. British bee journal & bee-keepers adviser. Bees. May 11, 1911.] THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. 183 experience, gathered in two continents, was able to suggest certain useful modi- fications. The " Nicolson " Observatory resembles the " Brice " in taking just one standard frame, but there are material differences which we believe to be imjirovements. The chief difficulty in a one-frame hive is the disproportionate lateral extension of the cluster, and the consequent rapid loss of heat. In some commercial forms this diflSculty is increased, because the structure of the observ
. British bee journal & bee-keepers adviser. Bees. May 11, 1911.] THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. 183 experience, gathered in two continents, was able to suggest certain useful modi- fications. The " Nicolson " Observatory resembles the " Brice " in taking just one standard frame, but there are material differences which we believe to be imjirovements. The chief difficulty in a one-frame hive is the disproportionate lateral extension of the cluster, and the consequent rapid loss of heat. In some commercial forms this diflSculty is increased, because the structure of the observatory permits a. cold draught through the hive. In the "Nicolson" this loss of heat has been minimised by providing ample room for quilts, by double glazing, and by fitting cosy, removable shutters to the sides. The hive opens at top and bottom, so the bees can be manipulated as easily as in a standard hive. The turntable is fastened by four screws to the inside window-sill, and a passage under the table leads to a flight-hole in the window-frame. In windows too valu- able to be auger-bored, we make the flight- hole in a flat piece of wood clipped under the raised sash. Outside there is a small alighting-board. The hive can be turned round on the table with perfect ease and freedom from jar, and every bee in the hive can be seen. If wanted for a lesson in another room, the hive is simply lifted off its table, the entrance being temporarily closed by a slide. Any bees outside at the time of removal can cool their heels in the passage till the lesson is finished. These observatories—we have usually three or four in use—arouse extraordinary interest. And it is not only the pupils— many grown-up people pay special visits to the laboratory to see the bees. We have placed them in windows facing the south, so the sun shines in during the part of the day when the bees are most active. We turn the hive at right-angles to the sun-rays, and direct the light on the comb wit
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