Stamford, July 29th.
Sir,—I feel compelled to ask you to answer one or two queries of mine, for without answers I shall be unable to follow out your admirable instructions in the letter of yesterday's Times. I can only say, that if you will take the trouble to give me a line I shall feel greatly obliged.
I am, Sir, yours faithfully,
J. B. S.
Queries.
1.—Which is the best plan of hiving bees?
2.—How are the bees to be persuaded to descend from the upper hives, so as to allow of the honey being extracted?
3.—Should the sheds face any particular aspect?
4.—Is it necessary to stop up the entrance-hole to the hive in winter, when covering them up with paper?
5.—Are the hives (Ayrshire hexagonal) bottomless? I judge so, as they are put one on the top of the other, and the bees rise through the slits?
I fear I must own myself totally ignorant about bee-keeping, so I trust you will excuse these queries.