The square straw hives, and a machine for making them, exhibited in the Austrian department of the International Exhibition of 1862, suggested the idea of employing that material for English bar and frame hives. We have had made a machine somewhat similar to the one exhibited and suited to the size of our hives, by which our hive maker is able to manufacture neat square straw hives. These have a wood frame at top an inch deep, with the requisite notches to allow the ten comb frames to hang. A similar frame forms the base, the straw being worked between. The floorboard is 1¼ inch thick, "keyed" with stout keys as before mentioned. An inch projection is left on all sides beyond the exterior of the hive, from which it is slightly chamfered down. An entrance 4 inches wide is cut out of the substance of the board, beginning at the edge, and continuing on the same level until inside the hive, where it slopes upwards. This entrance is about ⅜ of an inch high where the hive crosses it. These straw hives have been generally made without windows; as Mr. Woodbury and other scientific apiarians so prefer them. They consider that glass windows are unsuited for winter, because then moisture condenses on the glass. There is no doubt that the having a peep hole or two in a hive adds very agreeably to its value for amateur bee-keepers, and to meet the wishes of such, we have had straw hives constructed with windows. It is not every one who would like to lift out the frames as often as is necessary for an inspection of the state of the colony, nor, perhaps, is it advisable to be often thus meddling. The windows have also a very neat appearance. We have hives with one, and some with two and three windows; of course, a little extra expense is incurred where these are made; but that is not objected to by those who approve of the additional convenience. The crown board (if correct to call a straw top by that name) has, like the hive, a frame of wood all round, and a square piece of wood in the centre, with a two inch hole; this hole is for the purpose of administering food in a mode to be explained hereafter. A circular block of wood, 4 inches in diameter, closes the opening. GLASS BAR AND FRAME HIVES. [Illustration]