Jane I've used 3 types: 3 frames horizontally (like a nuc), one frame, or 4 frames vertically. I've seen the glass-walled box in use, but as expected, the bee cluster stays secluded in the interior, and not much is visible until the population is very large and they work the outer walls. Of the 3 I've tried, the 4 frame vertical is the best permanent setup: all surfaces are visible, and there is enough space for a fairly viable population. You may still have to service the hive (add or remove bees/food). The single is OK for a few days, but quickly runs short of food or space. Good luck with it, I learned a lot from 2 or 3 years with an observation hive in my bedroom. Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist B.C. Ministry of Agriculture 1201 103 Ave Dawson Creek B.C. V1G 4J2 CANADA Tel (604) 784-2225 fax (604) 784-2299 INTERNET [log in to unmask]