Chapter XIII: Appendix: Testimonials of the Press

GREAT EXHIBITION 1851.

The "Working Apiary" in the Great Exhibition of 1851, will long live in remembrance of the many thousand visitors who witnessed with much interest the matchless industry of its busy occupants.

We extract the following from many notices that appeared in the public journals relative thereto.

In noticing the hives exhibited in the Crystal Palace, I would say, first and foremost in my opinion stands Mr. Taylor's Eight-bar Hive, and Messrs. Neighbour and Son's Improved Cottage Hive, both exhibited by Messrs. Neighbour.--_J. H. Payne, see Cottage Gardener, Nos. 169, 170._

_From the "Illustrated London News."_

Messrs. Neighbour's Apiary consists of a large glass case, with parts of the sides covered with perforated zinc, for the sake of ventilation. This apiary contains three hives; first Neighbour's Ventilating Box-Hive, containing from 15,000 to 20,000 bees, which were hived on the 30th of April of the present year, the day before that of the opening of the Great Exhibition; Neighbour's Observatory Glass Hive, containing about the same number as the box-hive; and a two storied square box-hive, with sloping roof. From this latter, however, the bees decamped within a week after they had been hived, owing to some disturbance, or perhaps, to the dislike taken by the bees to their new habitation. The Ventilating Box-Hive is, in shape, square, having windows and shutters. The entrance is at the back, enabling the bees to go to Kensington Gardens, or other resorts, when they please. Above the wooden box is placed a bell glass, into which the bees ascend to work through circular opening in, the top of the square box. In the top of the bell-glass is an aperture through which is inserted a tubular trunk of perforated zinc, to take off the moisture from within. The Observatory Hive is of glass, with a superior crystal compartment, an opening being formed between the two; the bees are at present forming a comb in this upper glass, which affords a very interesting sight, as generally speaking, the bees are in such a cluster when at work that one can scarcely view their mathematically formed cells. A straw cover is suspended over the upper compartment by a rope over a pulley, which cover is raised up by the attendant at pleasure. The larger or bottom compartment rests on a wooden floor, which has a circular groove sinking therein to receive the bell glass. A landing-place projecting, as usual, with sunken way, to enable the bees to pass in and out of their habitation, completes this contrivance.

In addition to Mr. Neighbour's Crystal Apiary, he also exhibits a Cottager's Straw Hive, Taylor's Amateur Bee-Hive, a Glass Hive, Nutt's Patent Collateral Hive, the Ladies' Observatory Hive, Neighbour's Improved Cottage Hive, and Payne's Cottage Hive.

The Cottager's Hive is simply that of the form we find in use in most parts of the country, where the industrious cottagers or their wives, by a little attention to their interesting little labourers, are enabled to add something to their usually scanty earnings. This kind of hive is usually made of straw, resting on a circular wooden board, with part of the board or floor projecting in front as a lauding place for the bees, which enter under the edge of the straw by means of a sinking in the floor.

Taylor's Amateur's Bee-Hive consists of three small square boxes, one above another, with a roof over the top story; the ventilation being effected by perforations under the eaves; each side of every story has a window and shutter. The landing place is in front of the bottom story, and the entrance to the hive is a long slit about ¾ inch high.

The Glass Hive or Ladies' Observatory Hive, is similar to that in which the bees are at work in Mr. Neighbour's Apiary already mentioned, but on account of the number of bees at work therein, and the extent of comb already effected, the interior perches cannot be seen. These wooden perches are arranged in parallel lines, leaving a space next the glass all round, the whole being framed together with a bar at right angles, and resting on an upright support in the middle.

The Improved Cottage Hive of the same exhibitor consists of a straw circular lower compartment, having windows and outside shutters. A thermometer is placed just inside one of the windows. The floor is of wood, with a landing place and sunken way, as already mentioned in some of the other hives. In the top, which is also of wood, are three circular perforations, each of about two inches in diameter; above which are placed as many bell-glasses. There is a small hole in the top of each of the glasses, through which a perforated tubular trunk is inserted, for the sake of taking off the moisture from the interior of the hive. Within the glass is a feeding-trough of zinc, circular in shape, with a floating perforated floor, on which the bees alight, and in the winter season regale themselves with the honey which is found in the various perforations, as it floats up to the level of the honey, contained in the small filling-trough, through which the honey, or beer and sugar, is poured. The glasses are covered with a straw cap, removable at pleasure.

Messrs. Neighbour's contributions are completed with, tin perforated fumigators, by the use of which the bees are stupefied for a while, when required to be moved from one hive to another; and specimens of honey and honey-comb of the season 1850.

_From the "Express."_

Bees and Bee-Hives.--In the North-East Gallery directly under the Transept are arranged by Messrs. Neighbour, of Holborn, several descriptions of bee-hives, which it will be interesting to many of our readers to examine, as this branch of rural economy is claiming much general and deserved attention throughout the country. The novelty of these hives consists in the facilities that are afforded in taking therefrom at any time of the gathering season the purest honey without destroying or even injuring the bees, thus humanely superseding the barbarous and hateful system of murdering these interesting insects, to obtain the produce of their industry.

Immediately adjoining the group of untenanted bee-hives may be observed living hives with the bees most industriously at work. These useful little creatures have been highly honoured by the Executive Committee, for of all the animal workers that contribute to the interest of the Exhibition they alone are allowed therein to display their matchless ingenuity and skill. By a simple contrivance the bees are allowed egress and ingress without in the least degree molesting the visitors, thus enabling the admirers of the works of nature to view the whole process of forming the cells and depositing the honey therein.

Within these few days Messrs. Neighbour have added to the Apiary, a bee-hive constructed entirely of glass, protected by a cover neatly made of straw, but so contrived, that on application to the attendant can be removed instantly, thus illustrating more particularly the curious workmanship of these amusing insects.

Her Majesty the Queen, and the Prince Consort, with the Royal Children, were some time engaged in watching with deep interest the busy scene before them, and putting many questions relating to the habits and economy of the honey bee.

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION 1861.

_From the "Illustrated London News," August 16, 1862._

One of the most interesting and instructive objects in the Exhibition, is a transparent hive, in which the bees may be seen at full work. Among the collection of bee-hives exhibited by Messrs. Neighbour and Son, is one of glass, stocked with a colony of Italian Alp bees. Here the queen bee may be seen surrounded by her subjects, which pay the most deferential attention to their sovereign. Through an aperture cut in the wall, the busy throng of bees are continually passing and repassing. They go out at their pleasure into the open court, fly over the annexe into the grounds of the Horticultural Society and other adjacent gardens, and return laden with sweets.

_From the "Journal of Horticulture" October 21, 1862._

Neighbour, G. & Sons, 149, Regent Street, and 127, Holborn, No. 2157, have a very handsome and complete stall, on ascending the steps of which we found a flourishing stock of Ligurians, apparently not at all ashamed of the public position which they occupied, and working vigorously in the full light of day. The queen, one of the largest and finest-coloured we have met with, was perambulating the combs and receiving the homage of her subjects, stopping frequently to deposit an egg in every empty cell. The hive itself was a "Woodbury Unicomb," handsomely got up in mahogany, invented as its name implies, by our valued correspondent. "A Devonshire Bee-keeper," the construction of which will be most readily understood by an inspection of the engraving at page 46. Its distinctive features are, the adaptation of the moveable-bar system to unicomb-hives, by which any colony in an apiary of "Woodbury-hives" can be placed in the unicomb-hive in a few minutes, and the use of "outside Venetians," or "sun blinds." as they are called, instead of the usual impervious shutters. By this contrivance light is never excluded, so that when the hive is open for inspection, all its inmates continue their avocation with their accustomed regularity, and a quiet and orderly scene is presented to the spectator, instead of the hubbub and confusion which ensues in ordinary unicomb-hives. On the left-hand side of the unicomb hangs a beautifully executed drawing of a Ligurian queen bee magnified, together with the queen worker and drone of _Apis Ligustica_, of the natural size. Immediately under the drawing is placed a square glass super containing nearly 40 lbs. of the finest honey-comb. On the right of the unicomb-hive is another super of the same description, containing nearly 30 lbs. of the purest honey. These supers are, undoubtedly, by far the finest in the Exhibition, and are the first worked in England by Ligurian bees, being from the apiary of "A Devonshire Bee-keeper." In addition to these the most striking objects, are shown Neighbour's Improved Single Box and Cottage Hives, Taylor's Bar-Hives, Woodbury Frame and Bar-hives, the new Bottle-feeder, and bee apparatus of every description. It will be apparent from the foregoing, that Messrs. Neighbour's stall is well worth inspection, although the various novelties it contains appear to have met with but scant appreciation by the Jury, who merely awarded to them that "honourable mention" so lavishly accorded to the far less deserving objects.

_From the "Illustrated News of the World" September 6, 1862._

One of the most interesting and instructive objects is the honey bee at full work in transparent hives. In the International Exhibition, Class 9, Eastern Annexe, Messrs. Neighbour and Son, of Holborn and Regent-street, exhibit, amongst a collection of the most approved bee-hives and apparatus, a glass hive, stocked with a colony of Italian Alp bees; the hive is so constructed as to admit of easily seeing the queen, surrounded by the working bees. Contrary to the long established notion that the bees work only in the dark this hive is completely open to broad daylight. The bees do not manifest the least dislike to the exposure, and they are not discomfited when light is occasionally admitted for inspecting them. It is obvious that a knowledge of this new feature must tend to a more general acquaintance with the habits and hidden mysteries of the bee than has hitherto been the case. The queen may be seen depositing the eggs in the cells; in this manner she goes on multiplying the species, the working bees surrounding her, and paying the most deferential attention, with their heads always towards her. Not the least interesting part is to watch the entrance; facility is afforded for doing so, the sunken way communicating with the hive being covered with a flat piece of glass; the busy throng, pass and repass through the aperture cut in the wall, so that the bees go out at their pleasure into the open court, fly over the Annexe into the Horticultural and other adjacent gardens, and return laden with crystal sweets gathered from the flowers. The novelty of being able to inspect living bees, and those of a new variety, as easily as goods in a shop window, will well repay the trouble of finding Messrs. Neighbour's stand. These gentlemen will no doubt cheerfully give any information that may be required.

_From the "Gardener's Weekly Magazine" September 1, 1862. Conducted by Shirley Hibberd, Esq., F.R.H.S._

Neighbour and Son, 149, Regent Street, London, (2157).--This is the most important of the exhibitions in this department. The "Bees at work" are in hives open to the inspection of visitors, the bees passing out through tubes to the open air, and not being visible within the building except through the glass of the hives. The collection of hives of all kinds is complete and interesting, and we subjoin a figure of the stand (see page 100) to show how bees as well as hives may be exhibited conveniently. Amongst the various contrivances exhibited by Messrs. Neighbour, Nutt's Collateral Hive has an important place, and though very fancifully got up, and therefore very attractive to amateur bee-keepers, we must make the same objection to it as we have above to other forms of the same from different makers. The Single-box Hive, the Taylor's Shallow Eight-bar Hive, are the best bee-boxes in this collection, and every way admirable. Here are no fancy ventilators which the bees will close up, nor provoking side boxes which they will hesitate to enter, and from which it will be hard to dislodge them in order to get them to winter in the "pavilion." Whoever begins bee-keeping with either of these will have a fair chance of success. The most popular of the hives is that called the "Improved Cottage." Its popularity no doubt is due to the compromise between wood and straw which it accomplishes. People cannot get rid of the idea that a bee-hive _must_ be made of straw, though it is a material so ill adapted for union of swarms, supering and other operations of advanced bee culture. The "Cottager's Hive" is well adapted for "those apiarians who are desirous of setting their poorer neighbours in the way of keeping bees on the improved system." It consists of stock hive, small super-hive, and straw cover, and is on the principle of Payne's, which has been most successful among country people who have got so far as to prefer keeping, to killing their bees. The "Woodbury Bar and Frame Hive" is a novel construction, combining all the best features of the best bar boxes, and adding some new ones of great value and importance. We recommend every bee-keeper to become possessed of this admirable contrivance, with which Mr. Woodbury has accomplished wonderful things in the multiplication of the new race of Ligurian bees. In general form and proportions it resembles Taylor's and Tegetmeier's boxes, but in the arrangement of the bars it is unique. The stock box is furnished with ten moveable bars and frames, after the German plan. Each bar has a projection running along the under side; this ridge is chosen by the bees for the foundation of combs, rendering guide combs unnecessary. The supers have glass sides and eight bars, so that the operator need never be in doubt when to add another box above or take away the harvest.

The "Unicomb," or one-comb observatory-hive, is intended solely for purposes of observation, and though furnished with doors, to keep up a uniform degree of heat, Messrs. Neighbour have found in their experience at the Regent's Park Gardens and elsewhere, that the bees manifest no dislike to a continual exposure to light. As this elegant contrivance can be placed in the window of a drawing-room, it is adapted to the amusement and instruction of the family circle, as well as to the more serious objects of the etomologist and scientific apiarian. All that is necessary is to connect the outlet with the open air by means of a length of tubing or wooden tunnel, and the bees pass in and out without obtaining access to the room, and all the mysteries of the hive are open to daily observation. There are numerous other hives, bee-feeders, bee armour, &c., &c., which we have not space to notice, but which we advise our apiarian friends to inspect, as the collection of Messrs. Neighbour illustrates fully every department of this interesting subject.

BATH AND WEST OF ENGLAND AGRICULTURAL SHOW AT EXETER, IN JUNE, 1863.

_From the "Journal of Horticulture," June 23, 1863._

A novel feature in the Exhibition of the Bath and West of England Agricultural Society which took place at Exeter last week, was the stall of Messrs. Neighbour & Sons, in which were exhibited bees at work in glass hives, and apiarian appliances of every description. There were two Ligurian stocks of bees at full work, one in a full sized Woodbury Unicomb Hive, having been brought from London for the occasion, and the other in a smaller hive of the same description being from the neighbouring apiary of our valued correspondent, "A Devonshire Bee-Keeper." Amongst the hives exhibited, the Woodbury Frame Hive in straw appeared both novel and good, whilst amongst the apparatus, artificial combs and the stereotyped plates for making them, seemed to us the most worthy of attention.

There was a remarkably curious specimen of artificial combs or partition wall partially fabricated into complete comb by the bees, which struck us as being well worth examination, showing, as it did, the various stages by which this transformation is effected, and being calculated to throw light on the problem as to the mode in which bees construct their combs. It is almost unnecessary to state, that this unique and instructive stall was crowded throughout the week, and we hope its financial results were such as will lead Messrs. Neighbour to continue their attendance at the Society's meetings.

_From the "Western Times" Exeter, June 12, 1863._

For the Little Busy Bee.--Next to the poultry tents, and set back against the yard fencing, is the exhibition of Mr. George Neighbour & Sons, 127, High Holborn, and 149, Regent Street, London, inventors and manufacturers of improved bee-hives for taking honey without the destruction of the bees. The savage knows where to find the nest of the wild bee, and how to get at his honey; but all the improvement upon the covetousness of the savage made by the long after ages of the world to modern times, was to find means of luring the pattern of industry to a convenient atelier where he might be more easily, first murdered and then robbed. Their habits early attracted the attention of some of the best observers of ancient as well as modern times; Cicero and Pliny tell of the philosopher Hyliscus quitting human society and retiring to the desert to contemplate their peaceful industry. The ancient poet in his _Sic vos non vobis_ plaintively sings over bee and beast, living, or rather dying, not for themselves, but the lord of creation, yet was it left to modern times--very modern times--to join the sentiment of humanity to the rapacity of the barbarian. Mr. Neighbour has a very complete collection of specimens of the ingenious and successful contrivances in the construction of hives for the double object of preserving the honey and the life of the bee; and also, subsidiarily of promoting its comfort during its busy and useful life. We are not allowed to forget here, that we have residing in our city one of the first apiarians in the kingdom--Mr. Thomas Woodbury, of Mount Radford. If the bee philosophy be his hobby, we may recollect that all great discoveries and improvements owe their existence to men who have had the power and the will to concentrate their faculties upon a single object. One proof of his genius in this his favourite department of action, is seen among this collection of Mr. Neighbour's in the "Woodbury Unicomb Hive." It might be when closed up, for ought that appears, a neat case of books; but on opening two doors of the Venetian blind pattern, back and front, we see between the glass walls, the insect city exposed to view with all the population in action. There it may be seen

How skilfully she builds her cell;
How neat she spreads her wax;
And labours hard to store it well
With the sweet food she makes.

Some of the hives are constructed chiefly for the purpose of promoting a philosophic observation of the bee's habits and methods of procedure in his wonderful work. "Neighbour's Unicomb Observatory Hive" is a great novelty, being constructed with glass sides, the hidden mysteries of the hive being exposed to the full light of day. "Huber's Book or Leaf Hive" is constructed to facilitate the object of the scientific apiarian. But the class of hives which will most interest those desirous of promoting bee-keeping among the many will be those for the cottage. There can be no doubt that many a poor cottager in the country, if he could be made to see the advantage it would be to him, and were taught the most economical and successful way of managing this species of "live stock," would add thereby something considerable to his small earnings in the course of a summer. Members of Cottage Garden Societies have turned their attention to it very generally; but to get the thing well afloat, requires in every district the devotion of some earnest enthusiast who will take up the apostolic rule of action "This one thing I do." There is the No. 5, "Improved Cottage Hive," in which three bell glasses are employed, enabling you to take a glass of the purest honey from the hive in the most vigorous period of the season. Then there are other hives of simpler construction and less expensive, but all illustrative of the sentiment of humanity which seeks to preserve from wanton destruction those useful and interesting auxiliaries to our luxury and comfort. This comparatively unimportant stand, in point of size, cannot but attract the attention of a large number of visitors, especially of the ladies and the clergy, who are desirous of promoting the cultivation of the bee among the poor. To heighten the interest for the curious, in one of Mr. Woodbury's hives the bees are all alive and at it, and for those who are disposed to go further into the subject, information is available touching this fashionable, profitable, and domesticated member of the Apiarian family, the Ligurian and Italian Alp-bee. Our old dark-coated delver is threatened with supercession, just as the black rat was driven off by the Norwegian invader, now in possession, and as the old races of cattle are being metamorphosed into the sleek, shapely, beef-bearing, small-boned animals of the present time.

_From the "Devon Weekly Times" June 8, 1863._

Bees.--Messrs. Neighbour & Sons, of London, are exhibitors of two Woodbury Unicomb Hives, showing the royal and common bees in full work. These hives are very ingeniously constructed, and were invented by Mr. T. Woodbury, of Mount Radford. Among other apiarian attractions, we may mention the improved Cottage and Cottager's Hives, which are well worthy the notice of those for whom they are designed, and the Ladies' Observatory Hive. The Messrs. Neighbour also exhibit Ligurian bees.

_From "Woolmer's Exeter Gazette" June 12, 1863._

Improved Bee-Hives.--At a stand near the poultry tents, are exhibited Neighbour's Improved Bee-hives for the taking of honey without the destruction of bees. The hives are stocked with the famous Ligurian bee. The Unicomb Observatory Hive is constructed with glass sides, so that the whole of the movements of the Apiarian colony are visible, including the proceedings of the queen and her court. This and some of the other descriptions of hives manufactured by Messrs. Neighbour are invented by T. W. Woodbury, Esq. They are furnished with moveable bars, after the German fashion. Each bar has a projection along the underside; this ridge being waxed, induces the bees to build parallel combs--thus obviating the necessity for a guide comb. This description of hive is best suited for the Ligurian or Italian Alp-bee. Stocks of this species, now so much in repute, may be obtained of Messrs. Neighbour 149, Regent Street, London.

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW, NEWCASTLE, 1864.

_From the "Northern Daily Express" July 22,--(Published at Newcastle.)_

A Model Factory.--Stand 191--G. Neighbour & Sons. Regent Street, and High Holborn, London. We have heard of model farms and model lodging houses for the working classes, but it was reserved for the Royal Agricultural Society's Meeting in 1864 to introduce to our notice a model factory, where we may see representatives of the working classes busily engaged in their daily avocations. The stand which we have quoted above, may afford fruitful study to such philanthropists as the Earl of Shaftesbury, who make it their benevolent aim to elevate the masses, and the lesson here given from actual life will not be lost upon working men themselves. There are several striking features worthy of notice in the "model factory." We can clearly perceive that it has been established on a principle which is essential to the success of any great concern--namely: the principle of a good understanding amongst the operatives themselves, and between them and the head of the establishment. What strikes us in this model factory is the unity of action which reigns throughout. There is no jostling of rival interests, and no misunderstandings, or cross purposes. The operatives in this establishment are so numerous that we question if any one has as yet been able to count their number, and yet all seem to be working in perfect harmony, their joint labour continually leading to one beautiful and sublime result. Another feature specially noticeable in the establishment, in question is the principle of subordination. Singular to say, that while the operatives are males[11] the foreman of this model factory is a female; but that circumstance need not shock the sensibilities of our fair friends any more than it ought to offend the prejudices of the sterner sex, inasmuch as the mighty empire of Great Britain is ruled by the gentle hand of a female; and moreover, in the one case as in the other, the presiding genius, amids all her official cares and duties, takes care to preserve the modesty of her sex. She never in the slightest degree obtrudes herself needlessly on public observation, and probably on that very account the respect shown to her by her subjects is the more profound and devoted. There is, however, one particular in which we would take leave to demur to the idea of this factory being in every respect regarded as a "model." We have not been able to discover that there is any particular period of the day in which the operatives are allowed to take refreshments. We, in England, have been accustomed to regard the dinner hour somewhat in the light of a sacred institution. And if the council of the Royal Agricultural Society mean to set this up as a model institution, we are of opinion that some explanation on this point is desirable. Indeed we have not been able to discover that the operatives in this establishment take any refreshment whatever. If they do, it must be "on the sly," vulgarly speaking. There is one peculiarity, however, which must tend to popularize this institution, and which has served to make it one of the most attractive objects on the show ground. It is the fashion in all the great factories which abound on the banks of the Tyne and throughout the country generally to act on the principle of exclusiveness to a very great extent, and perhaps wisely so. As you approach the door you see an intimation in legible characters, "No admission except on business." This may be very proper, but it is rather tantalising. In the model factory which we are now describing all the operations are open to inspection. Every action is patent to the eye of the spectator. This has been effected by a skilful contrivance, and it is this contrivance in fact, which has entitled the inventor to obtain a place in the show ground for his model factory, which he describes by the somewhat ambiguous term of "a new implement." But our readers may wish to learn what is the staple manufacture of this wonderful workshop. We reply--"honey." The factory we speak of is nothing more nor less than a bee-hive; or, to quote from the catalogue, "An Unicomb Observatory Bee-hive," with living Italian Alpine bees at full work; it was invented by T. W. Woodbury, of Exeter; and is improved and manufactured by the exhibitors. As implied by its name this hive has one comb, so that both sides are fully exposed to the light of day, thus allowing of an easy inspection of the queen-bee, surrounded by her retinue.

[Footnote 11: The reporter was in error as to the sex of the workers.]

INDEX.

PAGE.
A.

Adapting board 76, 115, 116
Age of bees 6
Anger of bees 76, 89
Apiary, best time to set up 11
" Exterior and interior of 58
Artificial Swarming 79
Right time for 80, 81
Directions for performing the operation of 80, 81
Artificial Swarms, how should be placed 83
Aspect 25, 114, 115
Australia, sending bees to 100, 101

B.

Baby bee, cradle of 9
" emerging from the cell 9
Bath and West of England Journal 97, 99
" " " Agricultural Shows 47, 48, 124, 125, 126
Bee dress 68, 74
" Necessity for 69, 77
Bees, reduced size of 79
" Human breath obnoxious to 89
" Artificial scent objectionable 89

Bee Hives (Modern).

Neighbour's Cottager's:--
Description of 34
Putting on super 35, 36
Time for removal of 36
Depositing eggs in super 36
Neighbour's Improved Cottage (No. 5):--
Description of 28
Directions for 29
Weight 27
Neighbour's Improved Cottage (No. 6) 31
Neighbour's Ladies' Observatory or Crystal Hive:--
Description of 32
Feeding 33
Light not to be admitted at first 33
Mode of fixing 32, 33
" stocking 33
Protection from cold 33
Use of frame work 33
Weight 32
Neighbour's Unicomb Observatory:--
Construction and application 44
Mode of stocking 44
How kept warm 46
How exhibited at Paris 45
Prize Medal for 45
Neighbour's Single Box:--
Description of and directions for 24, 25
Nutt's Collateral:--
Description of 17, 18
Means of ventilation 21
Mode of stocking 19, 20
" taking surplus honey 21, 22
Feeding 19
Shed necessary 19
The late Thomas Nutt 23
Taylor's Improved Cottage:--
Description of 43
Taylor's Eight-bar Straw Hive:--
Description of 43
Taylor's Amateur Eight-bar 26, 29
" " Seven-bar 27
Woodbury Bar and Frame:--
Description of 36
Glass Bar and Frame 38
Straw Bar and Frame, description of 37
Special advantage of 37
Origin of 37
Directions for stocking 73, 74
Woodbury Unicomb:--
Construction of 46
Inspection of queen 47
How fixed 48
Answering 48, 49
Mode of stocking 48, 49
Bees removed before Winter 4
Huber's Book or Leaf, description of 50, 51

Bee Houses.
Advantage of 53, 54
Description of, to contain two hives 53
Furnished with lock and key 54
How hives are placed in 54
Plan for excluding insects 54
Description of, to contain twelve hives 55
Object of colouring alighting board 55
Bees mistaking entrance 55, 56
Loss of queens 56
Bee-house to contain nine hives, why not recommended 56
Bee-keeping, inexpensive and profitable 113
Bee-keeping in London 102
St. James's Place 105
Zoological Gardens, Regent's Park 105
St. John's Wood and suburbs of London 105
G. Neighbour and Sons' London Apiary 104
Seasons, 1863, 1864, favorable for 106
Bee-keeper should be a book-keeper 111

C.

Cells, contracted size of 79
Changing old stocks into new hives:--
Not to be attempted by the inexperienced 86
Adaptation of old hive to the depriving system 86
Directions for transferring stocks into frame hives 87
Classes for whom bee-keeping is suited 1
Combs, artificial 70
Value of 70
Mode of applying 71, 72
Must not be jarred 69
Taken from bar and frame hives 75, 79
Fixing in frames 75
Ensuring regularity of 27
Compound Bar and Frame 40
Cottagers, way to convince of the humane system 111
Cottagers' hive 34
Cover for bar and frame hive, description of 41, 42
Zinc 59, 60
Ornamental zinc 59
Straw hackle 35
Crown board 74, 76

D.

Dampness in hives in winter injurious 33, 115
Depriving System:--
Special advantages of 10, 35
Practiced in ancient Greece and Italy 10
Profit to be derived from 111, 112
Dividing hives, reason why they do not answer 82
Dressing hives inside with sweet not needful 35
Driving bees, directions for 84, 85
Drones, sex of 6
Purpose of 7
Reason for numbers in hive 7
General massacre of 7
All die before winter 8

E.

Eggs of bees:--
Description of 9
In supers 36
Entrance to hives 18, 31, 37
Epitaph on murdered bees 11
Evans, note on page, extract from 3, 4, 5, 12, 13
Evening thoughts in January, a poem 56, 57

F.

Feeding 19, 25, 31, 33, 63, 64
Feeder (Bottle) 63
(Nutt's) 66
(Round) 65
(Fountain) 65
Frame:--
Description of 39
Mr. "Woodbury's improvement 40
How kept perpendicular 39, 40
Taking out with combs 76
Direction for handling frames 77, 78
Placing frames in hives 78
French Bishop visiting a Cure (anecdote) 111, 112
Fructifying flowers, bees useful for 91
Fumigation, directions for 66, 67, 68
Fumigators 66, 67, 68

G.

General remarks 110 to 116
Glasses, bell 60, 61, 62
Great Exhibition of 1851, Testimonials of the press 119, 120, 121
Guide comb 27
" for glasses 61, 62

H.

Hives--see Bee-hives 106
Large number may be kept 112
Hive should be ready for swarm 15, 115
Honey cutters 66
Honey Dew 94
Honey, directions for draining from combs 110
Keeping honey in the comb at a warm temperature 110
Huber (Francis), extract from Memoirs of 51

I.

Improved cottage hive 31
Improved comb bar 39
Increase of bees 9
India-rubber gloves 74
Impregnation of queen 3
Insects that are injurious 83, 107
Insects, cleansing hives from 83
Interchange of combs for strengthening weak hives 79
Italian honey bee 93, 94, 95
Description of 96
Great honey collecting powers 96, 97
Opinions of German bee-masters 96
Introduction into England 97
Hermann's book on 97, 98
Physical characteristics of 98
Importation of queens in many instances unsuccessful 99
Transporting stocks to Australia 100, 101
At the International Exhibition 70, 100, 101,
121, 122, 123, 124

J.

Journal of Horticulture 99

K.

Keeping bell glasses warm 25

L.

Ligurian honey bee (see Italian bee)
Loyalty of bees 4

M.

Mortar, not necessary for closing crevices 35
Moths, how entrance is effected 109
How to destroy eggs of 109

N.

Neglect of bee-keeping 1
Neighbour's hives (see Bee-hives).
Number of eggs in the season 3
Nutt's hives (see Bee-hives)

P.

Pasturage for bees 93, 94
Honey yielding flowers 93, 94
Wild flowers best 94
Pollen, food for infant bees 91
How collected 91
Rye meal a substitute for farina from flowers 91
Propolis, or bees' cement 92
How obtained 92, 93
Application of 93
Anecdote illustrating use of 93
Putting on super hive or bell glasses 20, 25, 29, 36, 75

Q.

Queen:--
Description of 2
Movements of, laying eggs and marriage day 3
Honor to when fertile 4
Combats with her rivals 4, 5
Dismay of bees on loss of 5
Raised from worker embryo 5
Longevity of 6
Old one goes with first swarm 12
Leaves hive only in fine weather 12
In super hives 22, 36
Loss of 5, 56
View of 44, 47
Supplying queenless hives with 5, 83

R.

Roller, engraved pressing:--
Description of 69
Application of 69, 70
Royal Agricultural Society's Show 48, 126, 127, 128

S.

Spring, time to begin bee-keeping 11
Spring, First flight of bees in, a poem 116, 117
Sprinkling bees 77
Stand for hives, engraving 24, 28, 36, 42
Sticks in hives not necessary 115
Super for bar and frame hives 41
Bell glass (see Glasses)
Straw 35, 36
Straw hives:
Advantage of 34
Preference for 34, 37
Swarming:--
Usual time of year for 11
Cause of 11
Agitation before 12
Provisioning for 13
Usual time of day for 13
Poetical description of 13
Ringing on occasion of, needless 13
Desirable to prevent 16
Swarms:--
Devices for inducing settlement of 13
Consequences of a second flight 14
Means of preventing ditto 14
Two sometimes depart at same time and mingle 14
Necessity of having hives in readiness 14
Bee dress essential 15
Time for removing 15
Care to be exercised when confined 18, 24, 25, 29, 30
First swarms most valuable 16
Second, cause of 16
Premonitory symptoms 16
Royal wailing indicative of 16
Numerical composition of 16
Third, name of 16
Fourth, name of 16
Care required to prevent loss of 14, 109

T.

Taking honey, mode of 21, 22
Thomson's " Seasons," extract from, on murdered bees 11

V.

Ventilation 17, 18, 20, 21, 115

W.

Wasps, how to prevent the increase of 106, 107
Season 1864 productive of 107
Water essential 94
Mismanagement of, during voyage 101
Weighing hives, importance of 88
Salter's spring balance best 88
How to judge of quantity without 88
Windows, objections to 38
Wildman 102
Marvellous feats of 103
Secret of success 103
Worker bee:--
Description of 8
Sex of 8
Number in hive 8
Young ones, employment of 8

NEIGHBOUR'S

IMPROVED BEE-HIVES,

FOR

TAKING HONEY WITHOUT THE DESTRUCTION OF THE BEES.

DRAWINGS AND DETAILED LISTS FORWARDED ON RECEIPT OF TWO POSTAGE STAMPS.

1. Nutt's Collateral Bee-Hive 6 15 0
Stand for ditto, 16s.

2. Neighbour's Improved Single-box Hive 3 3 0
Stand for ditto, 10s. 6d.

3. Taylor's Shallow-box or Eight-bar Hive, complete with cover 3 10 0
Stand for ditto, 10s. 6d.

4. Taylor's Amateur Bar Hive 3 5 0
Stand for ditto, 10s. 6d.

5. Neighbour's Improved Cottage Hive 1 15 0
Stand for ditto, 10s. 6d.

6. An Improved Cottage Hive 1 8 0

7. The Ladies' Observatory or Crystal Hive. Price complete 2 5 0

8. The Cottager's Hive 0 10 6

9 & 10. Bee Feeders each 5/. and 0 4 0

11 & 12. Fumigators each 2/. and 0 2 6

13. Honey Cutters per pair 0 5 0

14. Taylor's Improved Cottage Hive 1 1 0
With Stand, £1. 10s.

15. Fountain Bee Feeder 0 6 0

18. Taylor's Eight-bar Straw Hive, complete 2 12 0
Stock Hive only, 15s.

19. Huber's Book or Leaf Hive 2 5 0

20. Taylor's Unicomb Observatory Hive 3 3 0

24. Taylor's Glasses 7/. 0 4 6

Payne's ditto 0 3 0

25. Bell Glass 0 4 0

26. " 0 2 0

27. " 0 1 0

28. " without knob and flat top to put on the table
inverted, price with lid 0 4 6

29. Zinc Cover each 7/6 and 0 10 6

30. Shallow Glasses (new shape) each 5/6 and 0 3 6

31. Bee Dress and Protector 5/., by post 0 6 0

37. Zinc Cover 0 16 6

38. Ornamental ditto 2 5 0

39. Bee House to contain Two Hives 3 10 0

40. " " Twelve Hives £15. and 19 10 0

Woodbury Unicomb Hive

42. " Bar and Frame Hive, complete with outside
cover and super 3 3 0
Stand for ditto, 10s. 6d.

44. Bottle Feeder 0 2 6

45. Woodbury Straw Bar and Frame Hive (Stock Hive) 1 1 0

46. Engraved Pressing Roller 0 7 6

47. Impressed Wax Sheets or Artificial Combs per dozen 0 6 0

* * * * *

Transcriber Note

Minor typos corrected. The words floor-board and floorboard were both retained.