Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/247

Rh It is well known that bees, when properly cultivated, produce considerable profit, and in order to obtain the greatest possible advantage, it is necessary to supply them with every convenience for the support of themselves and their young. We should also contrive means to take the wax and honey with the smallest possible loss. In short, when the apiary is placed in a good situation (either south or south-east), that is, in a country abounding with flowers, at a distance from brew-houses, smelting works, &c. the next and most important point, is the choice of well-constructed hives.

In Lombardy, the common hive, composed of straw, or twigs, is generally used, though ill-contrived; as it is difficult to take away the wax and honey without destroying the bees.

Reflecting on these circumstances, M., during his cultivation of bees, conceived that it would be possible to form a hive which should have all the advantages of the best kind, while the simplicity and cheapness of its construction, might bring it into general use among husbandmen.

A good bee-hive ought to possess the following properties: First, it should be capable of enlargement or contraction, according to the number of the swarm. Secondly, it should admit of being opened without disturbing the bees, either for the purpose of cleaning it; of freeing it from insects; of increasing or dividing the swarm; or for the admission of a stock of provisions for the winter. Thirdly, it should be so constructed, that the produce may be removed without injury to the bees. Fourthly, it should be internally clean, smooth, and free from flaws. All these properties unite in the hive here described.

It is formed of four open square boxes, A, B, C, D, as represented by the following cut:



These boxes are fastened to each other by several wooden buttons, b, b, &c. which turn upon a nail or screw. The whole is covered with a moveable roof, which projects over the boxes slanting from the centre a, that the rain-water may ran off. It is necessary to place a stone on the top of the roof, to keep it on firm.

Instead of buttons, the boxes may be combined by a rabbet fastened with wooden pegs; but in either case, the conjoined parts should be closed with cement. If the swarm is not very numerous, three, or even two, boxes will be sufficient. Each of them should be about three inches, or three inches and a half in height, and about six inches in the clear within. They should be made of wood, at least three quarters of an inch thick, that the bees, wax, &c. may be less affected by changes in the temperature of the atmosphere.

Within the boxes, at the upper part,