In the roof two pulleys are fixed, so that, by attaching a cord, the upper hive covering the bell-glass supers may be raised with facility for the purpose of observing the progress made by the bees. Directions as to the mode of fixing the pedestal will be found above (page 118). The ornamental zinc cover will form a pleasing object in the flower-garden when placed in a suitable position on the grass plot. It is painted green; the iron rods are of such a length as to support the roof at a convenient height from the ground. [Illustration] Our next figure is that of a simple and inexpensive covering for any cottage straw hive when exposed in the garden. It fits close on to the upper hive, coming sufficiently low to protect it from sun and rain, without obscuring the whole hive. These covers are painted green--a colour that is generally preferred. § III. WOOD COVERS. A loose outer case completely enveloping the hive is found very useful. Such covers are made in various forms, some to drop over the hive in detached portions, some in a single piece, and others hinged; some, as we saw in the last chapter (§§ xii., xiii., xiv.), constitute a part of the hive itself. Ample room must be allowed for opening these, both at the side and behind, remembering that from the latter position all operations must be conducted. The cover and stand will require painting, or else staining and varnishing, which looks perhaps better; the hive itself, if not exposed to the weather, will not need this. When removing or replacing the covers, care must be taken not to enrage the bees. Covers formed with opening shutters will obviate the necessity of frequent removal. The accompanying figure shows a simple form of cover for dropping over a hive. Its width is twenty-six inches, depth twenty-two, and height in middle nineteen. [Illustration] Cottagers often use straight stiff thatching straw, sewed together; this contrivance is termed a "hackle," and has a pretty appearance, particularly if a number of hives are in a row. Care has however to be exercised that mice do not make the cover a resting-place. Mortar is often used for fastening round the hive at the bottom, but this is a bad plan, as it forms a harbour for insects; the wooden hoop fits so close as to leave little necessity for anything of the kind. The wooden cover just described is more especially constructed for our frame hive (page 142), but it may be used for any hive that it will fit over. [Illustration] Our next cut represents the Woodbury cover, which is formed in three portions (the roof, the super-cover, and the stock-hive cover). It has an upper and a lower door, or rather shutter, behind. The whole can be placed on a pedestal as here shown. As this cover requires to be lifted off in pieces, and is liable to be blown over by the wind, it is not so convenient as those figured below, which open on hinges and are self-supporting.