The wood box, with the glass face, was known as an observation hive. As this one was, they could be closed and moved around, or they could be connected to the outside, I have seen permanent installations that were five times the size of this. I have written before about my father and grandfather being beekeepers. I displayed bees one year at the county 4-H fair. Having live bees in the exhibit hall made a few people nervous, but came off without an issue. I still have the best in class ribbon from that year.
Have you seen an observation hive?
The one garden center I go to in Washingtons Crossing has one and connects to the outside. It is fascinating to watch. Outside where they came in are lots of plants, and even there with them flying around doesn't bother me.I don't get nervous. I love hearing all the buzzing.
ReplyDeleteBees generally won't bother you, unless they feel threatened.
DeleteAt my English sister in laws, I a couple of years ago I would sit with my tablet outside next to a lavender bush with lots of bees buzzing around. We sit at a table often enough in Prahran Square next to bees buzzing around the aromatic garden beds.
ReplyDeleteThere are more bumble bees than honey bees were we live now
DeleteI have. Many times -- and when I thought all I had was a local allergy. Don't think I'd be so relaxed observing one of those now.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother was very allergic to bee stings
DeleteI have!
ReplyDeleteSo much fun. I'm a science nerd, I guess. I love bees and I think we should do more to protect them. Yeah, very tree-hugger but I'm planning what they call an 'insect garden' this spring.
XOXO
the condo we are in spent enough for a couple new Mercedes planning butterfly gardens
DeleteYou still best in class for me!
ReplyDeleteYou are my top prize in life
Deletehey you two, get a room! :)
DeleteI have seen one or two over the years. They are fascinating to observe.
ReplyDeleteNice demonstrations, a tricky place to keep bees
DeleteI have seen a hive like you describe, although I cannot remember where. a bit creepy for me, looking at bees. but at least they were behind glass. we need more honey bees for pollination.
ReplyDeleteKind of like a glass wall in their bedroom
DeleteNo, I've never seen an observation hive. But I saw an art installation years ago in Winnipeg by the artist Aganetha Dyck where a large glass case inside the art gallery was connected to the outside so bees could come in and out, and lay down honeycomb over various objects inside the case. It was fascinating! And a little creepy. She still works almost exclusively with bees and wax -- here's her website: http://www.aganethadyck.ca/artworks
ReplyDeleteThat is unusual art. Freaky
Deletemy junior high school science teacher had one. It was mesmerizing to see the bees going in and out and moving out.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it inspired any entomologists,
DeleteI've been interested in science ever since, with a 'minor' in bugs.
Delete