APPENDIX.
TESTIMONIALS OF THE PRESS.
GREAT EXHIBITION 1851.
The "Working Apiary" in the Great Exhibition of 1851, will long live in remembrance of the many thousand visitors who witnessed with much interest the matchless industry of its busy occupants.
We extract the following from many notices that appeared in the public journals relative thereto.
In noticing the hives exhibited in the Crystal Palace, I would say, first and foremost in my opinion stands Mr. Taylor's Eight-bar Hive, and Messrs. Neighbour and Son's Improved Cottage Hive, both exhibited by Messrs. Neighbour.—J. H. Payne, see Cottage Gardener, Nos. 169, 170.
From the "Illustrated London News."
Messrs. Neighbour's Apiary consists of a large glass case, with parts of the sides covered with perforated zinc, for the sake of ventilation. This apiary contains three hives; first Neighbour's Ventilating Box-Hive, containing from 15,000 to 20,000 bees, which were hived on the 30th of April of the present year, the day before that of the opening of the Great Exhibition; Neighbour's Observatory Glass Hive, containing about the same number as the box-hive; and a two storied square box-hive, with sloping roof. From this latter, however, the bees decamped within a week after they had been hived, owing to some disturbance, or perhaps, to the dislike taken by the bees to their new habitation. The Ventilating Box-Hive is, in shape, square, having windows and shutters. The entrance is at the back, enabling the bees to go to Kensington Gardens, or other resorts, when they please. Above the wooden box is placed a bell glass, into which the bees ascend to work through circular opening in, the top of the square box. In the top of the bell-glass is an aperture through which is inserted a tubular trunk of perforated zinc, to take off the moisture from within. The Observatory Hive is of glass, with a superior crystal compartment, an opening being formed between the two; the bees are at present forming a comb in this upper glass, which affords a very interesting sight, as generally speaking, the bees are in such a cluster when at work that one can scarcely view their mathematically formed cells. A straw cover is suspended over the upper compartment by a rope over a pulley, which cover is raised up by the attendant at pleasure. The larger or bottom compartment rests on a wooden floor, which has a circular groove sinking therein to receive the bell glass. A landing-place projecting, as usual, with sunken way, to enable the bees to pass in and out of their habitation, completes this contrivance.
In addition to Mr. Neighbour's Crystal Apiary, he also exhibits a Cottager's Straw Hive, Taylor's Amateur Bee-Hive, a Glass Hive, Nutt's Patent Collateral Hive, the Ladies' Observatory Hive, Neighbour's Improved Cottage Hive, and Payne's Cottage Hive.
The Cottager's Hive is simply that of the form we find in use in most parts of the country, where the industrious cottagers or their wives, by a little attention to their interesting little labourers, are enabled to add something to their usually scanty earnings. This kind of hive is usually made of straw, resting on a circular wooden board, with part of the board or floor projecting in front as a lauding place for the bees, which enter under the edge of the straw by means of a sinking in the floor.
Taylor's Amateur's Bee-Hive consists of three small square boxes, one above another, with a roof over the top story; the ventilation being effected by perforations under the eaves; each side of every story has a window and shutter. The landing place is in front of the bottom story, and the entrance to the hive is a long slit about ¾ inch high.
The Glass Hive or Ladies' Observatory Hive, is similar to that in which the bees are at work in Mr. Neighbour's Apiary already mentioned, but on account of the number of bees at work therein, and the extent of comb already effected, the interior perches cannot be seen. These wooden perches are arranged in parallel lines, leaving a space next the glass all round, the whole being framed together with a bar at right angles, and resting on an upright support in the middle.
The Improved Cottage Hive of the same exhibitor consists of a straw circular lower compartment, having windows and outside shutters. A thermometer is placed just inside one of the windows. The floor is of wood, with a landing place and sunken way, as already mentioned in some of the other hives. In the top, which is also of wood, are three circular perforations, each of about two inches in diameter; above which are placed as many bell-glasses. There is a small hole in the top of each of the glasses, through which a perforated tubular trunk is inserted, for the sake of taking off the moisture from the interior of the hive. Within the glass is a feeding-trough of zinc, circular in shape, with a floating perforated floor, on which the bees alight, and in the 111 winter season regale themselves with the honey which is found in the various perforations, as it floats up to the level of the honey, contained in the small filling-trough, through which the honey, or beer and sugar, is poured. The glasses are covered with a straw cap, removable at pleasure.
Messrs. Neighbour's contributions are completed with, tin perforated fumigators, by the use of which the bees are stupefied for a while, when required to be moved from one hive to another; and specimens of honey and honey-comb of the season 1850.
From the "Express."
Bees and Bee-Hives.—In the North-East Gallery directly under the Transept are arranged by Messrs. Neighbour, of Holborn, several descriptions of bee-hives, which it will be interesting to many of our readers to examine, as this branch of rural economy is claiming much general and deserved attention throughout the country. The novelty of these hives consists in the facilities that are afforded in taking therefrom at any time of the gathering season the purest honey without destroying or even injuring the bees, thus humanely superseding the barbarous and hateful system of murdering these interesting insects, to obtain the produce of their industry.
Immediately adjoining the group of untenanted bee-hives may be observed living hives with the bees most industriously at work. These useful little creatures have been highly honoured by the Executive Committee, for of all the animal workers that contribute to the interest of the Exhibition they alone are allowed therein to display their matchless ingenuity and skill. By a simple contrivance the bees are allowed egress and ingress without in the least degree molesting the visitors, thus enabling the admirers of the works of nature to view the whole process of forming the cells and depositing the honey therein.
Within these few days Messrs. Neighbour have added to the Apiary, a bee-hive constructed entirely of glass, protected by a cover neatly made of straw, but so contrived, that on application to the attendant can be removed instantly, thus illustrating more particularly the curious workmanship of these amusing insects.
Her Majesty the Queen, and the Prince Consort, with the Royal Children, were some time engaged in watching with deep interest the busy scene before them, and putting many questions relating to the habits and economy of the honey bee.
INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION 1861.
From the "Illustrated London News," August 16, 1862.
One of the most interesting and instructive objects in the Exhibition, is a transparent hive, in which the bees may be seen at full work. Among the collection of bee-hives exhibited by Messrs. Neighbour and Son, is one of glass, stocked with a colony of Italian Alp bees. Here the queen bee may be seen surrounded by her subjects, which pay the most deferential attention to their sovereign. Through an aperture cut in the wall, the busy throng of bees are continually passing and repassing. They go out at their pleasure into the open court, fly over the annexe into the grounds of the Horticultural Society and other adjacent gardens, and return laden with sweets.
From the "Journal of Horticulture" October 21, 1862.
Neighbour, G. & Sons, 149, Regent Street, and 127, Holborn, No. 2157, have a very handsome and complete stall, on ascending the steps of which we found a flourishing stock of Ligurians, apparently not at all ashamed of the public position which they occupied, and working vigorously in the full light of day. The queen, one of the largest and finest-coloured we have met with, was perambulating the combs and receiving the homage of her subjects, stopping frequently to deposit an egg in every empty cell. The hive itself was a "Woodbury Unicomb," handsomely got up in mahogany, invented as its name implies, by our valued correspondent. "A Devonshire Bee-keeper," the construction of which will be most readily understood by an inspection of the engraving at [page 46]. Its distinctive features are, the adaptation of the moveable-bar system to unicomb-hives, by which any colony in an apiary of "Woodbury-hives" can be placed in the unicomb-hive in a few minutes, and the use of "outside Venetians," or "sun blinds." as they are called, instead of the usual impervious shutters. By this contrivance light is never excluded, so that when the hive is open for inspection, all its inmates continue their avocation with their accustomed regularity, and a quiet and orderly scene is presented to the spectator, instead of the hubbub and confusion which ensues in ordinary unicomb-hives. On the left-hand side of the unicomb hangs a beautifully executed drawing of a Ligurian queen bee magnified, together with the queen worker and drone of Apis Ligustica, of the natural size. Immediately under the drawing is placed a square glass super containing nearly 40 lbs. of the finest honey-comb. On the right of the unicomb-hive is another super of the same description, containing nearly 30 lbs. of the purest honey. These supers are, undoubtedly, by far the finest in the Exhibition, and are the first worked in England by Ligurian bees, being from the apiary of "A Devonshire Bee-keeper." In addition to these the most striking objects, are shown Neighbour's Improved Single Box and Cottage Hives, Taylor's Bar-Hives, Woodbury Frame and Bar-hives, the new Bottle-feeder, and bee apparatus of every description. It will be apparent from the foregoing, that Messrs. Neighbour's stall is well worth inspection, although the various novelties it contains appear to have met with but scant appreciation by the Jury, who merely awarded to them that "honourable mention" so lavishly accorded to the far less deserving objects.
From the "Illustrated News of the World" September 6, 1862.
One of the most interesting and instructive objects is the honey bee at full work in transparent hives. In the International Exhibition, Class 9, Eastern Annexe, Messrs. Neighbour and Son, of Holborn and Regent-street, exhibit, amongst a collection of the most approved bee-hives and apparatus, a glass hive, stocked with a colony of Italian Alp bees; the hive is so constructed as to admit of easily seeing the queen, surrounded by the working bees. Contrary to the long established notion that the bees work only in the dark this hive is completely open to broad daylight. The bees do not manifest the least dislike to the exposure, and they are not discomfited when light is occasionally admitted for inspecting them. It is obvious that a knowledge of this new feature must tend to a more general acquaintance with the habits and hidden mysteries of the bee than has hitherto been the case. The queen may be seen depositing the eggs in the cells; in this manner she goes on multiplying the species, the working bees surrounding her, and paying the most deferential attention, with their heads always towards her. Not the least interesting part is to watch the entrance; facility is afforded for doing so, the sunken way communicating with the hive being covered with a flat piece of glass; the busy throng, pass and repass through the aperture cut in the wall, so that the bees go out at their pleasure into the open court, fly over the Annexe into the Horticultural and other adjacent gardens, and return laden with crystal sweets gathered from the flowers. The novelty of being able to inspect living bees, and those of a new variety, as easily as goods in a shop window, will well repay the trouble of finding Messrs. Neighbour's stand. These gentlemen will no doubt cheerfully give any information that may be required.
From the "Gardener's Weekly Magazine" September 1, 1862. Conducted by Shirley Hibberd, Esq., F.R.H.S.
Neighbour and Son, 149, Regent Street, London, (2157).—This is the most important of the exhibitions in this department. The "Bees at work" are in hives open to the inspection of visitors, the bees passing out through tubes to the open air, and not being visible within the building except through the glass of the hives. The collection of hives of all kinds is complete and interesting, and we subjoin a figure of the stand (see [page 100]) to show how bees as well as hives may be exhibited conveniently. Amongst the various contrivances exhibited by Messrs. Neighbour, Nutt's Collateral Hive has an important place, and though very fancifully got up, and therefore very attractive to amateur bee-keepers, we must make the same objection to it as we have above to other forms of the same from different makers. The Single-box Hive, the Taylor's Shallow Eight-bar Hive, are the best bee-boxes in this collection, and every way admirable. Here are no fancy ventilators which the bees will close up, nor provoking side boxes which they will hesitate to enter, and from which it will be hard to dislodge them in order to get them to winter in the "pavilion." Whoever begins bee-keeping with either of these will have a fair chance of success. The most popular of the hives is that called the "Improved Cottage." Its popularity no doubt is due to the compromise between wood and straw which it accomplishes. People cannot get rid of the idea that a bee-hive must be made of straw, though it is a material so ill adapted for union of swarms, supering and other operations of advanced bee culture. The "Cottager's Hive" is well adapted for "those apiarians who are desirous of setting their poorer neighbours in the way of keeping bees on the improved system." It consists of stock hive, small super-hive, and straw cover, and is on the principle of Payne's, which has been most successful among country people who have got so far as to prefer keeping, to killing their bees. The "Woodbury Bar and Frame Hive" is a novel construction, combining all the best features of the best bar boxes, and adding some new ones of great value and importance. We recommend every bee-keeper to become possessed of this admirable contrivance, with which Mr. Woodbury has accomplished wonderful things in the multiplication of the new race of Ligurian bees. In general form and proportions it resembles Taylor's and Tegetmeier's boxes, but in the arrangement of the bars it is unique. The stock box is furnished with ten moveable bars and frames, after the German plan. Each bar has a projection running along the under side; this ridge is chosen by the bees for the foundation of combs, rendering guide combs unnecessary. The supers have glass sides and eight bars, so that the operator need never be in doubt when to add another box above or take away the harvest.
The "Unicomb," or one-comb observatory-hive, is intended solely for purposes of observation, and though furnished with doors, to keep up a uniform degree of heat, Messrs. Neighbour have found in their experience at the Regent's Park Gardens and elsewhere, that the bees manifest no dislike to a continual exposure to light. As this elegant contrivance can be placed in the window of a drawing-room, it is adapted to the amusement and instruction of the family circle, as well as to the more serious objects of the etomologist and scientific apiarian. All that is necessary is to connect the outlet with the open air by means of a length of tubing or wooden tunnel, and the bees pass in and out without obtaining access to the room, and all the mysteries of the hive are open to daily observation. There are numerous other hives, bee-feeders, bee armour, &c., &c., which we have not space to notice, but which we advise our apiarian friends to inspect, as the collection of Messrs. Neighbour illustrates fully every department of this interesting subject.
BATH AND WEST OF ENGLAND AGRICULTURAL SHOW AT EXETER, IN JUNE, 1863.
From the "Journal of Horticulture," June 23, 1863.
A novel feature in the Exhibition of the Bath and West of England Agricultural Society which took place at Exeter last week, was the stall of Messrs. Neighbour & Sons, in which were exhibited bees at work in glass hives, and apiarian appliances of every description. There were two Ligurian stocks of bees at full work, one in a full sized Woodbury Unicomb Hive, having been brought from London for the occasion, and the other in a smaller hive of the same description being from the neighbouring apiary of our valued correspondent, "A Devonshire Bee-Keeper." Amongst the hives exhibited, the Woodbury Frame Hive in straw appeared both novel and good, whilst amongst the apparatus, artificial combs and the stereotyped plates for making them, seemed to us the most worthy of attention.
There was a remarkably curious specimen of artificial combs or partition wall partially fabricated into complete comb by the bees, which struck us as being well worth examination, showing, as it did, the various stages by which this transformation is effected, and being calculated to throw light on the problem as to the mode in which bees construct their combs. It is almost unnecessary to state, that this unique and instructive stall was crowded throughout the week, and we hope its financial results were such as will lead Messrs. Neighbour to continue their attendance at the Society's meetings.
From the "Western Times" Exeter, June 12, 1863.
For the Little Busy Bee.—Next to the poultry tents, and set back against the yard fencing, is the exhibition of Mr. George Neighbour & Sons, 127, High Holborn, and 149, Regent Street, London, inventors and manufacturers of improved bee-hives for taking honey without the destruction of the bees. The savage knows where to find the nest of the wild bee, and how to get at his honey; but all the improvement upon the covetousness of the savage made by the long after ages of the world to modern times, was to find means of luring the pattern of industry to a convenient atelier where he might be more easily, first murdered and then robbed. Their habits early attracted the attention of some of the best observers of ancient as well as modern times; Cicero and Pliny tell of the philosopher Hyliscus quitting human society and retiring to the desert to contemplate their peaceful industry. The ancient poet in his Sic vos non vobis plaintively sings over bee and beast, living, or rather dying, not for themselves, but the lord of creation, yet was it left to modern times—very modern times—to join the sentiment of humanity to the rapacity of the barbarian. Mr. Neighbour has a very complete collection of specimens of the ingenious and successful contrivances in the construction of hives for the double object of preserving the honey and the life of the bee; and also, subsidiarily of promoting its comfort during its busy and useful life. We are not allowed to forget here, that we have residing in our city one of the first apiarians in the kingdom—Mr. Thomas Woodbury, of Mount Radford. If the bee philosophy be his hobby, we may recollect that all great discoveries and improvements owe their existence to men who have had the power and the will to concentrate their faculties upon a single object. One proof of his genius in this his favourite department of action, is seen among this collection of Mr. Neighbour's in the "Woodbury Unicomb Hive." It might be when closed up, for ought that appears, a neat case of books; but on opening two doors of the Venetian blind pattern, back and front, we see between the glass walls, the insect city exposed to view with all the population in action. There it may be seen
How skilfully she builds her cell;
How neat she spreads her wax;
And labours hard to store it well
With the sweet food she makes.
Some of the hives are constructed chiefly for the purpose of promoting a philosophic observation of the bee's habits and methods of procedure in his wonderful work. "Neighbour's Unicomb Observatory Hive" is a great novelty, being constructed with glass sides, the hidden mysteries of the hive being exposed to the full light of day. "Huber's Book or Leaf Hive" is constructed to facilitate the object of the scientific apiarian. But the class of hives which will most interest those desirous of promoting bee-keeping among the many will be those for the cottage. There can be no doubt that many a poor cottager in the country, if he could be made to see the advantage it would be to him, and were taught the most economical and successful way of managing this species of "live stock," would add thereby something considerable to his small earnings in the course of a summer. Members of Cottage Garden Societies have turned their attention to it very generally; but to get the thing well afloat, requires in every district the devotion of some earnest enthusiast who will take up the apostolic rule of action "This one thing I do." There is the No. 5, "Improved Cottage Hive," in which three bell glasses are employed, enabling you to take a glass of the purest honey from the hive in the most vigorous period of the season. Then there are other hives of simpler construction and less expensive, but all illustrative of the sentiment of humanity which seeks to preserve from wanton destruction those useful and interesting auxiliaries to our luxury and comfort. This comparatively unimportant stand, in point of size, cannot but attract the attention of a large number of visitors, especially of the ladies and the clergy, who are desirous of promoting the cultivation of the bee among the poor. To heighten the interest for the curious, in one of Mr. Woodbury's hives the bees are all alive and at it, and for those who are disposed to go further into the subject, information is available touching this fashionable, profitable, and domesticated member of the Apiarian family, the Ligurian and Italian Alp-bee. Our old dark-coated delver is threatened with supercession, just as the black rat was driven off by the Norwegian invader, now in possession, and as the old races of cattle are being metamorphosed into the sleek, shapely, beef-bearing, small-boned animals of the present time.
From the "Devon Weekly Times" June 8, 1863.
Bees.—Messrs. Neighbour & Sons, of London, are exhibitors of two Woodbury Unicomb Hives, showing the royal and common bees in full work. These hives are very ingeniously constructed, and were invented by Mr. T. Woodbury, of Mount Radford. Among other apiarian attractions, we may mention the improved Cottage and Cottager's Hives, which are well worthy the notice of those for whom they are designed, and the Ladies' Observatory Hive. The Messrs. Neighbour also exhibit Ligurian bees.
From "Woolmer's Exeter Gazette" June 12, 1863.
Improved Bee-Hives.—At a stand near the poultry tents, are exhibited Neighbour's Improved Bee-hives for the taking of honey without the destruction of bees. The hives are stocked with the famous Ligurian bee. The Unicomb Observatory Hive is constructed with glass sides, so that the whole of the movements of the Apiarian colony are visible, including the proceedings of the queen and her court. This and some of the other descriptions of hives manufactured by Messrs. Neighbour are invented by T. W. Woodbury, Esq. They are furnished with moveable bars, after the German fashion. Each bar has a projection along the underside; this ridge being waxed, induces the bees to build parallel combs—thus obviating the necessity for a guide comb. This description of hive is best suited for the Ligurian or Italian Alp-bee. Stocks of this species, now so much in repute, may be obtained of Messrs. Neighbour 149, Regent Street, London.
ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW, NEWCASTLE, 1864.
From the "Northern Daily Express" July 22,—(Published at Newcastle.)
A Model Factory.—Stand 191—G. Neighbour & Sons. Regent Street, and High Holborn, London. We have heard of model farms and model lodging houses for the working classes, but it was reserved for the Royal Agricultural Society's Meeting in 1864 to introduce to our notice a model factory, where we may see representatives of the working classes busily engaged in their daily avocations. The stand which we have quoted above, may afford fruitful study to such philanthropists as the Earl of Shaftesbury, who make it their benevolent aim to elevate the masses, and the lesson here given from actual life will not be lost upon working men themselves. There are several striking features worthy of notice in the "model factory." We can clearly perceive that it has been established on a principle which is essential to the success of any great concern—namely: the principle of a good understanding amongst the operatives themselves, and between them and the head of the establishment. What strikes us in this model factory is the unity of action which reigns throughout. There is no jostling of rival interests, and no misunderstandings, or cross purposes. The operatives in this establishment are so numerous that we question if any one has as yet been able to count their number, and yet all seem to be working in perfect harmony, their joint labour continually leading to one beautiful and sublime result. Another feature specially noticeable in the establishment, in question is the principle of subordination. Singular to say, that while the operatives are males[11] the foreman of this model factory is a female; but that circumstance need not shock the sensibilities of our fair friends any more than it ought to offend the prejudices of the sterner sex, inasmuch as the mighty empire of Great Britain is ruled by the gentle hand of a female; and moreover, in the one case as in the other, the presiding genius, amids all her official cares and duties, takes care to preserve the modesty of her sex. She never in the slightest degree obtrudes herself needlessly on public observation, and probably on that very account the respect shown to her by her subjects is the more profound and devoted. There is, however, one particular in which we would take leave to demur to the idea of this factory being in every respect regarded as a "model." We have not been able to discover that there is any particular period of the day in which the operatives are allowed to take refreshments. We, in England, have been accustomed to regard the dinner hour somewhat in the light of a sacred institution. And if the council of the Royal Agricultural Society mean to set this up as a model institution, we are of opinion that some explanation on this point is desirable. Indeed we have not been able to discover that the operatives in this establishment take any refreshment whatever. If they do, it must be "on the sly," vulgarly speaking. There is one peculiarity, however, which must tend to popularize this institution, and which has served to make it one of the most attractive objects on the show ground. It is the fashion in all the great factories which abound on the banks of the Tyne and throughout the country generally to act on the principle of exclusiveness to a very great extent, and perhaps wisely so. As you approach the door you see an intimation in legible characters, "No admission except on business." This may be very proper, but it is rather tantalising. In the model factory which we are now describing all the operations are open to inspection. Every action is patent to the eye of the spectator. This has been effected by a skilful contrivance, and it is this contrivance in fact, which has entitled the inventor to obtain a place in the show ground for his model factory, which he describes by the somewhat ambiguous term of "a new implement." But our readers may wish to learn what is the staple manufacture of this wonderful workshop. We reply—"honey." The factory we speak of is nothing more nor less than a bee-hive; or, to quote from the catalogue, "An Unicomb Observatory Bee-hive," with living Italian Alpine bees at full work; it was invented by T. W. Woodbury, of Exeter; and is improved and manufactured by the exhibitors. As implied by its name this hive has one comb, so that both sides are fully exposed to the light of day, thus allowing of an easy inspection of the queen-bee, surrounded by her retinue.
[11] The reporter was in error as to the sex of the workers.