TAYLOR'S AMATEURS' HIVE.
Having thus far given my plan for managing Bees in the Improved Cottage Hive, I would now address a few words to the amateur, for the purpose of recommending to his attention one of the 'best amateur's hives that I have ever seen. It was invented by Mr. Taylor, author of "The Bee-keeper's Manual," and is called "Taylor's Amateurs' Bar Hive."
By the introduction of bars each comb is made available, whether for separate extraction or for experimental purposes. Indeed, in this hive both the Bees and their store are at all times completely under the command of their proprietors. From this hive fine honey may be obtained, swarming effectually prevented, and artificial swarms, when required, insured. I was kindly favoured with one of the above hives from the inventor in time to have a swarm hived into it on the 28th of May. In about three weeks from that time, I found it necessary to put on the upper box; and early in September I took it off, containing 30 lbs. of the finest honeycomb, yet leaving a full supply in the lower or stock-box for the Bees during the winter and spring. Another great advantage from this hive, above all others, is, that a comb may be extracted at any time, which, where glasses or boxes are used, cannot be done; these must be filled before they are removed, or much loss of time is occasioned to the Bees.
Having already described the hive I most approve of, I will now give a description of a newly-invented one of my own. Convinced, as I have for some time been, of the many advantages arising from having every hive fitted with bars, I have at length constructed a square straw hive of that kind, which, from its inexpensiveness, I trusted would have come within the reach of almost every cottager; but since putting together the little items of cost for its several parts I fear that I am mistaken, for it can cost but little, if any, less than 8s. The hive, as I have already said, is of straw, and perfectly square, 131/2 inches by 131/2, fitted with eight bars of 11/8 inch wide, with a cover of wood—the bars are kept in their places by zinc fittings. The openings in the crown-board are so placed as to allow of one large glass, or two or three small ones, being worked. It is protected from the weather by a milk-pan only in the winter, and in the summer, whilst glasses are on (which may be covered with an old hive), by a milk-pan and zinc shade. From the facility given by the bars to renew the combs, this hive may be expected to stand for many years: therefore, two or three coats of paint should be given it before the Bees are put into it, and an additional one every year or two afterwards; and, as a further means of preserving it from decay, the floor-board should be the exact size of the hive, so that the drip from the milk-pan clears it. A slight projecture in front for alighting must of course be allowed; but by a careful adjustment of the milk-pan the drip may be made to escape this also.