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Article MASONIC SYMBOLS. THE HIVE. ← Page 6 of 6
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Symbols. The Hive.
going too far to say that they wear aprons ; at all events , they Avear flaps , which , being the natural appendages of those articles of dress , must presuppose aprons , just as Ave ( except in the stage Frenchman ) argue a shirt from the presence of ruffles . If so , the bees are far our superiors , for they wear eight flaps , of course belonging to eight aprons . The flaps are heavilfringed
y with an edging of golden hairs , and bear in their centre a piece of pure white wax . It not unfrequently happens that a bee misconducts itself . In this case , the affair is examined , and the delinquent is thrust from the hive-door , never again to enter its portals . So important an exercise of judicial power always appears to be
conducted with befitting gravity ancl decorum . A well-chosen , well-worked hive will be certain to increase its numbers very materially in a short time , and before very long will probably become too full . What is to be done then ? . Evidently a colony must emigrate . The bees accordingly look out for a good locality whither they may betake themselves ,
and , headed by the future ruler of the colony , they set out , ancl become an independent body . If , hoivever , it is desirable to retain the bees , it is easy to do so , by placing a smaller hive near the large one , and permitting the bees to pass between them . The proprietor is thereby enabled to keep all his bees under his own eyes , and at the same time to secure a considerable amount of work .
There are many methods of working hives , although the principal features must be preserved in all . The plan that meets with the approbation of the best judges is to place two hives in apposition , in one of which the bees work , and the young pass through the initiating portion of their existence ; and in the second is placed the entire stock of provisions . The relative
situation of the hives does not matter very much , some people placing them one above the other , and some preferring them side by side . It is always a great advantage when this can be done , as the working hive always becomes very hot , especially when anything in particular is going on . I have noiv named a considerable number of the points
wherein a bevy of bees displays a resemblance to a Lodge of Freemasons . Let me conclude by mentioning one point lvherein they differ widely , i . e . if the letter of your correspondent P . J . W . be a correct statement , * — bees have a particular objection to tobacco and spirits .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Symbols. The Hive.
going too far to say that they wear aprons ; at all events , they Avear flaps , which , being the natural appendages of those articles of dress , must presuppose aprons , just as Ave ( except in the stage Frenchman ) argue a shirt from the presence of ruffles . If so , the bees are far our superiors , for they wear eight flaps , of course belonging to eight aprons . The flaps are heavilfringed
y with an edging of golden hairs , and bear in their centre a piece of pure white wax . It not unfrequently happens that a bee misconducts itself . In this case , the affair is examined , and the delinquent is thrust from the hive-door , never again to enter its portals . So important an exercise of judicial power always appears to be
conducted with befitting gravity ancl decorum . A well-chosen , well-worked hive will be certain to increase its numbers very materially in a short time , and before very long will probably become too full . What is to be done then ? . Evidently a colony must emigrate . The bees accordingly look out for a good locality whither they may betake themselves ,
and , headed by the future ruler of the colony , they set out , ancl become an independent body . If , hoivever , it is desirable to retain the bees , it is easy to do so , by placing a smaller hive near the large one , and permitting the bees to pass between them . The proprietor is thereby enabled to keep all his bees under his own eyes , and at the same time to secure a considerable amount of work .
There are many methods of working hives , although the principal features must be preserved in all . The plan that meets with the approbation of the best judges is to place two hives in apposition , in one of which the bees work , and the young pass through the initiating portion of their existence ; and in the second is placed the entire stock of provisions . The relative
situation of the hives does not matter very much , some people placing them one above the other , and some preferring them side by side . It is always a great advantage when this can be done , as the working hive always becomes very hot , especially when anything in particular is going on . I have noiv named a considerable number of the points
wherein a bevy of bees displays a resemblance to a Lodge of Freemasons . Let me conclude by mentioning one point lvherein they differ widely , i . e . if the letter of your correspondent P . J . W . be a correct statement , * — bees have a particular objection to tobacco and spirits .