Fig. 40.
The Bingham hive ([Fig, 40]) is not only remarkably simple, but is as remarkable for its shallow depth; the frames being only five inches high. These have no bottom-bar. The end-bars are one and a half inches wide, and the top-bar square. The nails that hold the end-bars pass into the end of the top-bar, which is usually placed diagonally, so that an edge, not a face, is below; though some are made with a face below ([Fig, 40, f]), to be used when comb is transferred. The frames are held together by two wires, one at each end. Each wire ([Fig. 40, a]) is a little longer than twice the width of the hive when the maximum number of frames are used. The ends of each wire are united and placed about nails ([Fig. 40, b, b]) in the ends of the boards ([Fig. 40, c, c]) which form the sides of the brood-chamber. A small stick ([Fig. 40, a]) spreads these wires, and brings the frames close together. A box without bottom and with movable cover, is placed about the frames. This is large enough and high enough to permit of chaff packing in winter and spring. The bottom-board may be made like the one already described. Mr. Bingham does not bevel the bottom-board, but places lath under three sides of the brood-chamber, the lath being nailed to the bottom-board—and then uses the blocks to contract the entrance ([Fig. 40, g]).
The advantages of this hive are, simplicity, great space above for surplus frames or boxes, capability of being placed one hive above another to any height desired, while the frames may be reversed, end for end, or bottom for top, or the whole brood-chamber turned up-side down. Thus, by doubling, we may have a depth of ten inches for winter.
The objection which I have found in the similar Russell hive, is danger of killing bees in rapid handling. In the Russell hive the side-bars are halved together, and held in place by ingeniously contrived wire hooks. There are no bottom-bars. I have used none of these except the Russell. They can be manipulated with rapidity, if we care not how many bees we crush. It hurts me to kill a bee, and so I find the Langstroth style more quickly manipulated. Mr. Snow, too, who was the first to make the above style of hive, has discarded it in favor of the Langstroth. His objection to the above, is the fact that the various combs are not sure to be so built as to be interchangeable. Yet that such apiarists as those above named prefer these Huber hives, after long use of the other style, is certainly not without significance.
APPARATUS FOR PROCURING COMB-HONEY.
Although I feel sure that extracted-honey will grow more and more into favor, yet it will never supersede the beautiful comb, which, from its exquisite flavor and attractive appearance, has always been, and always will be, admired and desired. So, no hive is complete without its arrangement of boxes, section-frames, and crates, all constructed with the view of securing this delectable comb-honey in the form that will be most irresistible.
BOXES.
These are for surplus comb-honey in the most salable form. They may be of any size that best suits the taste of the apiarist, and the pulse of the market.