Mr. Woodbury has his hives arranged on rails, somewhat after the plan before described.
In describing as above the various hives and frames, some hints have been given as to the methods of handling them. This, however, will not suffice for an induction to the mysteries of practical bee-keeping; and we must refer the reader to a subsequent section, wherein the details as to manipulation will be fully explained, and the results of the experience of several distinguished apiarians will be embodied.
TAYLOR'S IMPROVED COTTAGE HIVE. No. 14.
No. 14 hive is similar in principle to No. 8. It is also similar in size, with the exception of being quite straight at the sides. A zinc rim affords protection from the weather. Under the upper straw hive a bell glass is worked. A mahogany adapting board, with a 4 inch hole in the centre corresponding with that of the hive, supplies an even surface for the glass to rest on, and facilitates its removal when full. For particulars for stocking and management see directions for No. 8 and No. 5 hives.
EIGHT-BAR STRAW HIVE. No. 18.
This is an ingenious contrivance of Mr. Taylor's. Hoops are worked in the straw, both at top and bottom of the stock hive, and in the upper hoop are openings cut to receive eight comb bars; each bar is 1¼ of an inch wide, with a space of h an inch between. Since the introduction of square straw bar and frame hives, these have not been much in request. Considerable inconvenience is found with this hive, because the bars being of unequal lengths they cannot be interchanged one with the other.
The description given of No. 3 hive, and mode of stocking and furnishing it with guide comb, apply to this hive. The large straw hive raised up in the engraving is an outside case; the roof is a large zinc cover. If placed in a bee-house, the outside case and zinc roof are not required.
NEIGHBOUR'S UNICOMB OBSERVATORY HIVE. No. 20.