The directions for taking honey are much the same as usual (Chap. V. § xiv.). A slide seven inches and a half square is furnished with the hive, and is useful to remove the glass upon. The holes in the wooden top of this hive are of a peaked shape, to act as a preventive against slaughtering any bees whilst pushing the slide in for the purpose of removing the glass when full. The tacks before alluded to should be removed from the slides when the hive is fixed in its place. The entrance slide is very serviceable during the winter months to lessen the passage-way, thereby preventing the admission of too much cold air; it is also occasionally useful on a summer evening to lessen the entrance when moths are troublesome, for if there be only a small opening the bees can guard it and easily repulse intruders. During the time of gathering they require the whole width to remain open. The pedestal, shown on the right in the next figure, as originally sent out, has a hole through each of its feet, and must be firmly fixed in the ground by means of the four iron pegs supplied with it for the purpose; to prevent rotting, it is well also to place a brick under each foot. The hive must then be made fast to the stand as a precaution against high winds. The latter is about twenty-two inches in height. The simplicity and easy management of this hive have rendered it an especial favourite, combining as it does real utility with many conveniences to satisfy the curious. Not a few bee-keepers desire to unite the two qualifications, and no hives combine these advantages in a greater degree than the one we are now describing. [Illustration] A cheaper form of this hive is here represented, of precisely the same size and construction, with the exception that it has no windows or thermometer. The apiarian with this hive will therefore have to trust more to his own judgment as regards the likelihood of swarming, and must watch the appearance the bees present at the entrance. When it is time to put on supers in order to prevent swarming, premonition will be given by the unusual numbers crowding about the entrance, as well as by the heat of the weather, making it evident that more room is required for the increasing population. At Michaelmas the directions as to weighing must be attended to (see Chap. V. § xviii.). § VI. THE LADIES' OBSERVATORY HIVE. [Illustration] The following illustration shows the construction of this hive. The stock hive is of stout glass, and cylindrical, with a flat top and a hole in the centre; it is thirteen inches in inside diameter and eight inches and a half deep. A support, composed of even wooden bars fixed on a pedestal from the floor-board, is very useful for the bees to cling to and secure their combs, instead of resting wholly against the glass.