"Mr. Nutt, in the course of his observation, has noticed the curious fact, that the nectar or honey obtained from different plants is carefully deposited by the Bees in separate cells, or at least that the nectar from different _genera_ of plants is kept distinct. It appears indeed, that the produce of the flowers is classed by them, and arranged with a precision not inferior to that of the most accurate botanist. What but a hand Divine could guide these little insects thus to mock the boasted power of human reason! This consideration too, coupled with our own interests, should operate as a powerful argument in favour of Mr. Nutt's new conservative system of management, and against the reckless destruction of the Bees. Mr. Nutt has already been patronised by the Royal Family and several of the nobility, and no doubt his plan will be adopted by all persons of intelligence, who engage in this pursuit, whether for profit or the most rational amusement."
When I first entered into my apiarian pursuits, I felt convinced of the great and profitable extent to which they might be carried; and of this I have been all along since confirmed as success has crowned my efforts. If I could demonstrate--and I have repeatedly demonstrated--how much honey might be increased in quantity, its superior quality also struck me as a point of no less importance; and in this I am now most satisfactorily confirmed by the sanction of those scientific friends whose valuable opinions have been above quoted. With alacrity and pleasure I will therefore proceed, without further introduction, to give a description of my Bee-boxes, and other hives, and of all my Bee-machinery,--and directions for the proper construction of them,--and also for the proper ordering and management of Bees in them.
BEE-BOXES AND MANAGEMENT OF BEES IN THEM.
The schemes and contrivances, and ways and means, to which apiarians have had recourse, in order to deprive Bees of their honey, without at the same time destroying their lives, have been various, and some of them ingenious; but hitherto not one of them has been crowned with the desired success. The leaf-hives of Dunbar and of Huber--Huish's hive with cross-bars,--the piling of hive upon hive, or box upon box, (called storifying), and several other contrivances, have all had this great object in view,--have all had their patrons and admirers,--have all had fair trials,--but have, notwithstanding, all failed of fully accomplishing it.