THE HISTORICAL BEE-HIVE. 137 



^section-racks are 5-8 inch only (1-8 inch less than that of the 

 brood-boxes), giving 1 foot full of internal width to the section- 

 rack, which thus accommodates seven frames, each carrying four 

 of the sections previously named. The thinning of the side neces- 

 sitates battening, to give the tightening screw (s) sufficient hold, 

 and the rack itself adequate rigidity. The tin rest and rebates 

 are applied to these racks as to the body-boxes." 



These Heddon hives are only suitable for the most expe- 

 rienced bee-keeper. It requires a skilled mechanic to make them, 

 and they are far more difficult in manipulating than the Lang- 

 stroth. The wooden thumb screws are a serious drawback ; not- 

 withstanding they are first boiled in oil, the sides of the hive m 

 which they work always contract in damp weather, and I find it 

 impossible to move them. I have had one in use now for two 

 seasons, and during damp days or after a shower I find it impossible 

 to open them until the sides are again thoroughly dry. 



Every bee-keeper of note finds it to his advantage to make 

 certain alterations applicable to his wants and the district in which 

 he lives; but where one of any other name is used in this State 

 there are a hundred of the Langstroth's or the Langstroth Sim- 

 plicity, and these terms for all practical purposes are synonymous. 

 The Langstroth hive has stood the test of nearly half a century. 

 Professor Cook's remarks many years ago are still applicable. He 

 (Professor Cook) said of it, "It left the hands of the great master 

 (Langstroth) in so perfect a form that even the details remain 

 unchanged by many of our first bee-keepers." 



Anyone who has a fair amount of skill a bush knowledge 

 of the use of tools — can make a Langstroth hive. Winter even- 

 ings in the country often hang heavily, therefore those having 

 spare time cannot employ it in more profitable pastime than that 

 of hive-making. 



The wood used should be soft and light and well seasoned, 

 and the only thing that is imperative in the construction is that 

 the measurements must be rigidly adhered to, otherwise there 

 will be no end of trouble in the manipulating of the bees. Many 

 a bee-keeper who has been his own carpenter has given up bee- 

 keeping in disgust, because in the construction of his home-made 

 hives there has been a want of care in giving bee-space— quarter 

 of an inch — true bee-s,pace is 3-16 inch. 



The wood in kerosene and other packing cases is more or less 

 suitable. They are to be found around about all country stores. 



