Curiosities & wonders > New observations on the natural history of bees

CONSIDERATIONS.
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('VO are joined together, and by this disposi-
on prevent the advantages which I think
) derive from the figure of my hives, since
ley could not he opened without breaking
pe combs.* Thus they must previously
;ave a guide; the cultivator himself can lay
e foundation of their edifices, and that by
simple method. A portion of comb must
fixed securely in the upper part of some of
e frames composing the hive; the bees will
;tend it; and, in prosecution of their work,
ill accurately follow the plan already given
Ihem.f Therefore, on opening the hive, no
Obstacle is to be removed, nor are stings to
lie dreaded, for one of the most singular and
aluable properties attending this construc-
lion, is its rendering the bees tractable. I
ppeal to you, Sir, for the truth of what I
ay. In your presence I have opened all the
t iivisions of the most populous hives, when
die tranquillity of the bees has given you
great surprise. I can desire no other evi-
ilence of my assertion. It is in the facility
The author’s general meaning is, the bees will build
across the hive, or parallel to the narrow sides of the
ames.—T.
t If the upper part of a frame form a salient angle, it
said that bees establish their original work with greater
regularity.—T.