An Old Sideboard was Converted into a Useful Kitchenette, Which Economises Space
The top was removed and hinged to one end, the supports being removable, for storing them in the cabinet. The hinged top provided a support for the dishes while cooking. The partition between the top drawers was removed and the fronts of the drawers fastened in place with screws. The space thus made available was lined with asbestos, and a small gas stove was fitted into it. The gas line was connected to the stove and two pieces of asbestos sheeting were hinged to fold under the cover and to be leaned against the wall as a protection while cooking. The top could be hinged at the back to protect the wall, or cut in two and the parts hinged one at each end of the cabinet. The lower drawers of the kitchenette were fitted to hold the cooking materials and equipment.
When the kitchenette is closed it is useful as a stand or table, for dining, or for other purposes, including ironing. In the latter operation, it is often desirable to have the hinged top open to give free access around the end of the top.—J. S. Hagans, Toledo, Ohio.
Bee Feeder for Winter Use
The use of a feeder, like that shown in the sketch, makes the feeding of bees in winter convenient. Sirup is fed to the bees from inverted glass jars, the openings of which are covered with muslin, the jars being incased in a packing of chaff in a wooden covering. The wooden box is made to fit over the hive, as shown in the sketch, and a 2-in. strip is nailed over the joint.
Sirup is Fed to the Bees in Winter and Protected from the Cold by the Feeding Jars Inclosed in the Box
The device is made as follows: Use wood smoothed on both sides; pine basswood, or other soft wood being satisfactory. Make two pieces, ⁷⁄₈ in. thick, and the same size as the top of the hive. Into one of these cut two round holes, as shown, to fit the necks of the jars. Make two pieces, 6³⁄₄ in. wide, for the sides, and two for the ends, the length being suited to the hive, the dimensions given in the sketch being suggestive only. Make four strips, 2 in. wide, and long enough to fit the four sides of the box. Nail the pieces of the box together, as shown, nailing the sides over the end pieces, and the top over the frame of sides and ends. Pack chaff into the box, and, after filling the jars with sirup and covering their openings with muslin, pack the jars into the box so that their openings will be level with the bottom through which the holes have been cut. Fasten the board, with holes for the jars, into place with screws, so that it may be removed when it is desired to remove the jars for refilling. Nail the 2-in. strips around the lower edge of the box so as to cover the joint between the box and the hive. The feeder is then fitted into place, the bees feeding from the surface of the muslin. The chaff prevents the sirup from congealing in cold weather and so it is always available for the bees. The use of this simple device will prove economical and practical in keeping bees over the winter, assuring them a good food supply, with little effort on the part of the keeper.—Gus Hansen, Peachland, B. C., Can.