Hives thus located in a bee-house are not exposed to so much change of temperature and the stocks generally pass the winter well. Here we may introduce the meditations of a German apiarian, as he describes the advantages of a bee-house for the bees, and his own pleasure in watching over his pets in the winter, as they dwell so comfortably and safely. It is true that Heer Braun associates still choicer delights with the simple pleasures of bee-keeping, but as Mr. Woodbury has not excluded the higher theme from his translation, we need not hesitate to quote the whole:-- EVENING THOUGHTS IN JANUARY. (_Translated from the German of_ Adalbert Braun.) By "A Devonshire Bee-keeper." Within my little garden Stands also a bee-house, And bees therein protected From sly tomtit or mouse. How quietly they're sitting! And little trouble give, Beyond the needful watching, How undisturb'd they live; That all, indeed, are living In strong unbroken health, And, in the brood-nest hanging, Consume their hoarded wealth-- That in the dwindling store-room Sufficient stores remain, Until the rape-plant donneth Its blossom dress again. Thus daily do I visit My garden and my bees, Neglecting thereby often My dinner and my ease. Thank God! they all were humming Within their hives to-day; Nor could I find a symptom Of hunger or decay. And yet what ardent longing I feel, O Spring, for thee! My darlings' gleesome frolics Are happiness to me! How would this anxious longing Consume my very breast, But for a little being So full of love and jest. In heat or cold who prattles Around me ev'ry day, And stills the throes of longing By commune blithe and gay. Ye bee-keepers can value A joy that is complete; It is my wife--the darling-- Whose lips are honey-sweet. With e'en the richest bee-stand Were joy and pleasure gone, If my heart's queen were wanting And I left here alone. Thus her I love and honour. No difference have we, But oft-times go together, Our little pets to see. Her kisses sweet removing All sorrow from my breast, And honied joys surrounding Proclaim us highly blest. T. W. Woodbury, _Mount Radford, Exeter_. [Illustration] [Illustration: Exterior of an Apiary. As originally erected in the Zoological Gardens, Regents Park.] [Illustration: Interior of the above. May be taken as suggestive for the construction or appropriation of rooms for larger Apiaries in summer houses or other outbuildings.] ZINC COVER. No. 37. [Illustration] This is a simple and inexpensive covering for a No. 5, or other cottage straw hive when exposed in the garden. It fits close on to the upper hive, coming sufficiently low to protect from the sun and rain, without obscuring the whole hive.