§ II. ZINC COVERS.
The annexed illustration shows the ornamental zinc cover, and renders but little description necessary. It represents one of our improved cottage hives upon a stand. Three clumps of wood must be driven into the ground, and the three iron rods supporting the covering made fast to them with screws; there are screw holes in the feet of the iron rods for the purpose. When thus secured but little fear need be entertained of its being blown over by high winds.
In the roof two pulleys are fixed, so that, by attaching a cord, the upper hive covering the bell-glass supers may be raised with facility for the purpose of observing the progress made by the bees. Directions as to the mode of fixing the pedestal will be found above (page 118).
The ornamental zinc cover will form a pleasing object in the flower-garden when placed in a suitable position on the grass plot. It is painted green; the iron rods are of such a length as to support the roof at a convenient height from the ground.
Our next figure is that of a simple and inexpensive covering for any cottage straw hive when exposed in the garden. It fits close on to the upper hive, coming sufficiently low to protect it from sun and rain, without obscuring the whole hive.
These covers are painted green—a colour that is generally preferred.