The method of taking off the glasses, whether large ones or small ones, when stored with honey, is in every respect the same as that of which a particular account has been already given, (in [pages 37 and 38]): to that account, therefore, I beg to refer the reader, instead of here repeating it.
[CHAPTER VII.]
OBSERVATORY-HIVE.
Having now given such a description and explanation of my collateral box-hives, and of my inverted-hive, as will, by referring to the plates or cuts that accompany them, make both of those hives, and every thing pertaining to them, to be clearly understood; I proceed to explain, in the next place, my OBSERVATORY-HIVE. With the help of the subjoined representative figures or cuts, I hope to succeed in my endeavour to make the reader thoroughly acquainted with every part of it, novel, though it be, and, as far as I know, unlike any hive hitherto invented. At first sight it may probably appear to be a piece of complicate machinery, but upon examination it will be found to be otherwise—I may say—simple and easy. A little curiosity and a little patient attention are all the requisites that I entreat my apiarian friends to bring with them to the studying of this grand hive. I call it grand, not because it is my own invention, but because it is admirably adapted for advancing, and perhaps for perfecting, our knowledge of the habits and economy of Honey-Bees.
With the variation of one short word, the following passage from Evans' delightful poem on Bees is so applicable to my observatory-hive that I am tempted to adopt it as a motto.
By this bless'd hive our ravish'd eyes behold
The singing masons build their roofs of gold;
And mingling multitudes perplex the view,
Yet all in order apt their tasks pursue;
Still happier they, whose favour'd ken hath seen
Pace slow and silent round, the state's fair Queen.