, render
her an easy prey to birds. It is not now thought that the queen always
pairs with a drone of the same hive, as Huber seems to have supposed.
Once impregnated,--as is the case with most insects,--the queen-bee
continues productive during the remainder of her existence. It has,
however, been found that though old queens cease to lay worker eggs,
they may continue to lay those of drones. The swarming season being
over, that is about the end of July, a general massacre of the "lazy
fathers" takes place. Dr. Bevan, in the "Honey Bee," observes on this
point, "the work of the drones being now completed, they are regarded
as useless consumers of the fruits of others' labour, love is at once
converted into hate, and a general proscription takes place. The
unfortunate victims evidently perceive their danger, for they are
never, at this time, seen resting in one place, but darting in and
out of the hive with the utmost precipitation, as if in fear of being
seized."
Their destruction is thought, by some, to be caused by their being
harassed until they quit the hive; but Huber says he ascertained that
the death of the drones was caused by the stings of the workers.
Supposing the drones come forth in May, which is the average period
of their being hatched, their destruction takes place somewhere about
the commencement of August, so that three months is the usual extent
of their existence; but should it so happen that the usual development
of the queen has been retarded, or that the hive has in any case
been deprived of her, the massacre of the drones is deferred. But in
any case, the natural term of the life of drone bees does not exceed
four months, so that they are all dead before the winter, and are not
allowed to be useless consumers of the general store.
The Worker Bee.--The working bees form, by far, the most
numerous class of the three kinds contained in the hive, and least of
all require description. They are the smallest of the bees, are dark
brown in colour or nearly black, and much more active on the wing than
are either drones or queens. The usual number in a healthy hive varies
from twelve to thirty thousand; and, previous to swarming, exceeds the
larger number. The worker-bee is of the same sex as the queen, but is
only partially developed. Any egg of a worker-bee,--by the cell being
enlarged, as already described, and the "royal jelly" being supplied
to the larva,--may be hatched into a mature and perfect queen. This,
one of the most curious facts connected with the natural history of
bees, may be verified in any apiary by most interesting experiments,
which may be turned to important use. With regard to the supposed
distinctions between "nursing" and working bees, it is now agreed that
it only consists in a division of labour,--the young workers staying
at home to feed the larvæ until they are themselves vigorous enough
to range the fields in quest of supplies. But, for many details of
unfailing interest, we must again refer our readers to the standard
works on bees that have already been named.
The Eggs of Bees.--It is necessary that some explanation
should be given as to the existence of the bee before it emerges from
the cell.
The eggs of all the three kinds of bees when first deposited are of an
oval shape, and of a bluish-white colour. In four or five days the egg
changes to a worm, and in this stage is known by the names of larva
or grub, in which state it remains four to six days more; during this
period it is fed by the nurse-bees with a mixture of farina and honey,
a constant supply of which is given to it: the next transformation is
to the nymph or pupa form; the nurse-bees now seal up the cell with a
preparation similar to wax; and then the pupa spins round itself
a film or cocoon, just as a silkworm does in its chrysalis state. The
microscope shows that this cradle-curtain is perforated with very
minute holes, through which the baby-bee is duly supplied with air. No
further attention on the part of the bees is now requisite except a
proper degree of heat, which they take care to keep up, a position for
the breeding cells being selected in the centre of the hive where the
temperature is likely to be most congenial.
Twenty-one days after the egg is first laid (unless cold weather should
have retarded it) the bee quits the pupa state, and nibbling its way
through the waxen covering that has enclosed it, comes forth a winged
insect. In the Unicomb Observatory Hive, the young bees may distinctly
be seen as they literally fight their way into the world, for the other
bees do not take the slightest notice, nor afford them any assistance.
We have frequently been amused in watching the eager little new-comer,
now obtruding its head, and anon compelled to withdraw into the cell,
to escape being trampled on by the apparently unfeeling throng, until
at last it has succeeded in making its exit. The little grey creature,
after brushing and shaking itself, enters upon its duties in the hive,
and in a day or two may be seen gathering honey in the fields--some
say on the day of its birth,--thus early illustrating that character
for industry, which has been proverbial, at least, since the days of
Aristotle, and which has in our day been rendered familiar even to
infant minds through the nursery rhymes of Dr. Watts.
Increase of Bees.--Every one is familiar with the natural
process of "swarming," by which bees provide themselves with fresh
space and seek to plant colonies to absorb their increase of
population. But the object of the bee-master is to train and educate
his bees, and in so doing he avoids much of the risk and trouble which
is incurred by allowing the busy folk to follow their own devices. The
various methods for this end adopted by apiarians all come under the
term of the "depriving" system; and they form part of the great object
of humane and economical bee-keeping, which is to save the bees alive
instead of slaughtering them as under the old clumsy system. A very
natural question is often asked,--how it is that upon the depriving
system, where our object is to prevent swarming, the increase of
numbers is not so great as upon the old plan? It will be seen that the
laying of eggs is performed by the queen only, and that there is but
one queen to each hive; so that where swarming is prevented, there
remains only one hive or stock, as the superfluous princesses are not
allowed to come to maturity. Our plan of giving additional store-room
will, generally speaking, prevent swarming; this stay-at-home policy,
we contend, is an advantage, for instead of the loss of time consequent
upon a swarm hanging out preparatory to flight, all the bees are
engaged in collecting honey, and that at a time when the weather is
most favourable and the food most abundant. Upon the old system, the
swarm leaves the hive simply because the dwelling has not been enlarged
at the time when the bees are increasing. The emigrants are always led
off by the old queen, leaving either young or embryo queens to lead off
after swarms, and to furnish a mistress for the old stock, and carry
on the multiplication of the species. Upon the antiquated and inhuman
plan where so great a destruction takes place by the brimstone match,
breeding must, of course, be allowed to go on to its full extent to
make up for such sacrifices. Our chief object under the new system is
to obtain honey free from all extraneous matter. Pure honey cannot be
gathered from combs where storing and breeding are performed in the
same compartment. For fuller explanations on this point, we refer to
the various descriptions of our improved hives in a subsequent section
of this work.
There can now be scarcely two opinions as to the uselessness of the
rustic plan of immolating the poor bees after they have striven through
the summer so to "improve each shining hour." The ancients in Greece
and Italy took the surplus honey and spared the bees, and now for every
intelligent bee-keeper there are ample appliances wherewith to attain
the same results. Mr. Langstroth quotes from the German the following
epitaph which, he says, "might be properly placed over every pit of
brimstoned bees:"--
Here Rests,
CUT OFF FROM USEFUL LABOUR,
A COLONY OF
INDUSTRIOUS BEES,
BASELY MURDERED
BY ITS
UNGRATEFUL AND IGNORANT OWNER.
And Thomson, the poet of "The Seasons," has recorded an eloquent poetic
protest against the barbarous practice, for which, however, in his day
there was no alternative:--
All, see, where robbed and murdered in that pit,
Lies the still heaving hive! at evening snatched,
Beneath the cloud of guilt-concealing night,
And fix'd o'er sulphur! while, not dreaming ill,
The happy people, in their waxen cells,
Sat tending public cares.
Sudden, the dark, oppressive steam ascends.
And, used to milder scents, the tender race.
By thousands, tumble from their honied dome
Into a gulf of blue sulphureous flame!
It will be our pleasing task in subsequent chapters to show "a more
excellent way."
SWARMING.
The spring is the best period at which to open an apiary, and
swarming-time is a good starting point for the new bee-keeper. The
period known as the swarming season is during the months of May and
June. With a very forward stock, and in exceedingly fine weather, bees
do occasionally swarm in April. The earlier the swarm the greater is
its value. If bees swarm in July, they seldom gather sufficient to
sustain themselves through the winter; though, by careful feeding, they
may easily be kept alive, if hived early in the month.
The cause of a swarm leaving the stock-hive is, that the population has
grown too large for it. Swarming is a provision of nature for remedying
the inconvenience of overcrowding, and is the method whereby the bees
seek for space in which to increase their stores. By putting on "super
hives," the required relief may, in many cases, be given to them; but
should the multiplication of stocks be desired, the bee-keeper will
defer increasing the space until the swarm has issued forth. In May,
when the spring has been fine, the queen-bee is very active in laying
eggs, and the increase in a strong healthy hive is so prodigious that
emigration is necessary, or the bees would cease to work.
It is now a well established fact that the old queen goes forth with
the first swarm, preparation having been made to supply her place as
soon as the bees determine upon the necessity of a division of their
commonwealth. Thus the sovereignty of the old hive, after the first
swarm has issued, devolves upon a young queen.
As soon as the swarm builds combs in its new abode, the emigrant-queen,
being impregnated and her ovaries full, begins laying eggs in the
cells, and thereby speedily multiplies the labourers of the new
colony. Although there is now amongst apiarians no doubt that the old
queen quits her home, there is no rule as to the composition of the
swarm--old and young alike depart. Some show unmistakable signs of age
by their ragged wings, others their extreme youth by their lighter
colour; how they determine which shall stay and which shall go has not
yet been ascertained. In preparation for flight, bees commence filling
their honey bags, taking sufficient, it is said, for three days'
sustenance. This store is needful, not only for food, but to enable
the bees to commence the secretion of wax and the building of combs in
their new domicile.
On the day of emigration the weather must be fine, warm, and clear,
with but little wind stirring; for the old queen, like a prudent
matron, will not venture out unless the day is in every way favorable.
Whilst her majesty hesitates, either for the reasons we have mentioned,
or because the internal arrangements are not sufficiently matured, the
bees will often fly about or hang in clusters at the entrance of the
hive for two or three days and nights together, all labour meanwhile
being suspended. The agitation of the little folk is well described by
Evans:--
See where, with hurried step, the impassioned throng
Pace o'er the hive, and seem, with plaintive song,
T' invite the loitering queen; now range the floor,
And hang in cluster'd columns from the door;
Or now in restless rings around they fly,
Nor spoil thy sip, nor load the hollowed thigh;
E'en the dull drone his wonted ease gives o'er,
Haps his unwieldly wings, and longs to soar.
But when all is ready, a scene of the most violent agitation takes
place; the bees rush out in vast numbers, forming quite a dark cloud as
they traverse the air.
The time selected for the departure of the emigrants is generally
between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; most swarms come off within an hour of
noon. It is a very general remark that bees choose a Sunday for
swarming, and probably this is because then greater stillness reigns
around. It will not be difficult to imagine that the careful bee-keeper
is anxious to keep a strict watch, lest he should lose such a treasure
when once it takes wing. The exciting scene at a bee-swarming has been
well described by the apiarian laureate:--
Up mounts the chief, and, to the cheated eye,
Ten thousand shuttles dart along the sky;
As swift through æther rise the rushing swarms,
Gay dancing to the beam their sunbright forms;
And each thin form, still lingering on the sight.
Trails as it shoots, a line of silver light.
High poised on buoyant wing, the thoughtful queen,
In gaze attentive, views the varied scene,
And soon her far-fetched ken discerns below;
The light laburuam lift her polished brow.
Wave her green leafy ringlets o'er the glade.
Swift as the falcon's sweep, the monarch bends
Her flight abrupt; the following host descends
Round the fine twig, like clustered grapes they close
In thickening wreaths, and court a short repose.
In many country districts it is a time-honoured custom for the good
folks of the village to commence on such occasions a terrible noise
of tanging and ringing with frying pan and key. This is done with
the absurd notion that the bees are charmed with the clangorous din,
and may by it be induced to settle as near as possible to the source
of such sweet sounds. This is, however, quite a mistake; there are
other and better means for the purpose. The practice of ringing was
originally adopted for a different and far more sensible object,
viz., for the purpose of giving notice that a swarm had issued forth,
and that the owner was anxious to claim the right of following, even
though it should alight on a neighbour's premises. It would DC curious
to trace how this ancient ceremony has thus got corrupted from the
original design.
In case the bees do not speedily after swarming manifest signs of
settling, a few handfuls of sand or loose mould may be thrown up in the
air so as to fall among the winged throng; they mistake this for rain,
and then very quickly determine upon settling. Some persons squirt a
little water from a garden engine in order to produce the same effect.
There are, indeed, many ingenious devices used by apiarians for
decoying the swarms. Mr. Langstroth mentions a plan of stringing dead
bees together, and tying a bunch of them on any shrub or low tree upon
which it is desirable that they should alight; another plan is, to
hang some black woven material near the hives, so that the swarming
bees may be led to suppose they see another colony, to which they will
hasten to attach themselves. Swarms have a great affinity for each
other when they are adrift in the air; but, of course, when the union
has been effected, the rival queens have to do battle for supremacy. A
more ingenious device than any of the above, is by means of a mirror to
flash a reflection of the sun's rays amongst a swarm, which bewilders
the bees, and checks their flight. It is manifestly often desirable
to use some of these endeavours to induce early settlement, and to
prevent, if possible, the bees from clustering in high trees or under
the eaves of houses, where it may be difficult to hive them.
Should prompt measures not be taken to hive the bees as soon as the
cluster is well formed, there is danger of their starting on a second
flight; and this is what the apiarian has so much to dread. If the bees
set off a second time, it is generally for a long flight, often for
miles, so that in such a case it is usually impossible to follow them,
and consequently a valuable colony may be irretrievably lost.
Too much care cannot be exercised to prevent the sun's rays falling
on a swarm when it has once settled. If exposed to heat in this way,
bees are very likely to decamp. We have frequently stretched matting or
sheeting on poles so as to intercept the glare, and thus render their
temporary position cool and comfortable.
Two swarms sometimes depart at the same time and join together; in such
a case, we recommend that they be treated as one by putting them into a
hive as before described, taking care to give abundant room, and not to
delay affording access to the super hive or glasses. They will settle
their own notions of sovereignty by one queen destroying the other.
There are means of separating two swarms if done at the time; but the
operation is a formidable one, and does not always repay even those
most accustomed to such manipulation.
With regard to preparations for taking a swarm, our advice to the
bee-keeper must be the reverse of Mrs. Glass's notable injunction as
to the cooking of a hare. Some time before you expect to take a swarm,
be sure to have a proper hive in which to take it, and also every
other requisite properly ready. Here we will explain what was said
in the introduction as to the safety of moving and handling bees. A
bee-veil or dress will preserve the most sensitive from the possibility
of being stung. This article, which may be bought with the hives, is
made of net close enough to exclude bees, but open enough for the
operator's vision. It is made to go over the hat of a lady or cap of a
gentleman; it can be tied round the waist, and has sleeves fastening at
the wrist. A pair of photographer's india rubber gloves completes the
full dress of the apiarian, who is then invulnerable even to enraged
bees. But bees when swarming are in an eminently peaceful frame of
mind; having dined sumptuously, they require to be positively provoked
before they will sting. Yet there may be one or two foolish bees who,
having neglected to fill their honey bags, are inclined to vent their
ill-humour on the kind apiarian. When all is ready, the new hive is
held or placed in an inverted position under the cluster of bees, which
the operator detaches from their perch with one or two quick shakes;
the floorboard is then placed on the hive, which is then slowly turned
up on to its base, and it is well to leave it a short time in the same
place, in order to allow of stragglers joining their companions.
If the new swarm is intended for transportation to a distance, it is
as well for it to be left at the same spot until evening, provided the
sun is shaded from it: but if the hive is meant to stand in or near
the same garden, it is better to remove it within half an hour to its
permanent position, because so eager are newly-swarmed bees for pushing
forward the work of furnishing their empty house, that they sally forth
at once in search of materials.
A swarm of bees in their natural state contains from 10,000 to 20,000
insects, whilst in an established hive they number 40,000 and upwards.
5,000 bees are said to weigh one pound; a good swarm will weigh from
three to five pounds. We have known swarms not heavier than 2½ pounds,
that were in very excellent condition in August as regards store for
the winter.
Hitherto, all our remarks have had reference to first or "prime"
swarms; these are the best, and when a swarm is purchased such should
be bargained for.
Second swarms, known amongst cottage bee-keepers as "casts," usually
issue from the hive nine or ten days after the first has departed.
It is not always that a second swarm issues, so much depends on the
strength of the stock, the weather, and other causes; but should the
bees determine to throw out another, the first hatched queen in the
stock-hive is prevented by her subjects from destroying the other
royal princesses, as she would do if left to her own devices. The
consequence is that, like some people who cannot have their own way,
she is highly indignant; and when thwarted in her purpose, utters, in
quick succession, shrill, angry sounds, much resembling "_peep, peep_,"
commonly called "piping," but which more courtly apiarians have styled
the _vox regalis_.
This royal wailing continues during the evening, and is sometimes so
loud as to be distinctly audible many yards from the hive. When this is
the case, a swarm may be expected either on the next day, or at latest
within three days. The second swarm is not quite so chary of weather as
the first; it was the old lady who exercised so much caution, disliking
to leave home except in the best of summer weather.
In some instances, owing to favourable breeding seasons and prolific
queens, a third swarm issues from the hive, this is termed a "colt;"
and in remarkable instances, even a fourth, which in rustic phrase is
designated a "filly." A swarm from a swarm is called a "maiden" swarm,
and according to bee theory, will again have the old queen for its
leader.
The bee-master should endeavour to prevent his labourers from swarming
more than once; his policy is rather to encourage the industrious
gathering of honey by keeping a good supply of "supers" on the hives.
Sometimes, however, he may err in putting on the supers too early or
unduly late, and the bees will then swarm a second time, instead of
making use of the store-rooms thus provided. In such a case, the clever
apiarian, having spread the swarm on the ground, will select the queen,
and cause the bees to go back to the hive from whence they came. This
operation requires an amount of apiarian skill which, though it may
easily be attained, is greater than is usually possessed.
II. MODERN BEE HIVES.
NUTT'S COLLATERAL HIVE. No. 1.
The late Mr. Nutt, author of "Humanity to Honey Bees," may be
regarded as a pioneer of modern apiarians; we therefore select his
hive wherewith to begin a description of those we have confidence in
recommending. Besides, an account of Mr. Nutt's hive will necessarily
include references to the various principles which subsequent inventors
have kept in view.
[Illustration]
Nutt's Collateral Hive consists of three boxes placed side by side (C.
A. C), with an octagonal box B on the top which covers a bell-glass.
Each of the three boxes is 9 inches high, 9 inches wide, and 11
inches from back to front; thin wooden partitions,--in which six or
seven openings corresponding with each other are made--divide these
compartments, so that free access from one box to the other is afforded
to the bees; this communication is stopped when necessary by a zinc
slide passing down between each box. The octagonal cover B is about 10
inches in diameter and 20 high, including the sloping octagonal roof,
surmounted with an acorn as a finish. There are two large windows in
each of the end boxes, and one smaller one in the centre box; across
the latter is a thermometer scaled and marked, so as to be an easy
guide to the bee-master, showing him by the rise in temperature the
increased accommodation required. This thermometer is a fixture, the
indicating part being protected by two pieces of glass, to prevent the
bees from coming between it and the window, and thereby obstructing the
view.
D D are ventilators. In the centre of each of the end boxes is a
double zinc tube reaching down a little below the middle, the outer
tube is a casing of plain zinc, with holes about a quarter of an inch
wide dispersed over it; the inside one is of perforated zinc, with
openings so small as to prevent the escape of the bees, a flange or
rim keeps the tubes suspended through a hole made to receive it. The
object in having double tubing, is to allow the inner one to be drawn
up and the perforations to be opened by pricking out the wax, or rather
the propolis, with which bees close all openings in their hives. These
tubes admit a thermometer enclosed in a cylindrical glass, to be
occasionally inserted during the gathering season; it requires to be
left in the tube for about a quarter of an hour; and on its withdrawal,
if found indicating 90 degrees or more, ventilation must be adopted to
lower the temperature--the ornamental zinc top D must be left raised,
and is easily kept in that position by putting the perforated part a
little on one side.
The boxes before described are placed on a raised double floor-board,
extending the whole length, viz., about 36 inches. The floor-board
projects a few inches in front. In the centre is the entrance;--as our
engraving only shows the back of the hive, we must imagine it on the
other side,--it is made by cutting a sunken way of about half-an-inch
deep and 3 inches wide, in the floor-board communicating only with
the middle box; it is through this entrance alone that the bees find
their way into the hive,--access to the end boxes and the super
being obtained from the inside. An alighting board is fitted close
under the entrance for the bees to settle upon when returning laden
with honey; this alighting board is removable for the convenience of
packing. The centre, or stock-box, A, called by Mr. Nutt the Pavilion
of Nature, is the receptacle for the swarm; for stocking this, it will
be necessary to tack the side tins so as to close the side openings
in the partition, and to tack some perforated zinc over the holes at
top; the swarm may then be hived into it just the same as with a common
hive. A temporary bottom-board may be used if the box has to be sent
any distance; or a cloth may be tied round to close the bottom (the
latter plan is best, because allowing plenty of air), and when brought
home at night, the bees being clustered at the top, the cloth or
temporary bottom must be removed, and the box gently placed on its own
floor-board, and the hive set in the place it is permanently to occupy.
E E are two block fronts which open with a hinge, a semicircular hole
3 inches long, 2 wide in the middle, is cut in the upper bottom-board
immediately under the window of each box; these apertures are closed by
separate perforated zinc slides; these blocks, when opened, afford a
ready means of reducing the temperature of the side boxes, a current of
air being quickly obtained, and are also useful for allowing the bees
to throw out any refuse.
The centre F is a drawer in which is a feeding trough, so constructed
that the bees can descend through the opening before mentioned on
to a false bottom of perforated zinc; liquid food is readily poured
in by pulling out the drawer a little way, the bees come down on to
the perforated zinc and take the food by inserting their proboscis
through the perforations, with no danger of being drowned. Care must be
exercised that the food is not given in such quantity as to come above
the holes; by this means, each hive has a supply of food accessible
only to the inmates, with no possibility, when closely shut in, of
attracting robber bees from other hives.
The exterior of these hives is _well_ painted with two coats of lead
colour, covered with two coats of green, and varnished. Notwithstanding
this preservation, it is absolutely essential to place such a hive
under a shed or cover of some sort, as the action of the sun and rain
is likely to cause the wood to decay, whilst the extreme heat of a
summer sun might cause the combs to fall from their foundations.
Neat and tasteful sheds may be erected, either of zinc supported by
iron or wooden rods, or a thatched roof may be supported in the same
manner, and will form a pretty addition to the flower garden.
When erecting a covering, it will be well to make it a foot or two
longer, so as to allow of a cottage hive on either side, as the
appearance of the whole is much improved by such an arrangement.
The following directions, with some adaptation, are from "Nutt on Honey
Bees:"--
In the middle box the bees are to be first placed;--in it they should
first construct their beautiful combs, and under the government of
one sovereign--the mother of the hive--carry on their curious work,
and display their astonishing architectural ingenuity. In this box,
the _regina_ of the colony, surrounded by her industrious, happy,
humming subjects, carries on the propagation of her species, deposits
in the cells prepared for the purpose by the other bees, thousands of
eggs, though she seldom deposits more than one egg in a cell at a
time: these eggs are nursed up into a numerous progeny by the other
inhabitants of the hive. It is at this time, when hundreds of young
bees are daily coming into existence, that the collateral boxes are
of the utmost importance--both to the bees domiciled in them, and to
their proprietors; for when the brood become perfect bees in a common
cottager's hive, a swarm is the necessary consequence. The queen,
accompanied by a vast number of her subjects, leaves the colony,
and seeks some other place in which to carry on the work nature has
assigned her. But as swarming may by proper precaution and attention
to this mode of management generally be prevented, it is good practice
to do so; because the time necessarily required to establish a new
colony, even supposing the cottager succeeds in saving the swarm,
would otherwise be employed in collecting honey, and in enriching the
old hive. Here, then, is one of the features of this plan--viz., _the
prevention of swarming_. When symptoms of swarming begin to present
themselves, which may be known by an unusual noise, the appearance
of more than common activity among the bees in the middle box, and,
above all, by a sudden rise of temperature, which will be indicated
by the quicksilver in the thermometer rising to 75 degrees as scaled
on the thermometer in the box; when these symptoms are apparent, the
bee master may conclude that additional space is required. The top
sliding tin should now be withdrawn from under the bell glass, which
will open to the bees a new store-room; this they will soon occupy, and
fill with combs and honey of pure whiteness, if the weather be fine to
allow of their uninterrupted labour. It may be well here to mention,
that if the glass have a small piece of clean worker comb attached to
the perforated ventilating tube, the bees will more speedily commence
their operations in it. When the glass is nearly filled, which in a
good season will be in a very short space of time, the bees will again
require increased accommodation; this will also be indicated by the
thermometer further rising to 85; the end box, as thereon marked,
must now be given them. Previously to drawing up a slide to enlarge
their crowded house, the manager should take off the empty end box
he intends to open to them, carefully and thoroughly cleanse it, and
then smear or dress the inside of it with a little liquid honey. Thus
prepared, he must return the box to its proper situation, and then
withdraw the sliding tin that hitherto has cut it off from the middle
box; by so doing the store-room is again enlarged. The bees will
commence operations in this new apartment. This simple operation, done
at the proper time, generally prevents swarming; by it, the queen
gains a vast addition to her dominions, and, consequently, increasing
space for the multiplying population of her domicile. Provided the
weather continue fine, and the thermometer has risen to 95 degrees, as
marked on the scale, the remaining tin may be also withdrawn, thereby
giving the bees, admittance to another box; there is now no lack of
store-rooms nor of employment for our indefatigable labourers. The
cylinder thermometer is required to be occasionally dropped into the
ventilating tube of the side boxes to ascertain their temperature; for
if exceeding or approaching that of the middle box, it must be reduced
by ventilating; this is done by raising the zinc tops, to allow the air
to pass through the perforations. The grand object of this system is
to keep the end boxes and the bell glass cooler than the pavilion or
middle box, so as to induce the queen to propagate her species there
and there only, and not in the depriving part of the hive; by this
means the side and upper combs are in no way discoloured by brood. The
queen requires a considerable degree of warmth; the middle box does not
require more ventilation than the additional openings afford. The bees
enjoy coolness in the side boxes, and thereby the whiteness and purity
of the luscious store are increased.
After having given directions for the working of the hive, it remains
to be told how to obtain possession of the store, and to get rid of
our industrious tenants from the super and end boxes, of which the
super glass will be almost sure to be filled first, having been first
given to them. The operation of taking honey is best performed in the
middle of a fine sunny day. The best mode that we know of is to pass
an ordinary table-knife all round underneath the rim of the glass to
loosen the cement, properly called propolis; then take a piece of
fine wire, or a piece of string will do, and, having hold of the two
ends, draw it under the glass very slowly, so as to allow the bees
to get out of the way. Having brought the string through, the glass
is now separated from the hive; but it is well to leave the glass in
its place for an hour or so, the commotion of the bees will then have
subsided; and another advantage we find is, that the bees suck up the
liquid and seal up the cells broken by the cutting off. You can then
pass underneath the glass two pieces of tin or zinc; the one may be
the proper slide to prevent the inmates of the hive coming out at
the apertures, the other tin keeps all the bees in the glass close
prisoners. After having been so kept a short time, the apiarian must
see whether the bees in the glass manifest symptoms of uneasiness,
because if they do not, it may be concluded that the queen is among
them. In such a case, replace the glass, and recommence the operation
on a future day. It is not often that her majesty is in the depriving
hive or glass; but this circumstance does sometimes happen, and
the removal at such a time must be avoided. When the bees that are
prisoners run about in great confusion and restlessness, the operator
may then conclude that the queen is absent, and that all is right.
The glass may be taken away a little distance off, and placed in a
flower-pot or other receptacle where it will be safe when inverted and
the tin taken away, then the bees will be glad to make their escape
back to their hive. A little tapping at the sides of the glass will
render their tarriance uncomfortable, and the glass may then be taken
into a darkened room or out-house with only a small aperture admitting
light which must be open; the bees, like all insects, make towards
the light and so escape. The bee-master should brush them off with a
feather from the comb as they can be reached; but on no account, if
there are many bees, should the glass be left, because the bees that
are in the glass will gorge themselves to their full and speedily bring
a host of others from the adjacent hives, who, in a very little time,
would leave only the empty combs. It is truly marvellous how soon they
will carry all the store back again, if allowed to do so. An empty
glass should be put on to the hive in place of the full one, as it will
attract the bees up, thereby preventing the too close crowding of the
hive; and, if the summer be not too far advanced, they will work more
honey-comb in it.
The taking away of the end boxes is a somewhat similar process; but
they should on no account be taken at the same time as the glass, or
indeed at the same time as any other hive may be--_robbed_ we were
going to say, for it is robbery to the bees,--they intended the honey
for their winter food, and are much enraged at being deprived of it.
First shut down the dividing tin; the bees in the end box are now
prisoners separated from the hive, keep them so half an hour, then take
away the box bodily to another part of the garden, or into the dark
out-house as before recommended.
It may not be out of place here to say something respecting the
enthusiastic inventor of the Collateral Hive--Thomas Nutt, who was
an inhabitant of Spalding, in Lincolnshire. Having been disabled
during a considerable period by rheumatic fever, he devoted all his
attention to bees, at a time when bee-culture was but little valued;
and, although it must be admitted that two boxes were used side by side
long before Mr. Nutt's day, still it is due to him to state that the
adoption of three boxes was entirely his own idea, and that as far as
he then knew, the collateral system was his original invention. His
statements have been severely criticised, and it does appear that the
weight of honey which he names as having been produced in one season is
perfectly incredible. But as in the district where he lived there is
grown an immense quantity of mustard seed--the flowers of which afford
excellent forage for bees--the honey harvests there, would doubtless,
be very large. If Mr. Nutt has given his little favourites too much
praise, it will be only charitable, now, to account for his statements
by an excess of zeal and enthusiasm in this his study of bee-culture.
It may be that the golden harvests he spoke and wrote of have been so
far useful that they have induced many to commence bee-keeping, some
of whom, whilst they condemned his statements, have themselves written
really useful and practical works on the subject, which otherwise
might possibly never have appeared. As the monks of old kept the
lamp of religion burning, however dimly, until a more enlightened
age, so Thomas Nutt may have assisted in a somewhat similar manner
by energetically propounding his views, and thereby causing other
apiarians to rise up whose names are now as familiar to us as household
words, and whose works posterity will value. The writer of these pages
has often accompanied Mr. Nutt on his visits to his patrons in the
neighbourhood of London, and seen him perform his operations regardless
of the anger of bees, and free from all fear of their stings. He often
expatiated on the cruelty of the brimstone match and suffocation,
denouncing the barbarous custom in the following terms:--"You may as
well kill the cow for her milk, or the hen for her eggs, as the bee for
its honey; why continue to light the fatal match, when every cottage in
England has the means of saving this most useful and valuable insect?"
NEIGHBOUR'S IMPROVED SINGLE BOX HIVE. No. 2.
[Illustration]
We have introduced the "Single Box Hive" to suit the convenience of
those who, though desirous of keeping bees on the improved principle,
do not wish to incur the expense or devote the space which is necessary
for Nutt's hive.
It consists of a lower or stock-box A., 11 inches square, 9 inches
deep, with three large windows, a thermometer D, as in Nutt's, being
fixed across the front one, protected at the sides by strips of glass
to prevent the bees obscuring the quicksilver from sight. B is a cover
the same size as the lower hive, large enough to allow space for a
bell-glass 9 inches wide, 6 inches deep. E is the ventilator between
the glass and the stock-hive, intended to prevent the queen travelling
into the super hive, and also by cooling the hive to endeavour to
prevent swarming; a sloping pagoda roof with an acorn top completes the
upper story. A floor-board with a block front, as in Nutt's collateral,
forms the base, the entrance being sunk as before described, and
furnished with zinc slides to reduce or close it as may be required.
To stock a hive of this description, it is necessary to send the
stock-box to the party with whom you have agreed for the supply of a
swarm. In the evening of the day the hive is thus tenanted, remove it
to the position it is designed permanently to occupy; if the swarm has
to be procured from a distance, and is transported by rail or other
conveyance, a perforated zinc slide should be substituted for the
plain slide that covers the top, and a large piece of perforated zinc
must also be tacked to the bottom after the swarm has settled in; thus
securely confined, with a free circulation of air throughout, bees that
have been swarmed the day before may be safely sent any distance that
will allow of their being released the day after, because bees, though
they provision themselves for a couple of days, cannot with safety be
confined in an empty hive much longer.
Having now, we will suppose, procured your swarm, and having placed
it in a south or south-east aspect, you may with advantage, if the
weather be wet, give a little liquid food; the feeding in this hive
is performed at the top of stock-box, where the glass is worked. Our
round Feeding Pan or the new Feeding-Bottle may here be used. Any fancy
as to the position may be indulged in, but must be settled on by the
time the bees are set at liberty, because any alteration afterwards
is detrimental to the working of the hive. The bees on first issuing
forth, carefully mark their new abode and the surrounding objects,
so that if a change be made, they are completely thrown out in their
observations, which confuses them not a little, and occasions loss.
Bees always return to the same spot; it is the locality that they know,
and if the hive is moved a less distance than a mile, thousands return
to the spot on which the hive has been accustomed to stand.
Allow your bees to collect honey and build their combs for ten days or
a fortnight. Much now depends on the weather; if fine, by this time
they will require additional room, which will be indicated by the
thermometer D rapidly rising; 100 degrees is the swarming point, the
hive must be kept below this by ventilation.
Access must now be given to the flat bell-glass at the top, which
is done by withdrawing the top slide. In a few hours, sometimes
immediately, the work of comb-building begins in the glass--all the
sooner, if a piece of clean empty comb be placed therein.
It is of service to keep the glass warm by means of a worsted or baize
bag, it prevents the temperature from falling at night when much
comb-building is carried on, providing the heat is not allowed to
escape. Probably, if all goes on well, in three weeks the glass will be
found to be filled with fine white honey-comb. When you find that the
comb is well sealed up, it is time to take it off, but if the cells
are unfilled and unsealed, let the little labourers complete their
work--a little experience will soon enable the bee-keeper to determine
this point.
The plan to be adopted for taking glasses of honey-comb is the same as
described for hive No. 1, page 21.
TAYLOR'S AMATEUR SHALLOW BOX OR EIGHT BAR HIVE. No. 3.
[Illustration]
Taylor's Amateur Hive, as seen by reference to the engraving, consists
of three boxes, the lower one A, is the stock box, in which the swarm
is first placed; B is the first super; and C the centre box; all three
boxes are of the same diameter, viz., 13½ inches square inside; A,
the stock box, is 7½ deep; B, 6½ inches; both are fitted with eight
moveable bars, each bar being 1⅛ wide, with spaces of half an inch
between, and all are easily removed by unscrewing the crown board, in
which are two openings closed by zinc slides; the middle box C has no
bars, and is still shallower than either of the other boxes, being 5
inches deep. In many localities and seasons, the third box may not be
required. Each box has two windows--one at the back and another at the
side, a zinc shutter sliding in a groove, excluding light and retaining
warmth; the box C differs from the others in another respect; instead
of bars it has a grating made by seven openings, each ½ an inch wide
and 9 inches long; these three boxes stand on a stout floor-board, in
which is cut the entrance way, 4 inches wide and ⅜ of an inch high. The
floor-board projects so as to support an outer cover of half-inch wood,
surmounted by a sloping roof. This is an effectual protection from the
weather, and is necessary when hives are exposed; of course, if placed
in a bee-house such protection may be dispensed with. The outer case
is well painted, of a green colour, and when it is used the hive may
be placed in any part of the garden. The dimensions of this hive, with
outside cover, are 18 inches square, 2 feet 6 inches high.
Suitable stands are provided, consisting of a stout pedestal with four
feet. Stakes should be driven into the ground to secure the whole
against wind. Height from the ground, 4 feet 3 inches.
The bars before alluded to are for the purpose of inducing the bees to
build parallel combs; for without this, extraction would be impossible.
It is a great convenience, in many ways, to be able to take out a bar
of comb, it gives such complete control over the hive.
To ensure comb-building on the bars, pieces of clean worker comb should
always be carefully preserved; and before a swarm is put in, either
every bar, or if guide comb is not plentiful, every other bar should
have a piece fixed to it in the following manner: cut a piece of clean
empty comb of the required size, say two inches square, not less;
heat a common flat iron, and slightly warm the bar with it, then melt
a little bees-wax upon it; draw the comb quick over the heated iron,
hold it down on the centre of the bar, giving a very slight movement
backwards and forwards, then leave it to grow cold; and if cleverly
managed, it will be found to be firmly attached. Care must be taken
that the pitch or inclination of the comb be the same as it is in the
hives--upwards from the centre of each comb. A new plan has lately
been introduced by Mr. Woodbury, of Exeter, to facilitate the correct
construction of parallel combs.
TAYLOR'S AMATEUR BAR HIVE. No. 4.
Taylor's Amateur Bar Hive is stocked exactly in the same way as before
described--viz., by hiving the swarm into the lowest box A, as with an
ordinary Cottage Hive, and in a fortnight's time the box B is placed
over it, and the zinc slides withdrawn. After this has been given them,
and is nearly filled, the super B is raised, and the box C is placed
between, immediately over the stock box, to induce the bees to continue
the combs.
This hive consists of three boxes, one above the other, similar to the
No. 3. The boxes are less in diameter than the foregoing, and have
seven moveable bars in each. Recent improvements and observations led
Mr. Taylor to prefer eight bars, and to have the boxes made a little
more shallow.
The mode of stocking and management of this hive are the same as that
last described. There is no outside cover or protection from the
weather, but the wood is additionally thick and is well painted.
We quite concur with Mr. Taylor in recommending a broader and shallower
hive, and advise intending purchasers to select the eight-bar hive in
preference.
NEIGHBOUR'S IMPROVED COTTAGE HIVE. No. 5.
[Illustration]
Our "Improved Cottage Hive" is neatly made of straw bound with cane,
and therefore very durable.[3] The lower hive is covered with a wooden
top having in it three holes, through which the bees convey their honey
into three middle sized bell glasses with ventilators, which when
filled hold about 6 lb. each. There is a hoop at the bottom, another
round the top of the lower hive; to this the wooden crown board is
fastened. These hoops are a great improvement, and are less liable to
harbour insects than if straw alone were used. The floor-board, as
its name implies, is a wooden board, 1¼ inch thick, with a projection
of 3 or 4 inches under the entrance to form an alighting place. This
entrance is cut out of, or sunk in the board.
[Footnote 3: This is the hive referred to by the Bee-Master of the
Times, when he says:--"The second kind of hive I alluded to is made of
straw, and may be purchased at Neighbour's, in Holborn. * * * * It is
so well made that it will last very long. I have had one in constant
use during ten years, and it is still as good us when it was bought."]
There are three windows in the lower hive, each closed with a shutter,
these are very useful and interesting for inspecting the progress made.
Across the centre window is a thermometer, enclosed at the sides by
slips of glass. The window shutters being painted green, add very much
to its appearance. The upper hive, which is merely a cover for the
glasses, is a conical topped hive, also made of straw bound with cane;
a hoop is worked into the straw, and made sufficiently large to allow
the cover to drop over the top hoop of the lower hive, keeping the
whole close, and preventing wet from drifting in. A zinc ventilator,
ornamentally painted, forms the apex: this is useful in letting the
confined hot air pass away in warm weather. The ventilator is opened
by raising it. The dimensions of the lower or stock hive are 15 inches
diameter, 9½ inches deep outside, its weight when empty 7½ lbs., the
cover or top hive is 12 inches deep, and 15 inches in diameter, the
ornamental zinc top being 4 inches deep. The whole is about 24 inches
high. The weight of a hive packed, including glasses, &c., is about 18
lbs.
These hives have a tasteful appearance in the garden, but they require
some further protection from the weather in the form of a cover or of a
bee-house--contrivances that have yet to be described. In extreme cold
weather, a little additional protection by having matting folded round
them will be advisable.
One of the advantages this hive has over the common cottage hive is
that it affords opportunity for the humane management of bees. The
owner has also the power of taking a glass of honey-comb of pure
quality, free from the extraneous matter, known as "bee-bread," instead
of combs that are darkened by having brood hatched in them. By this
system, we have combs newly made and used only for depositing the honey
first put into them, hence the name "virgin honey." These glasses have
a very pretty appearance, and when nicely filled, are very convenient
for home use or for making presents. The lower hive is the receptacle
for the bees; when a swarm is placed in this hive, they immediately
proceed to fill it with combs, in which to store honey for themselves,
and for cells to breed in. This hive remains undisturbed.
The best mode of tenanting a hive of this description is by placing
an early and strong swarm in it, which may be generally procured of
a neighbouring bee-keeper; if from a distance, considerable care is
necessary to admit plenty of air; the shaking attendant upon carriage
irritates the bees so much that, if not well ventilated, there is
danger of the swarm being stifled, and the finer the swarm, the greater
the danger. For the purpose of ventilation, remove the slides and
substitute perforated zinc, wrapping the hive up in a coarse cloth of
open texture (dispensing with the floor-board during transit when the
distance is great).
It is necessary only to send the lower or stock hive to the party
furnishing the swarm, taking the precaution to fix the slides at top
with tacks, as the hive has to be inverted to receive the bees. They
are shaken into it in the usual manner, as they cluster around the
branch of the tree or shrub on which they may have chosen to alight.
After the hiving is accomplished, the hive should be left near to
catch any stragglers, for there will always be a few; towards evening,
close the entrance, and remove them to the exact position they are
intended permanently to occupy. Success depends on this, and also on
their careful removal on the day or evening of swarming. The following
morning the bees labour in the new location, marking well their
habitation before they take flight, and to which they will not fail to
return loaded with luscious store.
A fortnight must be allowed for filling the stock hive; then, if the
weather be fine and warm, they will prepare to swarm again, as will be
indicated by the thermometer rising rapidly to 100 degrees or upwards;
one of the zinc slides on the wooden top must now be withdrawn, and a
bell glass put on covered and protected by the upper hive, the other
glasses may then be given in the same manner; a day or two after which,
should the weather continue favourable, all signs of swarming will at
once disappear, the bees now having increased store room which they
will readily fill with comb. It is often found useful to attach a piece
of clean empty honey comb to the ventilating tube of the glass; it is
an attraction, and induces the bees to commence working in it sooner
than they otherwise would do. The ventilator should also remain open
during the day to allow the hot air to pass away from the interior,
thereby contributing to the whiteness and beauty of the work; the bees
enjoy the refreshment of coolness thereby afforded, and they work the
faster for it. At evening all ventilation should be stopped, and the
glasses wrapped round with flannel or some warm material, for the
reasons mentioned on last page.
The directions for taking honey are also the same as before mentioned.
The holes on the wooden top of this hive are of a peaked shape, being
a preventive against slaughtering any bees whilst pushing the slide
in for the purpose of removing the glass when full; the tacks before
alluded to should be removed from the slides when the hive is fixed in
its place, they are now in the way of cutting off the glass. The hive
entrance has two slides: the perforated one is but seldom required,
the bees object to being closely confined, it is only necessary when
removing, and then for as little time as possible; the other slide
is very serviceable during the winter months to lessen the passage
way, thereby preventing the admission of too much cold air; it is
also occasionally useful on a summer evening, to lessen the entrance
when moths are troublesome, for if there be only a small opening, the
bees can guard it, and easily repulse intruders. During the time of
gathering they require the whole width to remain open.
When the weather is so unfavourable as to prevent the bees leaving home
for a few days after being hived, it will be necessary to feed them.
Bees should not be fed in the midst of winter; the proper time is in
the autumn or in the spring.
The best mode of feeding is at the top of the Stock Hive. This is done
by using the Round Feeder.
The Bottle Feeder may be used instead of the Round Feeder, and in the
same place, by those who give the preference to that method.
The simplicity and easy management of this hive have deservedly
rendered it an especial favourite, combining, as it does, real utility
with many conveniences to satisfy the curious. Not a few bee-keepers
desire to unite the two qualifications, and no hive combines these
advantages in a greater degree than "Neighbour's Improved Cottage Hive."
IMPROVED COTTAGE HIVE. No. 6.
The No. 6 hive is of precisely the same size, construction, and
management as the last mentioned, with the exception that it has no
windows or thermometer in the lower or stock hive. The apiarian with
this hive will have to trust more to his own judgment as regards the
likelihood of swarming, and must watch the appearance the bees present
at the entrance. When it is time to put on supers in order to prevent
swarming, premonition will be given by the unusual numbers crowding
about the entrance, as well as by the heat of the weather, making it
evident that more room is required for the increasing population.
Not being able to form an idea of the state of the hive in spring and
autumn by looking into the stock hive, it will be advisable to adopt
the means of weighing. A stock at Michaelmas should weigh 20 lbs.
exclusive of the hive, or be made up to that weight by feeding.
THE LADIES' OBSERVATORY OF CRYSTAL BEE-HIVE. No. 7.
[Illustration]
This engraving illustrates the construction of the "Ladies Observatory"
hive. The stock hive cylindrical with a flat top and a hole in the
centre; the dimensions 12½ inches inside, 8½ inches deep, the outer
cover being raised, and is made of stout glass, so as not easily to
break.
A support, composed of seven wooden bars fixed on a pedestal from the
floorboard, is very useful for the bees to cling to and attach their
combs, instead of resting wholly against the glass.
The floor-board is of mahogany, the border being French polished. A
middle sized bell-glass for deprivation is placed over the hole; this
hole may be closed by a zinc slide. A cover of straw, 18 inches deep,
15 inches wide, with a zinc ventilating top similar to that affixed to
the No. 5 hive, completes the arrangements. The weight of the stock
hive and board is about 16 lbs.
This hive is well adapted for those persons who are desirous of having
the opportunity of more closely examining the workmanship of these
industrious and interesting insects, as the whole of the interior
may be exposed to view; it is particularly suitable for a window or
an indoor apiary, and also will be found a valuable addition to the
green house. Under these circumstances, the entrance-way should be
covered with a flat piece of glass, and an aperture cut in the sash
corresponding with the entrance to the hive; through the glazed passage
the bees may then find egress and ingress without being able to gain
access to the apartment; an alighting board four inches wide must be
fixed outside on a level with the entrance.
We had a hive of this kind in operation in the Great Exhibitions
of 1851 and 1862, fixed in the manner above described. It answered
admirably, and excited much interest and curiosity, though placed there
under many disadvantages.
When a hive of this kind is to be stocked, procure an early and strong
swarm, which must be temporarily hived in a common straw hive, from
which dislodge the bees into the glass hive, but for this purpose a
little preparation will have to be made. Spread a sheet on the ground,
place the mahogany floorboard on it with the support, put three bricks,
or some solid blocks of about the same substance, upon which the glass
will rest; then with a sharp and sudden blow precipitate the swarm out
of the straw hive on to the floorboard and support, place the glass
hive on the bricks, and the bees will collect under the bars and on
to the pedestal. In about one hour's time the whole will have settled
quietly, and all the stragglers on the board will have collected
together, the swarm hanging pear-shaped from the bar support; the
bricks can now be removed, and the glass put in its right place on the
floorboard. The straw cover being put on the hive, it can be removed to
the place it is destined permanently to occupy.
The light should not be admitted for some days after hiving; if
undisturbed, the bees will speedily build comb, working from the wooden
bars which are placed there for their assistance and support. In ten
days or a fortnight, if the weather continues fine and warm, they will
prepare to swarm again; the opening at the top must now be unstopped,
and the bell-glass put on, guide comb having been previously fixed.
The directions given for the No. 5, Cottage Hive equally apply to the
Ladies' Observatory Hive.
It is advisable in winter to furnish the glass stock hive with more
protection from cold than is afforded by the straw cover alone; some
thick baize or wrapper of wadding, for which there is space between
the glass hive and the cover, will prevent so much moisture condensing
on the sides of the glass. Moisture is injurious, causing the combs
to grow mouldy; a little protection in the way of wrapping very much
prevents this.
The hole at top is used for supplying food should the apiarian fear the
stock of honey is in danger of running short; either the bottle feeder,
or the round feeder, may be used for the purpose.
COTTAGER'S HIVE, No. 8.
FOR TAKING HONEY IN STRAW CAPS WITHOUT THE DESTRUCTION OF THE BEES.
[Illustration]
A very prevalent opinion exists that bees do better in straw than in
hives made of any other material. Another opinion prevails, viz., that
the old fashioned straw hive is the least expensive, the most simple,
and the most productive. Although we cannot go so far as this, we are
willing to admit that a simplified adaptation of the humane system to
the old common straw hive is the most suitable to put into the hands
of that large class of bee-keepers--_Cottagers_. By these the more
fanciful hives will be instantly condemned; besides, the expense puts
them quite beyond the reach of the poorer class. The object aimed at
in planning our Cottager's Hive has been to furnish a depriving hive
that should be at once easy of management, inexpensive, and convenient.
The stock hive, into which the bees are first hived, is a round straw
hive, having a flat top with a hole in the centre. The size of this
lower hive is 7 or 8 inches deep, 14 inches across the bottom, finished
with a wooden hoop, which adds very much to the firmness and durability
of the hive. The floorboard is 1¼ inch thick, with a way sunk therein
for the entrance. A small round mat of straw closes the hole on the
top; this mat may be fixed by wooden pegs. We have now described what
is termed the _stock hive_, which is, in fact, an old fashioned straw
hive adapted, modernised, and improved to the more humane, viz., the
depriving system. The weight of the stock hive with its floorboard is
about 7 lbs.
The super or cap hive is about 7 inches deep, 8 inches in diameter, and
when filled contains about 10 lbs. of honey and comb. A glass window
which is placed at the side is useful for inspecting the progress made
in filling it.
A common straw hive, sufficiently deep to cover, drops over the super,
keeping the window dark and fitting close on to the stock hive.
This cover hive may be made fast by driving in two skewers, one on
either side, to keep the whole firm. Unless placed in a bee-house or
under a shed, the outside should be painted; or a piece of oil-cloth
or waterproof covering of any kind shaped so as to shoot off the
rain, will save the trouble of paint, and answer the purpose. If no
protection of this sort is used, the rain is likely to rot the straw.
As a covering cottagers often use straight stiff thatching straw
sewed together; this contrivance is termed a hackle, and has a pretty
appearance, particularly if a number of hives are in a row. Care has to
be exercised that mice do not make the covering hive a resting place.
Mortar is often used for fastening round the hive at the bottom; this
is a bad plan, as it forms a harbour for insects; the wooden hoop fits
so close as to leave little necessity for anything of the kind.
The principle of the depriving system is so much the same with all our
hives, that a good deal of repetition is necessary in describing in
detail the management of each separate variety. The object aimed at
with the Cottager's Hive, as indeed with all our hives, is to provide
a compartment for the bees to live in with their queen, she being the
mother of all. It is intended, by inducing the queen to remain in her
original apartment, that all breeding should be there performed, as
well as the storing of bee-bread and honey for the winter sustenance
of the bees. The cap hive or upper chamber, known as the "super," is
for the storing of honey which the bee-keeper looks upon as a surplus,
and which, at the close of the honey gathering, or as soon as filled,
he intends to deprive the bees of, and appropriate to his own use,--of
course taking care to leave sufficient in the lower or stock hive for
winter sustenance.
The mode of stocking a hive of this kind is so familiarly known that
any who at all understand the hiving of bees into a common straw hive,
can make no mistake or find any difficulty in performing it. Lest these
pages should fall into the hands of persons who are not so acquainted,
we will refer them to the directions already given.
The hive may be smeared inside with a little honey if at hand; but this
is unimportant, as a clean hive answers well. Some older bee-keepers
prefer to give a little dressing to encourage the bees to like their
new home.
After the swarm has been in the hive two weeks, the straw super hive
may be put on, first removing the straw mat to give the bees access
to it. If the hive be a stock, that is a swarm of the last or previous
years, the super may be put on as soon as the weather is fine and warm
in May. But much depends on the weather and the strength of the hive
as regards the time occupied by the bees in filling the super; in
favourable weather a fortnight suffices.
If, on looking in at the little window, the bee-master sees that the
cells are scaled over, the cap of honey may be removed in the mode
already described. The cells near the window are the last to be filled,
so when they are sealed, it is safe to conclude that the combs in the
unseen parts are also finished.
Sometimes the queen ascends and deposits her eggs; if, on turning up
the super, brood be visible, replace the cap for a few days, until the
young bees quit their cells. When thus emptied, honey will be deposited
in lieu of the brood.
Suitable pedestals for these hives to stand upon may be obtained. It is
important that these be firmly fixed, and the hive also made fast to
the stand, to prevent its being blown over by high winds.
BAR AND FRAME HIVES.
[Illustration]
Mr. Woodbury's Bar and Frame Hive, as originally made, consists of a
wooden box 14½ inches square inside, 9 inches deep. This is a hive of
large size, but the actual habitable space inside is lessened by the
room occupied by the frames, of which there are ten; these rest on a
rabbet a little below the surface, leaving a space of ⅜ of an inch
between the upper side of the bars and the crown board. This allows a
free passage on the top for the bees, entirely obviating the necessity
of making excavations in the crown board, as has hitherto been
recommended. Each frame is ⅞ of an inch wide, and rests in notches,
with a space of ½ an inch between each. The frames extend to within ⅜
of an inch of the floorboard, so as to hang without touching any part,
leaving about the same distance from the sides. It will be seen that
there is a free passage for the bees on every side, and they are thus
kept from coming in contact with the sides of the hive. Our engraving
shows the hive open, and exposes to view the top of the ten bars and
frames as they range from back to front. A window is also shown; this
is placed in the engraving over the entrance, but the proper position
would be just opposite. The drawing is made so as to show back and
front at once. The floorboard is 1¼ inch thick, having two "keys" on
the underside to prevent warping.
STRAW BAR AND FRAME HIVE. No. 45.
[Illustration]
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.
[Illustration]
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.
[Illustration]
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.
[Illustration: Section of bar.]
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.
[Illustration]
"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.
[Illustration]
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.
[Illustration]
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.
[Illustration]
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.
[Illustration]