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Ruggles Torrey was selling an idea. In 1859, he invented a beehive that he called the "Maine State Bee-Hive." Josiah Gale, a farmer from Barre, Vermont, wanted to build one of Torrey's hives. By sending Torrey three dollars, Gale then got permission to build those hives "for his own use [and] in one location." This license allowed Mr. Gale to construct beehives following Torrey's plans. Mr. Torrey had the description printed on the back of the license, and may have sent plans of the patent along with this license.

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