MODERN BEEHIVES.
§ I. COMMON COTTAGER'S HIVE.
[Illustration]
WE will commence our list of hives with this, the
very simplest form of adaptation to the depriving system. The upper
hive is intended for a super and the lower one is the "stock" for the
bees' settled habitation. The directions for applying this, as well as
for stocking the hive and taking the honey, will however be obtained
under the head "Neighbours' Improved Cottage Hive" (page 116), and in
the sections referred to there on "Hiving Swarms," "Applying Supers,"
etc. The hive is well suited for those who are desirous of leading
their poorer neighbours into the humane system of bee-keeping. See the
remark at the end of the next section respecting the hole for giving
admittance to the super.
§ II. NEIGHBOURS' CRYSTAL PALACE SKEP.
[Illustration]
This hive (so styled from its obtaining a prize at the Crystal Palace
Show in 1875) differs from the foregoing in being larger, and in having
a thicker floor-board, a hooped fitting at the base, a window in the
super, and a movable cap as a finish to either super or stock hive,
according as the former is in use or not. The outside dimensions of the
lower hive are seventeen inches diameter by nine in depth, and of the
super thirteen inches by five.
When there is a hole in the centre on top of the stock hive, as is the
case here, there is a possibility of the queen ascending and depositing
eggs in the super. To check such a mishap, a queen and drone preventer
can be applied, which is a contrivance so arranged as to admit the
passage of nothing larger than a worker (Chap. IV. § xvii.).
§ III. THE COTTAGER'S HIVE.
[Illustration]
This is our more complete form of a cottager's hive, composed entirely
of straw. A very prevalent opinion exists that bees do better in hives
of that material than of any other. Another opinion prevails, 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 this structure has been to furnish a depriving hive that
should be at once easy of management, inexpensive, and convenient. The
stock hive, in which the bees are first deposited, is round, and has
a flat top with a hole in the centre. The size of this lower hive is
nine inches deep outside, and fifteen inches across the bottom; it is
finished with a wooden hoop, which adds very much to its firmness and
durability. The floor-board is one inch and a quarter thick, with a
way sunk therein for the entrance. A small round mat of straw closes
the hole in 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 floor-board, is about seven pounds.
The super is five inches deep outside and twelve or so in diameter,
and, when filled, contains about twelve pounds of honey and comb.
Its purpose is exactly identical with that of the three bell glasses
described on page 117: the lower hive is for the breeding compartment
and for the storage of honey for the bees' own consumption, while the
upper is to receive the surplus of their treasure which the owner
intends to appropriate pure for himself. A glass window, which is
placed at the side of the super, is useful for inspecting the progress
made in filling it. An adapting-board to facilitate removal is added
underneath it by some.
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 each
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 oilcloth, or
water-proof covering of any kind, shaped so as to shoot off the rain,
will save the trouble of paint, and answer the purpose (see Chap. IV. §
iii.).
The mode of stocking this hive, and of taking the honey, will be
clearly gathered from the directions under § v. below, and from the
general instructions in the sections therein referred to. After two or
three weeks the straw mat may be removed to give the bees access to the
super.
§ IV. AN IMPROVED COTTAGER'S HIVE.
[Illustration]
This hive is very superior to the one described just above, as
it possesses a Taylor's glass in lieu of a straw super, and an
adapting-board and a window in the lower portion. Its principle is also
exactly the same as that of the succeeding, which is simply a more
elaborate development of this hive. Our illustration places the window
over the entrance, being so drawn in order to exhibit back and front at
one view, whereas in reality it is on the opposite side at the back, so
as to allow of an inspection free from the liability of annoyance from
the bees. For directions see the next section.
[Illustration]
§ V. NEIGHBOURS' IMPROVED COTTAGE HIVE.
Our improved cottage hive (shown page 113), is neatly made of straw
bound with cane, and therefore very durable.[20] 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 six pounds 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 one inch and a quarter thick, with a projection of three or four
inches under the entrance to form an alighting-place. This entrance
is cut out of, or sunk in, the board. 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 of oak colour, add very much to the appearance. The
upper hive, which is merely a cover for the glasses, is made like the
lower; a hoop is worked into the straw, and is sufficiently large to
allow the cover to drop over the crown-board, 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
lower or stock hive is fifteen inches in diameter and nine and a half
in depth outside; its weight, when empty, is seven pounds and a half.
The cover, or top hive, is twelve inches deep and fifteen inches in
diameter; the ornamental zinc top being four inches deep. The whole is
about twenty-four inches high. The weight of a hive packed, including
glasses, is about eighteen pounds.
[Footnote 20: This is the hive referred to by the "Bee-Master" of the
Times (Dr. Gumming) when he says: "The second kind of hive I alluded to
is made of straw, and may be purchased at Neighbours', 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 as when it was
bought."]
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 of this and the preceding hives over the ordinary
cottage hive is that they afford ready opportunity for the humane
management of bees. The bell glasses also give the owner the power of
taking honeycomb 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 for the
storage of honey for their own use, 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 (Chap. V. § xi.). 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 and the
temperature warm). 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. Some older bee-keepers prefer to give it a little dressing
with syrup, beer, or herbs; there can be no objection to the first,
but other scents may not be pleasant to the insects and are far better
avoided, as also are the sticks so often inserted, they being almost
certain to cause crooked combs. The bees, if swarming, are shaken into
the hive, as described in Chap. V. § i.; if transferred from another
hive, the directions will be found in a following section of the same
chapter. 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 evening of hiving.
The following morning they will labour in their new location, marking
well their habitation before they take flight, and not failing to
return to it loaded with luscious store.
The general directions must be observed in applying the supers (Chap.
V. § xiii.). When the time arrives the thermometer will rise rapidly
to 100 degrees or upwards. To prevent swarming the zinc slides on the
wooden top must now be withdrawn, and the bell glasses put on, covered
and protected by the upper hive; a day or two after which all signs
of swarming will at once disappear, the bees now having increased
storage-room, which they will readily fill with comb. The ventilator
should always 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 some warm
material. We now supply flannel-lined baize bags to each glass sent out
with the hive.
The directions for taking honey are much the same as usual (Chap. V.
§ xiv.). A slide seven inches and a half square is furnished with
the hive, and is useful to remove the glass upon. The holes in the
wooden top of this hive are of a peaked shape, to act as 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.
The entrance 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.
The pedestal, shown on the right in the next figure, as originally sent
out, has a hole through each of its feet, and must be firmly fixed in
the ground by means of the four iron pegs supplied with it for the
purpose; to prevent rotting, it is well also to place a brick under
each foot. The hive must then be made fast to the stand as a precaution
against high winds. The latter is about twenty-two inches in height.
The simplicity and easy management of this hive have 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 hives combine these advantages in
a greater degree than the one we are now describing.
[Illustration]
A cheaper form of this hive is here represented, of precisely the same
size and construction, with the exception that it has no windows or
thermometer. The apiarian with this hive will therefore 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. At Michaelmas the directions as to
weighing must be attended to (see Chap. V. § xviii.).
§ VI. THE LADIES' OBSERVATORY HIVE.
[Illustration]
The following illustration shows the construction of this hive. The
stock hive is of stout glass, and cylindrical, with a flat top and a
hole in the centre; it is thirteen inches in inside diameter and eight
inches and a half deep. A support, composed of even wooden bars fixed
on a pedestal from the floor-board, is very useful for the bees to
cling to and secure 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, eighteen inches
deep and fifteen inches wide, with a zinc ventilating top similar
to that affixed to the cottage hive, completes the arrangements.
The weight of the stock hive and board is about sixteen pounds. In
the figure the cover is shown lifted to display the interior. In a
thoroughly warm room it may be kept entirely off.
This hive is well adapted for those persons who are desirous of having
the opportunity of making a closer examination of 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 will also be found a valuable addition
to the greenhouse. 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 at the Great Exhibitions of
1851 and 1862, fixed after 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, proceed in the main as
with ordinary transfers (Chap. V. § ii.), but place the floor-board
and support of the hive in the middle of the sheet or swarming-board,
and precipitate the bees as much as possible _on to the support_;
cover them with the glass, propping it up with bricks or other rests
sufficiently high to prevent the bees being squeezed. They will collect
under the bars and on the pedestal, and 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 floor-board. The straw cover can now be set down
over all, and the hive 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 continue 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 as to these matters for the preceding hive apply
equally to this one.
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. As remarked under "Winter Precautions"
(Chap. V. § xx.), it is only by the very greatest care that bees can be
brought through that season in a glass hive.
The hole at top is used for supplying food, should the apiarian fear
the stock of honey is in danger of running short; either feeder may be
used for the purpose (Chap. IV. § XX.).
§ VII. NUTT'S COLLATERAL HIVE.
The late Mr. Nutt, author of "Humanity to Honey Bees," may be
regarded as a pioneer of modern apiarians; and though his hive is now
comparatively little used it is still worthy of description from the
part it has played in the history of bee-keeping.
[Illustration]
It 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 nine inches high, the same wide, and eleven 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. The octagonal cover b is about ten inches in diameter and
twenty 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 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 of a thermometer, enclosed in a cylindrical glass, being
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 ninety degrees or more, ventilation must be
adopted to lower the temperature. "The grand object," as Mr. Nutt
expresses it, "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." 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 thirty-six inches. The
floor-board projects a few inches in front. In the centre is the
entrance (as our illustration 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 three 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, E E are
two block fronts, which open with a hinge. A semicircular hole, three
inches long and two wide in the middle, is cut in the upper floor-board
immediately under the window of each box; these apertures are closed
by separate perforated zinc slides. The blocks, when opened, afford a
ready means of reducing the temperature of the side boxes, and they are
also useful for allowing the bees to throw out any refuse.
[Illustration]
The centre F is a drawer, in which is a feeding-trough, so constructed
that the bees can descend through the openings just mentioned on to a
false bottom of perforated zinc. Liquid food is easily poured in by
pulling out the drawer a little way; the bees readily come down on to
the perforated zinc, and take the food by inserting their probosces
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 decay the wood, whilst the extreme summer heat might
cause the combs to fall from their foundations. Neat and tasteful
sheds may be erected, consisting either of zinc or thatched roofs
supported by iron or wooden rods, and they will form a pretty addition
to the flower-garden. It will be well to make the covering a foot or
two longer, so as to allow of a cottage hive on each side, as the
appearance of the whole is much improved by such an arrangement.
The super will be almost sure to be filled first, having been first
opened to the bees. This will be removed according to the general
instructions. The removal of the end boxes is a somewhat similar
process, but they should on no account be taken away at the same
time as the glass, or, indeed, at a time when any other hive is
being--_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, and then take away the box bodily to another part of the garden,
or into a dark outhouse.
§ VIII. HUBER'S HIVE.
To Francis Huber--not improperly styled "the prince of apiarians"--we
are indebted for more extensive and accurate observations on the habits
of the bee than have been contributed by all other observers since the
time of Aristotle. We have here introduced a description of Huber's
leaf hive (and should be glad to exhibit one) for the sake of its
historic interest in connection with apiarian science. Though entirely
gone out of use it was invaluable for Huber himself, and it suggested
to other apiarians the adoption of the present plan of vertical bars
and frames.
In connection with this last point of interest it seems fitting to
introduce here some very brief account of the development of the
movable-frame hive. From "time immemorial" there have existed bar
hives--indeed, they have been traced to the ribbed carcase of Samson's
lion. But in most cases the bars were not movable ones--they were
simply designed to aid the purpose of keeping an upper story in some
degree clear of the queen's inter-meddling. And even when they were
capable of removal they added but a slight step in advance, and the
credit of the inventions of Golding in England and Dzierzon in Germany
is due not to the bars themselves but to their mode of affixing, and
especially to the guide-comb attached beneath. At about the same date
with these there appeared a Russian hive known as the Propokovitsch,
which consisted in an arrangement of several stories of frames inserted
endways and resting on cross pieces below them. Thus one invention
supplied bars without frames, while the other offered frames without
bars. But the right idea had now been caught, and it is not surprising
that several apiarians, independently and simultaneously, were engaged
at this period in working it out.
Briefly summarised the sequel is as follows. In 1841 our own countryman
Major Munn obtained a patent in France for his movable bar-and-frame
hive, of which he published a description in England in 1844;[21] in
America in 1851 Mr. Langstroth completed the invention of his movable
bar-frames; and in Germany in 1853 Baron von Berlepsch by a distinct
inventive process added the frames to Dzierzon's bars. Thus England
appears after all to possess the honour of the contrivance, although
we certainly proved the last to make of it any general or extensive
use. Major Munn's original hive opened at the back, and when in 1851 he
reappeared in print with a hive opening at the top, he had altered the
frames (and hive too) from oblong to triangular. Probably one reason of
the invention's failure was the expensiveness of the Major's fittings,
which are such as to make the hive appear in his engravings more like
some astronomical instrument than a box for bees and honey. Be this as
it may, there was practically no such thing as a frame hive in use in
England till 1860, when Mr. Tegetmeier was the means of reintroducing
it--whether from Germany or America we are not quite sure. The German
hives, however, open at the end, while Mr. Langstroth's are like our
own; so that, whoever was the inventor of bar-frame hives, the hive of
English apiarians comes nearer to this gentleman's than to that of any
one else. Mr. Woodbury it was who afterwards brought out the frame hive
which met with the first general acceptance in this country.
[Footnote 21: "A Description of the Bar-and-Frame Hive invented by W.
A. Munn, Esq.:" London, Van Voorst, 1844; 2nd ed. 1851. In his edition
of Bevan's "Honey Bee," brought out in 1870, the Major tells us that he
had been for some years engaged in connection with this distinguished
author (and we presume Mr. Golding) in, the preparation of the above
hive.]
Having made allusion to the construction of the German hives it may be
acceptable to some if we append a few additional particulars. According
to Von Berlepsch, the depth should be about sixteen inches, the length
twenty-eight, and the breadth only nine, so that the receptacle is
high and narrow, and reaches a long way back. The frames, which fit
crossways, are consequently much like our own turned up on end, or
perhaps more frequently two frames are used, one as a story above the
other. With the most approved hive (the "Lagerbeute") instead of supers
the further end of the long box is partitioned off and goes by the name
of the "honey-room." Then, as the only practical opening is at this
end, not only must this "room" be cleared away equally with our supers
before the brood frames can be got at, but none of these can be reached
without taking out all the others that are in front of them. When
supers _are_ used the frames can be extracted without interfering with
these, so that some advantage might then result from such arrangement;
but generally speaking this operation of removal is a rare necessity
while the supers are on. In some cases extraction at the top may be
the more convenient, and in others at the end; and we have therefore in
our Philadelphia hive (§ xii.) endeavoured to unite the two advantages
by supplying an opening both at the side and the top.
To return, however, to the subject of our present section. During the
early period of Huber's investigations he prosecuted them by means of
single-comb hives, which allow of each side of the comb being examined.
He found, however, that there was one important defect. The bees could
not in these hives cluster together, which is their natural method of
withstanding the effects of a reduced temperature. Huber hit upon the
ingenious expedient of combining a number of single-comb frames, so as
to form one complete hive, which could be opened, in order to expose
any particular comb, without disturbing the rest. From the manner of
the opening and closing of this hive it has generally been called the
"Leaf or Book Hive." The division separating each comb is joined both
back and front with "butt hinges," fastened with a movable pin, on
withdrawing which, at both sides, each comb and the bees on it may be
inspected as easily as if in a single-comb hive. Huber's leaf hive
is thus in appearance as if several ordinary "History of England"
chess-boards were set up on end together; but each single portion is
distinct, instead of there being any coupling of twos. The floor-board
on which the hive stands is larger than the hive when closed, so as
to allow of its being opened freely at any particular "volume." An
entrance-way for the bees is hollowed out of the floor-board as in
other hives. There is a glass window in each end of the hive, which is
provided with a shutter.
There is, however, one serious objection to Huber's hive, which, though
not noticed by him or his careful assistant, has prevented its general
use--that is, the difficulty there is in closing it without crushing
some of the bees--a catastrophe which, by exasperating their comrades,
is certain to interfere with any experiments. There is no such risk
in the bar-and-frame hive, whilst in it every facility possessed by
Huber's is retained.
The character of Huber and the circumstances under which he pursued
his observations are so remarkable that we need scarcely apologise for
stating a few particulars respecting him here. He was born at Geneva,
in July 1750, his family being in honourable station and noted for
talent. Just as he attained to manhood he lost his sight, and remained
blind to the end of his days. This apparently insuperable obstacle
in the way of scientific observation was overcome by the remarkable
fidelity with which Burnens, his assistant, watched the bees and
reported their movements to Huber. Madame Huber also, who, betrothed
to him before his calamity, had remained constant in her affection,
assisted in the investigations with great assiduity during their
long and happy wedded life. Huber, fortunately for science, was in a
position to devote both means and leisure to these observations; and
Burnens, though only a peasant, was a superior man, and rose by his
worth to become chief magistrate of his native village. In later years
Huber's son Pierre rendered important aid. We quote the following from
"Memoirs of Huber" by Professor de Candolle:--
"We have seen the blind shine as poets, and distinguish themselves as
philosophers, musicians, and calculators; but it was reserved for Huber
to give a lustre to his class in the sciences of observation, and on
objects so minute that the most clear-sighted observer can scarcely
perceive them. The reading of the works of Réaumur and Bonnet, and
the conversation of the latter, directed his curiosity to the history
of bees. His habitual residence in the country inspired him with the
desire, first of verifying some facts, then of filling some blanks in
their history; but this kind of observation required not only the use
of such an instrument as the optician must furnish, but an intelligent
assistant, who alone could adjust it to its use. He had then a servant
named Francis Burnens, remarkable for his sagacity and for the devotion
he bore his master. Huber practised him in the art of observation,
directed him to his researches by questions adroitly combined, and,
aided by the recollections of his youth and by the testimonies of his
wife and friends, he rectified the assertions of his assistant, and
became enabled to form in his own mind a true and perfect image of
the manifest facts. 'I am much more certain,' said he, smiling, to a
scientific friend, 'of what I state than you are, for you publish
what your own eyes only have seen, while I take the mean among many
witnesses.' This is doubtless very plausible reasoning, but very few
persons will by it be rendered distrustful of their own eyesight."
The results of Huber's observations were published in 1792, in the
form of letters to Bonnet, under the title of "Nouvelles Observations
sur les Abeilles." This work made a strong impression upon many
naturalists, not only because of the novelty of the facts stated and
the excellent inductive reasoning employed, but also on account of the
rigorous accuracy of the observations recorded, when it was considered
with what an extraordinary difficulty the author had to struggle.
Huber retained the clear faculties of his observant mind until his
death, which took place on the 22nd of December, 1831. Most of the
facts relating to the impregnation of the queen, the formation of
cells, and the whole economy of the bee community, as discovered
and described by Huber, have received full confirmation from the
investigations of succeeding naturalists.
§ IX. THE WOODBURY FRAME HIVE.
[Illustration]
I. Wood.--The late Mr. Woodbury's "Bar-and-Frame Hive," as originally
made, consists of a wooden box, fourteen inches and a half square
inside, and nine inches deep. 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 three-eighths 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. The frames are
nearly an inch wide, and rest in notches, with spaces of half an inch
between them; they extend to within three-eighths of an inch of the
floor-board, so as to hang without touching any part, leaving about
the same distance from the sides. It will be seen that there is thus
a free passage for the bees on every side, so that they are kept from
coming in contact with the sides of the hive. Our illustration shows
the hive open, and exposes to view the top of the ten bars and frames,
as they range front and back. A window is also shown; this is placed
in the figure over the entrance, but the proper position would be just
opposite. The drawing is made so as to show back and front at once.
[Illustration]
As before mentioned, the stock hive has ten frames--each thirteen
inches long by seven and a quarter high (inside measurement), with a
five-eighths of an inch projecting piece at each upper end, which
rests in the notches at back and front. We have placed this hive first
in our list of modern frame hives in accordance with the part it has
played in rendering them popular in this country as explained in the
preceding section.
[Illustration]
2. Straw.--Subsequently to the introduction of the above wood hive
Mr. Woodbury recommended that the stock hive should be made of straw,
of exactly the same dimensions; this material being warmer in winter,
cooler in summer, more equable in temperature at all times, 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 within, and tends to keep the inmates more
healthy.
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 frame hives.
We have had a machine made resembling the one exhibited, and suited to
the size in use by us, by which our hive-maker is able to manufacture
neat square hives in straw. 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. An inch
projection is left on all sides of the floor-board beyond the exterior
of the hive, from which it is slightly chamfered down. An entrance,
four 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 three-eighths 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 have so preferred them. They
have considered glass windows unsuitable for winter, because then
moisture condenses on the glass. There is no doubt that the having a
peephole 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 a straw
top can be called 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, four inches in diameter,
closes the opening.
[Illustration]
3. Glass.--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 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 and placing them in a straw hive of similar construction, to
pass through the ordeal of the winter season (Chap. V. § xx.). Such a
hive is an object of much interest, as in it the whole commonwealth of
bees is exposed to view; and it need not be obscured from daylight,
provided it be protected from sun and rain. All the external woodwork
can be stained, varnished, or made of polished mahogany; so that the
appearance of the glass frame hive is extremely neat, and much approved
of.
§ X. NEIGHBOURS' NEW FRAME HIVE.
[Illustration]
I. Wood.--Since the former editions of this work were published,
several alterations and improvements have been made. We find, in the
first place, that a deeper hive than the Woodbury is desirable for the
better concentration of heat, and also to admit of more honey being
stored above the brood, so that the food shall be easier of access to
the bees in winter. Our new frame hive measures accordingly twenty-one
inches from front to back, sixteen inches in width, and twelve in
height, thus allowing the sides to be constructed of the original
breadth of the planks, viz., eleven inches (the other inch being made
up by the thickness of the floor-board). The frames, of which there
are nine, are ten inches deep and thirteen wide; they rest on strips
of zinc, which prevent the bees from propolising them down so firmly,
and, as the outsides of the hive are so enlarged as to leave galleries
from side to side beyond the ends of the bars, there is easy access
allowed to the fingers in removing. Another noteworthy improvement is
the addition of a "dummy frame," which is merely a thin piece of board
of the same size as a frame, and whose use is either to contract the
dimensions of the hive according to the population, or to make room, by
its removal for the extraction of the first comb.
The frames are held firm and kept at their correct distances apart
by means of small staples, and a slit is formed lengthways for the
insertion of impressed wax sheets or guide-strips cut from these. The
crown-board rests on the thin edge of zinc, in order that it may be
replaced more quickly, with less danger of crushing a bee than on a
broader surface. There is a feeding-hole in the centre of the board,
which in some hives is closed by a zinc slide running in an opening
cut out of the wood, and in others is covered by a wooden block. In
the more highly finished hives two long openings are cut for admitting
bees to the super. Two slides for each opening are supplied--one
pair being of plain zinc for closing them entirely, the other with
slits cut of three-sixteenths of an inch in width for the purpose of
queen-preventers (see Chap. IV. § xvii.). The supers are similar, but
not so deep, and have eight frames instead of nine; they are, however,
_frames_, and not mere bars as ordinarily. The sides and top are of
_glass_, with baize-lined shutters.
A hive intermediate between this and the Philadelphia (§ xii.), and
which may be called "The Cottager's Improved Frame Hive," is shown
inside the opened cover on page 179. It has a straw crown-board
and a larger window, and is designed to admit a zinc adapter with
queen-preventing perforations; in other respects it is identical with
the above hive.
2. Straw.--The figure overleaf exhibits "Neighbours' New Straw Frame
Hive," with super attached. It is of exactly the same size and
construction as the foregoing. There is a straw crown-board with
feeding-hole in the centre, and two slits of zinc with queen-preventing
openings as above. The supers of the straw hive are made of its own
material, but have three windows instead of one. The advantages of
straw for hives are described under the Woodbury straw hive, above.
[Illustration]
3. Glass.--A representation of this same hive in glass, with its super,
is given inside the opened cover figured on page 177. Nothing need be
added here, as the construction is the same with that of the wood hive.
See the description of the Woodbury glass hive in the previous section
for general remarks upon hives of that material.
§ XI. NEIGHBOURS' COTTAGER'S FRAME HIVE.
[Illustration]
This is a simpler and less expensive hive than the one just described,
being without windows or a dummy, and with wooden crown and floor
boards. In other respects it is the same, and is thus suitable for
persons with small means, or who may wish to purchase in large numbers.
Almost any kind of super may be adjusted to this hive, but those
specially adapted are the frame super and our divisional and sectional
supers, for all of which see the article on "Supers" (Chap. IV. § vi.).
To admit of their addition the crown-board must be removed, and a zinc
adapter with queen-preventing openings substituted.
§ XII. THE PHILADELPHIA FRAME HIVE.
Our frame hives hitherto described have facilities for extracting the
movable combs at the roof of the hive; with the present one the frames
are drawn out at the sides as well as above. This is manifestly a
great convenience, as it obviates the necessity of removing the supers
when an examination of the combs is required to be made in the midst
of the working season. The hive, cover, and stand are all in one, and
the side-flap falls down, as it does in the cover shown on page 175,
and the loose glazed side, by removal, serves as a dummy, allowing
each comb to be withdrawn without risk of scraping the next. The
cover, it will be seen, opens at one side, as does the stock hive. The
floor-board draws out on the plan adopted by Mr. Cheshire.
[Illustration]
There is a straw crown-board with a feeding-hole, which in summer is
replaced by a queen-preventing zinc adapter perforated all over with
circular holes too narrow to admit the queen or drones. The whole
space over the frames is then covered with our small sectional supers
(Chap. IV. § vi.), which, by means of the numerous perforations, are
completely seasoned to the bees' taste with the same scent as the
hive itself. The hive with its cover is complete without any further
protection from the weather, and it carries its own stand. It was very
highly commended at the Alexandra Palace Bee Show.
§ XIII. CHESHIRE'S FRAME HIVE.
In its general principles and inner structure this hive differs very
little from the one last described, with which in outward appearance
it is still more closely identical; but the walls of the stock hive,
when made of wood (for they can also be had in straw, if the apiarian
so prefers) are constructed double, with an airspace between, with a
view to modifying the variations of temperature. The upper part of the
outer woodwork is a cover to the supers, and opens on a hinge at one
side. Within are two of Lee's bar supers, placed one upon the other,
the upper of which is to be first supplied, and the other added from
beneath when the first is partly filled.
The stock hive usually contains eleven of the regular-sized Woodbury
frames, besides the dummy. Admission is given to the super by means
of slits in the sides of two of the five planks constituting the
crown-board, and when the super is away these two can be shifted to
the ends, when the slits will come outside the hive. The entrance-hole
is ten inches in length, but is provided with shutters for narrowing or
closing it. The alighting-board in front of the entrance is grooved in
order to let off wet or moisture. The entire floor-board draws out to
allow of cleaning.
§ XIV. ABBOTT'S NEW FRAME HIVE.
Mr. Abbott's new hive is distinguished for the large size of its
frames, which are sixteen inches long by ten deep. There are eight
of them, besides two dummies. The honey-board is in three portions,
with a round hole in the centre for feeding, and two slits for giving
admission to the supers, which are Lee's. This divided crown-board
rests close upon the bars of the frames, and a quilt should be placed
over it in winter. The stock hive is of straw, and carries its own
cover and stand. Its dimensions are two feet wide and three high.
Mr. Abbott has previously constructed some cheaper hives, but cheapness
was made too exclusively their object to allow of their becoming
sufficiently serviceable to be recommended.
§ XV. THE STEWARTON HIVE.
[Illustration]
The Stewarton hive (also called the Ayrshire hive) is so often spoken
of, and in such favourable terms, by bee-keepers, that we deem it
necessary to give it a place here, and to supply some explanation of
its construction and management. We consider this especially needful,
as some of the principles of its management are so imperfectly
understood that many mistakes are made, and also because, for the
convenience of bee-keepers, we keep a supply of these hives on hand.
The name is derived from their having been first brought out at
Stewarton, in Scotland; and they are still made so well, and at so
moderate a price, in that country, that London workmen are unable to
compete in their manufacture. Our supply is therefore from that source;
so that, with a little addition for carriage, the price approximates
that of the makers themselves, affording a convenience to many of our
apiarian friends in being able to obtain these hives in London.
Our illustration shows the four boxes set up when the hive is complete.
We will suppose that the beginner has just received the four octagonal
boxes detached, with the bundles of grooved slides. About one-half of
these are short pieces, or pegs, termed sectional slides, but similarly
cut to the longer ones; these are to fill up the openings where
the full slides are not put in, or are required to be withdrawn, as
hereafter explained. He will find himself in possession of four boxes
so neatly dovetailed on the bevel, that, if he be of a mechanical
turn, he will not only be surprised at the way in which they are put
together, but also at the price for which they are offered. Three of
the boxes, A, B, C, technically called "body boxes," are precisely
similar, each being fourteen inches in diameter and five inches and
a half deep inside. Nine bars range along the top of each box. These
are not movable, but are designed to induce the regular building of
the combs. Between these and beyond the outer ones are ten narrow
slides, the slides and bars being grooved to fit into each other, so
that the top is completely covered as if with a crown-board. In the
figure the slides are shown as partly withdrawn. The fourth box, D, is
the depriving box or super; it is only four inches deep, but the same
in diameter as the others. This being the honey-box, it is furnished
with seven wide fixed bars instead of nine, because, as stated at page
183, bees construct deeper receptacles to contain the honey than for
breeding in: thus, should the queen go up into this compartment, she
may find the cells are too much elongated to enable her to reach the
base when her body is inserted for the purpose of depositing an egg.
The honey is thus kept pure, and the thick comb has a more massive,
richer appearance, and that which not unfrequently mars the quality
of a super--viz., cells that either contain brood or have been bred
in--is prevented. Each box is furnished with two small windows, back
and front, closed by sliding shutters, by which opportunity is afforded
for inspecting the progress made, and also for ascertaining when the
cells are filled and the box may be taken away.
Each of the boxes A, B, C, is furnished with an entrance-way four
inches wide and half an inch high, a wooden slide either wholly or
partially closing it as required. When at work the bees need only one
entrance open, and that at the lowest box. The long slides before
mentioned are pushed into their respective receptacles from the back
of the hive to close the openings between the bars; those of them
that are shorter will be seen to belong to the sides of the octagon,
and their ends are cut angular to suit the form of the box. A little
examination will suffice to show the right allotment of the slides, the
appropriation of which may be said somewhat to resemble the putting
together of a child's puzzle.
The box B must be left open at the interstices that correspond with the
box A, placed above, the little openings being closed by the insertion
of the ten sections of slides, thus leaving free communication inside
with the upper box A, and admitting of no outlet for the bees except
at the entrance. When the four boxes are placed above each other, the
structure measures twenty-two inches high.
The Scotch carpenters send no floor-board, and no covering or roof for
the top to shoot off the rain; they evidently expect that the purchaser
is provided with a shed or bee-house of some kind, and also with a
floor-board. Should the apiarian, however, not have these necessaries,
we can supply the deficiency.
The sides of the boxes are furnished with wooden buttons, which, when
turned round, keep each box exactly in its place one above the other;
there are also projecting irons or screw heads for tying the two boxes
A and B together preparatory to hiving the swarm, also for weighing;
or if the boxes stand out exposed, all may be thus secured, to prevent
their being blown over by high winds.
In putting the hive into use, take the two boxes A and B, made one by
the junction before mentioned, with complete access from one to the
other inside by the free communication afforded. Shake the swarm in
just as with a common cottage hive.
If the weather be favourable these two boxes will be nearly filled
in ten days. To get the full advantage of the Stewarton hive the
first year, put two swarms into two body boxes, A and B. Allow the
bees to remain there till they have nearly filled the body boxes with
comb, which (with this increased number of workers, and in favourable
weather) should be from five to ten days. Two swarms are seldom
procurable the same day so as then to be joined together, and even if
they were there is a doubt whether greater progress may not be attained
by hiving one swarm a week or so earlier than the other, so as to build
comb and raise brood ready for the reception of the new comers.
The second swarm should be hived in the third body box, C, and placed
close to the boxes A, B, and at dusk these last are placed on the top
of the box C. The entrance being open in the lowest box, that of the
central box, B, should now be closed with the slide. The top slides of
box C must be withdrawn and the interstices pegged with the sectional
slides. In the course of the night the second swarm will ascend and
join the other, thus becoming one family. In the morning one of the
queens will probably be found thrown out in front.
The box C is then to be removed, and the entrance slide of box B
withdrawn. Should all the bees not have ascended, the removal may
be deferred until later in the day when many of them are dispersed
gathering honey. The object of removing the box C is to restrict the
room so that the work of comb-building may be carried on more rapidly,
and the bees be sooner ready to work in the super box D, placed
above. They may be allured into this by fixing small pieces of worker
guide-comb, of pure white colour, on the centre of each side bar. If,
however, a box of honey with neatly made, straight, and quite regular
comb be desired, a piece of this guide-comb must be fixed to the centre
of each bar of the seven. If guide-comb be unobtainable, strips of the
impressed wax sheets or artificial comb (hereafter described) will be
found excellent substitutes.[22]
[Footnote 22: The body boxes may be prepared in a similar manner.]
Having satisfied yourself, by peeping in at the windows, and from
symptoms at the entrance, that the original boxes are well filled,
place your prepared honey-box on the top, draw a slide at each side
of the middle box to afford communication, and insert the little
pegs. It is not well to withdraw the slides in the middle, because
the queen is then far more likely to ascend. Bees may more readily
be induced to work in the supers if the junctures are covered with
gummed paper to preserve warmth. When you notice that the bees have
fairly commenced work in the honey-box, and are likely to keep to it,
a second and afterwards other supers may still be added, the new one
being always placed uppermost; in all cases the remaining box C must be
added below the stock, which will afford additional room and prevent
swarming, exchanging the entrance to the newly-furnished box and
sliding in pieces of wood to close the aperture of that above. Supers
and nadirs may in fact be added--in fine seasons and with first-rate
management--till there are eight or ten boxes in the pile.
Should the bees begin making comb in the bottom box, draw two more
slides for freer access into the super, as there will then be little
risk of the queen ascending, having so much range for egg-laying in the
three lower boxes.
In very fine weather a good swarm or stock will fill a honey-box in the
space of two weeks; but a much longer time is usually occupied. The
process of taking the honey differs very little from that ordinarily
followed in removing supers (Chap. V. § xiv.). The super box is
disconnected with a spatula and twine; then drawing out one or two top
slides, the bees are smoked or blown with bellows to cause them to make
their exit.
Before winter sets in, the box C, if in use, may be removed, and the
comb it contains (if well filled) be used for consumption; if the comb
be empty, let it remain carefully guarded from moth and other insects,
as it will be invaluable next season. Empty comb may be thus preserved
by tying or pasting a piece of stout newspaper closely round the
bottom, and keeping the box in a dry place. Feeding, when required, may
be liberally pursued by withdrawing two slides and supplying a bottle
or other feeder.
The chief value of the Stewarton supers consists in the boxes being
shallow, so that the combs are more likely to be well filled down
to the base; the bees will also commence work more readily in such
than in loftier compartments. This is a great advantage with supers,
particularly when required to be sent to a distance, as there is less
likelihood of the combs breaking down. For the same reason, when the
weather is hot and the rays of the sun fall on the hive, the combs
might part from their foundations if there were no intermediate bars,
which is now the case in the stock hive, composed as it is of two
boxes. If these two boxes were in one, the depth of each comb would be
twelve inches; and, when filled with brood and honey, would probably
weigh ten pounds. This is a great weight to be supported in hot summer
weather, when the wax is softened by the heat. Another distinguishing
feature that the Stewarton hive possesses is the use of the box C,
which, by giving increased room as the season advances, prevents what
is often an annoyance to the apiarian, viz., a late swarm--too late
to be of any value, and impoverishing the stock by a division of
its numbers, thereby perhaps impeding the completion of the super.
A further advantage of the box C is that it induces the bees (who
frequently hang in clusters about the entrance) to carry on their work
instead of remaining in enforced idleness.
An accomplished apiarian who writes much in the _Horticultural_ and
_Bee Journals_ under the title of "A Renfrewshire Bee-keeper," and
whose descriptions and management of the Stewarton hive render him
an authority on this mode of bee-keeping as well as on the subject
generally, says the only fault he has to find with the Stewarton hive
is the fixity of the bars. With a modified hive used by him they are
held in position with half-inch brass screws; thus all are movable,
instead of being fastened with nails as in the original Stewarton. In
each of the three body boxes are four bar-frames from end to end of the
parallel sides; the two combs on either side of these are attached to
movable bars, but these have no frames, as there would be a difficulty
in making them to suit the angle. If it is requisite to withdraw the
bars, they may be easily disconnected from the sides by passing down
a knife. These boxes are one inch deeper than those of the ordinary
Stewarton. We must say we do not consider that there is quite the
same facility for extracting combs as with other movable comb hives
described in these pages, but this may be an element of success--it
possesses the opportunity without the facility. Many indiscreet
bee-keepers are tempted to disturb their bees a great deal too much.
The writer had the pleasure of paying this gentleman a visit when in
Scotland last autumn, and saw his apiary, also some remnants of the
store of wonderful supers he took from his hives last summer--specimens
indeed of good bee-keeping, and of the golden maxim worthy of all
imitation, "Keep your stocks strong."
§ XVI. THE LANARKSHIRE HIVE.
In outward form this hive is much like the first bar-frame hive
introduced to English apiarians by Mr. Tegetmeier, who about eighteen
years ago was secretary to a now defunct apiarian society the
head-quarters of which were just outside London at Muswell Hill. This
gentleman adapted the Stewarton slides to a square bar-frame hive,
so that no crown-board was needed, just as is here provided by the
ingenious Lanarkshire bee-keeper. One of Mr. Tegetmeier's hives may be
seen at the Bethnal Green Museum of Science and Art. From some cause it
did not come into very general use.
The stock hive we are now describing measures sixteen inches and
three-quarters from front to rear, and seventeen and a quarter from
side to side, within; the height is nine inches and a half, and it
contains eleven frames and one division board or dummy. Each of the
frames is fitted with a false bar, which is intended to be under the
bar proper: by taking a frame and pressing this bar out, an arrangement
will be found for enclosing and holding tightly fixed the impressed
sheets of wax for guides. The ends of the frames rest in the front and
back of the hive; the top edges of the latter being deeply grooved
along their centres to reduce the bearing surfaces, so that there
may be less danger of crushing a bee when the frames are placed in
position. These are now kept apart, and the spaces between are closed
by wooden slides as in the octagon Stewarton hive; thus the advantages
claimed by Scotch apiarians are here to be found in a square bar-frame
hive. The sides and lower ends of the frames have projections which
touch and keep each other steady, so that the combs are not so liable
to be pressed together.
The super is four inches deep and equal in diameter to the stock hive,
and is furnished, like it, with false bars, which have slits for
inserting those infallible guides, the impressed waxen sheets. These
are surmounted with another row of movable bars with the Stewarton
slides between as before explained.
The back of the hive has a circular revolving disc of wood of half
thickness let into it, in which are three three-quarter inch holes
covered with perforated zinc, so that ventilation may be given or not.
The alighting-board is made to slide in and out in grooves beneath the
floor-board, which arrangement is convenient for transit of the hive to
the moors or anywhere else. The entrance is opened or closed by means
of sliding shutters, one on each side.
Outside covering from the weather is needed, and this we are also in a
position to provide. This is beyond doubt an ingenious useful hive, and
how so much labour can be bestowed and yet the hive cost so little is a
marvel.
§ XVII. NEIGHBOURS' UNICOMB OBSERVATORY HIVE--OUTDOOR.
The unicomb hive here represented has many advantages over similar
hives as previously constructed. The illustration shows the interior
divided into six compartments; these are six Woodbury frames. The inner
sash opens, to admit of hanging up the frames on the notches prepared
for them. The width of the hive between the glasses of the sashes is
just sufficient to admit of one thickness of comb, with space on each
side for the bees to pass and repass between the glass and the comb.
Any one possessing a Woodbury box or straw frame hive can readily
commence a unicomb, and as readily put the combs and bees back into the
square hive again.
[Illustration]
The outside shutters on each side are composed of Venetian blinds,
admitting daylight, but obscuring the rays of the sun. There are two
iron wheels, the one fixed to the bottom of the hive, the other to
a stout board running along its entire length; on these two wheels
the whole structure turns. In the centre of the floor-board there is
an opening, with a passage-way running underneath, so that the bees'
entrance is in no way affected by the position of the hive, which
revolves to suit the convenience of visitors inspecting it. Should the
queen, with her attendants, not be visible on one side, the other side
of the comb can be brought into full view, and examined with the same
facility as a picture, or as articles are inspected in a shop window.
Thus the sovereign mother, the drones with their aimless movements,
and the crowd of ever-busy workers, either building their combs or
storing honey, may be always seen, as presenting a veritable _tableau
vivant_.
Another improvement that we have made upon Mr. Woodbury's pattern is
that of adapting to admit the frames and this has necessitated an
increase in size. The outside dimensions are nearly three feet square
and seven inches deep from back to front. Provision is made at top for
feeding, and for working two small flat-top glasses for deprivation,
which are protected by the weather-board. An alighting-board is placed
at the centre, close under the entrance. The hive can, however, be
placed indoors, when it must be adjusted to the window-sash like the
indoor unicomb in the next section.
In the summer of 1863 we had ample proof of the success of this
hive during its exhibition at the annual show of the Bath and West
of England Agricultural Society at Exeter. We selected six combs,
and packed them in one of the square box Woodbury frame hives, and,
on arrival at Exeter, placed them in the unicomb. That being fixed
against the boarded side of a shed, we found the covered way a great
convenience, and it answered remarkably well; the bees did not seem
to be inconvenienced by having to travel through so long a passage. A
glass covering admitted a full view of the little labourers as they
crowded in, and the sight of them very much enhanced the interest of
visitors examining the hive.
Since the time before mentioned we have exhibited bees at the meetings
of the Bath and West of England Agricultural Society at Bristol, and of
the Royal Agricultural Society at Newcastle in 1864. On both occasions
further proof was given that this hive admirably answers the purpose
intended, and it afforded pleasure to many thousands of visitors. We
also exhibited one of these hives in our collection at the Philadelphia
Exhibition of 1876, and in their certificate of award the jurors direct
special attention to the unicomb hive with Venetian blinds as allowing
the admission of light to the bees whilst the sun's direct rays are
excluded.
The unicomb hive may be stocked in two ways. The bee-keeper may either
select the comb upon which the queen is found, and put it into the
hive, and so form an artificial swarm as directed under that heading
(Chap. V. § vi.), or he may take six brood combs, and by that means
stock the unicomb at once. The former plan is, perhaps, the more
advisable, because new comb has to be built within the five frames;
for in this case five empty frames must be put in. It is a better plan
still if artificial combs are placed in each frame, so as to afford an
interesting opportunity of watching the formation of the cells therein.
The' combs are sure to be dark in colour when taken from a stock hive,
and new combs, being whiter, have a better appearance in the hive. The
comb upon which the queen was introduced may be taken away after the
artificial swarm has made combs within some of the other five frames;
when the queen is on one of the new combs, opportunity may easily be
taken for opening the hive and removing the old dark comb, which, with
the unhatched brood, may be deposited in any square hive that needs
strengthening.
If the possessor of a square Woodbury frame hive wishes to start a
strong unicomb colony, and does not object to appropriating the stock,
he must take out of the Woodbury hive any six combs on the frames, and
put the unicomb in its place so as to receive all the returning bees
that happen to be abroad; the remaining combs can be inserted in any
other frame hives in which there may be room. We have had this hive in
operation, stocked in such manner, and found it to answer remarkably
well. On a lawn, placed on a suitable ornamental stand, it formed a
pleasing and instructive object.
In unicomb hives there is considerable difficulty in keeping the bees
alive through the winter, but where the combs are removable, this can
be avoided by the transfer recommended in Chap. V. § xx. In some degree
to moderate the variations of temperature we have used treble glass
with a space between each square; greater warmth is thus obtained, and
the view is not intercepted. Opportunity should be taken for cleaning
the unicomb hive when empty.
§ XVIII. NEIGHBOURS' UNICOMB OBSERVATORY HIVE--INDOOR.
[Illustration]
This hive is well adapted for those persons who are desirous of having
the opportunity of closely examining the workmanship of the industrious
and interesting inmates. It is particularly intended for a window
recess or an indoor apiary, and will also be found an interesting
addition to the greenhouse. Bees cease to appear disturbed when
exposure to the light is continuous, and this discovery enables the
bee-keeper to obtain a full inspection. The hive should be screened
from the direct rays of the sun, which would worry the inmates, and
be otherwise prejudicial. An aperture should be cut in the sash
corresponding with the entrance to the hive, through which the bees
may find egress and ingress, without being able to gain access to the
apartment, as described under the "Ladies' Observatory Hive" (page
120). As the hive is now made to revolve on a wheel like the preceding,
this passage must extend eighteen inches within the room to enable the
revolution to be made clear of the window. The passage may be glazed
over. The process of stocking is identical with that in the last
section.
Although this hive is constructed of double glass, to keep up a more
uniform degree of warmth, still, from the cold nature of that material,
and the close contact into which the bees are brought with it, it is
advisable to place flannel against it on the outside. Such precaution
is found essential if the bees remain in this hive during winter, and
very much adds to their comfort on cold nights at most periods of the
year. In the daytime, in summer months, the hive being of double glass,
the whole may be fully exposed to view, and if the temperature of the
apartment in which it stands be kept up to 60 degrees, this extra care
will not be needed.
At the annual International Exhibition of 1873, at South Kensington,
we had two of these hives in full operation, an opening being made so
that the bees had full access to the pasturage of the Horticultural
and other gardens of the neighbourhood. Among the many visitors whose
delight it was to watch the hidden working of the hives thus laid
bare for inspection was His Grace the Duke of Sutherland, and he
commissioned us to place one of these unicomb hives at the window of
an anteroom adjoining his library at Stafford House, St. James's, which
we accordingly did, the bees having an open flight over his own garden
and St. James's Park, as the entrance faced that way. For a time this
was an unfailing source of interest and gratification to His Grace and
his visitors; but unfortunately a reverse came over the spirit of our
dream. The hive was without the Venetian blinds, thus depending on the
window-blind being carefully drawn down when the sun was shining. An
oversight prevented this being attended to one day as usual: it was
on the occasion of the visit of the Shah of Persia to Stafford House,
when the servants were so much occupied that the secluded room which
the bees were in was wholly neglected. The, consequence was that the
rays of the burning June sun so distressed the bees that they hung out
in clusters, the queen among them, at the outside entrance; the combs
were at the same time melted, and fell from their foundations, and the
brood was all ruined by heat '; in fact, the whole hive became a wreck.
We managed after some trouble to save the bees, but His Grace was so
disheartened by the catastrophe that, for fear of its repetition,
though much to our disappointment, he declined re-stocking the hive.
At the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1855 we also exhibited a hive
of this description in full working order. The bees left London on
the 5th of July of that year, and were placed in the Exposition on
the following morning. An entrance was made for them through the
side of the building, as before explained. Our bees had no national
antipathies, and they immediately sallied forth to their "fresh fields
and pastures new" in the Champs Elysées, the gardens of the Tuileries,
the Luxembourg, etc., whence they soon returned laden with luscious
store from French flowers.
The Jurors of the Exposition awarded us a prize medal for beehives.
A prize was also adjudged to us for the hive here described at
the Crystal Palace Show in 1874; while a variation that we have
made--consisting of four half-unicombs fixed cross-way like the sails
of a windmill--obtained a like award at the Alexandra Palace Bee Show
in 1876.
The unicomb observatory hive is one which might have been suggested by
the lines of Evans:--
"By this blest art our ravished eyes behold
'The singing masons build their roofs of gold,'
And mingling multitudes perplex the view,
Yet all in order apt their tasks pursue.
Still happier they whose favoured ken hath seen
Pace slow and silent round, the state's fair queen."
[Illustration]