The directions for taking honey are also the same as before mentioned.
The holes on the wooden top of this hive are of a peaked shape, being 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, they are now in the way of cutting off the glass. The hive entrance has two slides: the perforated one is but seldom required, the bees object to being closely confined, it is only necessary when removing, and then for as little time as possible; the other 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.
When the weather is so unfavourable as to prevent the bees leaving home for a few days after being hived, it will be necessary to feed them. Bees should not be fed in the midst of winter; the proper time is in the autumn or in the spring.
The best mode of feeding is at the top of the Stock Hive. This is done by using the Round Feeder.
The Bottle Feeder may be used instead of the Round Feeder, and in the same place, by those who give the preference to that method.
The simplicity and easy management of this hive have deservedly 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 hive combines these advantages in a greater degree than "Neighbour's Improved Cottage Hive."
IMPROVED COTTAGE HIVE. No. 6.
The No. 6 hive is of precisely the same size, construction, and management as the last mentioned, with the exception that it has no windows or thermometer in the lower or stock hive. The apiarian with this hive will 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.
Not being able to form an idea of the state of the hive in spring and autumn by looking into the stock hive, it will be advisable to adopt the means of weighing. A stock at Michaelmas should weigh 20 lbs. exclusive of the hive, or be made up to that weight by feeding.
THE LADIES' OBSERVATORY OF CRYSTAL BEE-HIVE. No. 7.