Great advantages arise from this little apparatus; the perforated slider is used to confine the Bees to their hive when snow lies upon the ground, which entices them out, and they perish; it is useful, also, when feeding becomes necessary, to exclude all intruders. The other slider is used both in spring and autumn, preventing either robbers or wasps from entering; for three or four Bees, with the help of this slider, can guard the entrance more effectually than ten times that number without it.
Fig. 3.
Supply of Hives.—To those persons who are disposed to adopt the very simple method of managing their Bees that I have for so many years successfully followed, I would say, Procure a supply of Payne's Improved Cottage Hives; also of small hives, 8 inches in diameter and 7 inches deep, flat at the top with a bit of glass in one side covered by a shutter. This hive is in shape the same as the large one, and with a hole in the top covered with a piece of straw-work in the same manner.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 5.
Boxes and Bell-Glasses.—Should boxes be preferred, those which I use are made of inch-thick deal, 9 inches square, and 8 inches deep—inside measure; with a piece of glass 6 inches by 71/2, let in on one side, and covered by a shutter to exclude the light. Bell-glasses may also be used with equal success if the light be effectually excluded. I usually put on a bell-glass first, and when partially filled, raise it up and place between it and the parent hive the small hive or box above described. I say partially filled, because, if allowed to remain till filled, the Bees would very probably swarm, which the additional room and ventilation given them, by placing either the box or small hive between the glass and parent hive, will prevent.
