Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 1, 1802).djvu/248

218] part, there should be fixed two bars, in the form of a cross, with the extremities extending to the angles of the box, as is represented in the following figure:



To these bars the bees attach their combs. At the lower part of each box, in front, there must be an aperture or door, as at c, c, c, d, as high as is necessary for the bees to pass conveniently, and about an inch and a half wide; of these apertures, only the lowest (marked d), is to be left open for the passage of the bees; the others are to be closed by means of a piece of wood, properly fitted to them.

It must be evident, that this bee-hive has all the advantages before mentioned. To lessen or enlarge it, only requires a diminution or increase of the number of the boxes: and a communication with the internal part can easily be effected by the removal of the cover.

The cheapness and facility of the construction of this hive is evident, as nothing is requisite but to join four boards with nails, or in any other manner, so simple that it may be done by a day-labourer.

When the hives are made, they should be placed in a good situation: the best it south-east. The rays of the morning sun will rouse the bees to their labour; but they must not be too much exposed to the heat of noon, which may be mitigated, by placing the branches of trees to shade the hives, as violent heat is injurious, not only to the bees, but to the wax and honey. The country around the apiary should be of a sandy soil, abounding with plants and shrubs. As bees love cleanliness and quiet, the circumjacent space should be kept clean, and free from offensive smells and noise: smoke is particularly disagreeable to them. The boards or table on which the hives are placed, should be dry, clean, and sound; and the hives ought to be sufficiently raised to prevent their exposure to dampness and insects; they should also be kept at a distance from a wall, to avoid the reflected heat of the sun. In the table on which the hives are to stand, there should be an aperture, under each, about two inches square, as is represented at e, in the following cut:



This aperture should be covered with a piece of tin, drilled full of small holes, so as to afford a free passage to the air, and at the same time prevent the ingress of insects. That this may not occasion any inconvenience to the bees in cold and damp weather, there must be a sliding piece of wood, f, under the tin, by which the hole may be completely covered.

When it is intended to introduce a swarm of bees into a new hive, it must be thoroughly cleaned, and the inside rubbed with virgin wax. It is advantageous to place a piece of clean honey-comb, about nine inches