§ XIII. CHESHIRE'S FRAME HIVE.
In its general principles and inner structure this hive differs very little from the one last described, with which in outward appearance it is still more closely identical; but the walls of the stock hive, when made of wood (for they can also be had in straw, if the apiarian so prefers) are constructed double, with an airspace between, with a view to modifying the variations of temperature. The upper part of the outer woodwork is a cover to the supers, and opens on a hinge at one side. Within are two of Lee's bar supers, placed one upon the other, the upper of which is to be first supplied, and the other added from beneath when the first is partly filled.
The stock hive usually contains eleven of the regular-sized Woodbury frames, besides the dummy. Admission is given to the super by means of slits in the sides of two of the five planks constituting the crown-board, and when the super is away these two can be shifted to the ends, when the slits will come outside the hive. The entrance-hole is ten inches in length, but is provided with shutters for narrowing or closing it. The alighting-board in front of the entrance is grooved in order to let off wet or moisture. The entire floor-board draws out to allow of cleaning.
§ XIV. ABBOTT'S NEW FRAME HIVE.
Mr. Abbott's new hive is distinguished for the large size of its frames, which are sixteen inches long by ten deep. There are eight of them, besides two dummies. The honey-board is in three portions, with a round hole in the centre for feeding, and two slits for giving admission to the supers, which are Lee's. This divided crown-board rests close upon the bars of the frames, and a quilt should be placed over it in winter. The stock hive is of straw, and carries its own cover and stand. Its dimensions are two feet wide and three high.
Mr. Abbott has previously constructed some cheaper hives, but cheapness was made too exclusively their object to allow of their becoming sufficiently serviceable to be recommended.
§ XV. THE STEWARTON HIVE.
The Stewarton hive (also called the Ayrshire hive) is so often spoken of, and in such favourable terms, by bee-keepers, that we deem it necessary to give it a place here, and to supply some explanation of its construction and management. We consider this especially needful, as some of the principles of its management are so imperfectly understood that many mistakes are made, and also because, for the convenience of bee-keepers, we keep a supply of these hives on hand.
The name is derived from their having been first brought out at Stewarton, in Scotland; and they are still made so well, and at so moderate a price, in that country, that London workmen are unable to compete in their manufacture. Our supply is therefore from that source; so that, with a little addition for carriage, the price approximates that of the makers themselves, affording a convenience to many of our apiarian friends in being able to obtain these hives in London.