When the bees are fed from above in this manner, the feeder is kept at a warm temperature by the heat of the hive. In common hives, cottagers feed the bees by pushing under the hive thin slips of wood scooped out, into which the food is poured. This plan of feeding can only be had recourse to at night, 'and the pieces of wood must be removed in the morning. By feeding at the top of the stock-hive any interruption of the bees is avoided. For further instructions on this head, see the directions given for using the bottle-feeder.
ZINC FOUNTAIN BEE-FEEDER.
We have invented the fountain bee-feeder, in order that a larger supply of liquid food might be given to a hive than is practicable with the round feeder.
The liquid honey is poured in at, the opening, which unscrews; whilst being filled, the inside slide, closing the opening through which the food passes into the feeding-pan, should be shut down. When the reservoir is filled, the screw is made fast, and, the slide being withdrawn, a wooden float, pierced with small holes, through which the bees take the food, forms a false bottom, and rises and falls with the liquid. This feeder, being on the siphon principle, like a poultry or bird water-fountain, is supplied from the reservoir until that is empty. A piece of glass is fixed in the side of the reservoir, in order that the bee-keeper may see when it is emptied. A flat piece of glass on the top prevents the bees from escaping, and through it they may be inspected whilst feeding. The bees find access to the feeder on to the perforated float through the central round hole, which is placed over a corresponding hole in the stock-hive.
HONEY CUTTERS.
Honey cutters are used for removing comb from boxes and glasses without damaging it. The flat-bladed knife is for disconnecting the combs from the sides; the hook-shaped one is for the same purpose, to be applied to the top or horizontal part of the box or glass.
BOX FUMIGATOR.
