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from "David Hill" contains these
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Also often these walls had alcoves built in to them that would house Bee
hives, which in those days were often made of straw. thus giving you better
pollination and a source of honey.

Some brick walls were constructed around chimneys and flues which
warmed the brick and gave extra protection to the outdoor fruit and
vines grown against the wall. Little boys would have the all-night task
of making sure the stove or fire didn't go out.

Janet.