Improved Cottage Hive Without Windows
This hive is of precisely the same size, construction, and management as the last mentioned, with the exception that it has no windows or thermometer in the lower or stock hive. The apiarian, with this hive, will 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.
Not being able to form an idea of the state of the hive in spring and autumn by looking into the stock-hive, it will be advisable to adopt the means of weighing. A stock at Michaelmas should weigh 20 lbs., exclusive of the hive, or be made up to that weight by feeding.