10 BEES. 
The choice of a hive, while important, is usually given undue 
prominence in books on bees. In actual practice experienced bee 
keepers with different sizes and makes of hives under similar condi- 
tions do not find as much differ- 
ence in their honey crop as one 
would be led to believe from the 
various published accounts. 
HIVE STANDS. 
Generally it is best to have each 
hive on a separate stand. The 
entrance should be lower than any 
other part of the hive. Stands of 
wood, bricks, tile (fig. 2), concrete 
blocks, or any other convenient 
material will answer the purpose. 
The hive should be raised above 
the ground so that the bottom will 
not rot. It is usually not necessary to raise the hive more than a 
Fig. 3.—Smoker. 
few inches. Where ants are a nuisance special hive stands are some- 
times necessary. 
OTHER APPARATUS. 
In addition to the hives in which the bees are kept some other 
apparatus is necessary. A good smoker (fig. 3), consisting of a tin 
or copper receptacle to 
hold burning rotten wood 
or other material, with a 
bellows attached, is indis- 
pensable. <A veil of black 
material, preferably with a 
silk tulle front (fig. 4), 
should be used. Wire- 
cloth veils are also excel- 
lent. Even if a veil is not 
always used, it is desirable 
to have one at hand in 
case the bees become cross. 
Cloth or leather gloves are 
sometimes used to protect 
the hands, but they hinder 
most manipulations. Some 
sort of tool (fig. 5) to pry 
hive covers loose and frames apart is desirable. A screw-driver will 
answer, but any of the tools made especially for that purpose is perhaps 
397 
Fia. 4.—Bee veil with silk-tulle front. 
