1908 



GLEANINGS IN BEE CULTURE. 



759 



in that only a larger hive-body would be recjuir- 

 ed, or two regular stories with slatted frames al- 

 ternating the combs instead of one story and no 

 slatted frames. If, however, estimates be made 

 covering the cost of material for a large closed 

 hive-body and an Aspinwall open rack or frame, 

 I believe a balance would be found in favor of 

 the latter. Taking into consideration the width 

 of material used in each, we sh.ill find narrow 

 and small pieces of lumber used almost exclusive- 

 ly in the Aspinwall hive. 



Furthermore, while some have expressed an 

 opinion preferring solid or closed sides, there are 

 two reasons why the frames should be supported 

 with the least closure possible. This applies to 

 closed-end frames, and prevents propolizing the 

 outer sides of the uprights or ends. Closed-end 

 frames surrounded by a bee-spac?, as contained 

 in a solid casing or hive-body, have two objec- 

 tions which can not be overcome — the propoliz- 

 ing, which renders them difficult to separate, and 

 the bee-space filled with bees, which interferes 

 with rapid manipulation of the frames. This 

 last objection also applies to ordinary hanging 

 frames. 



Without exaggeration, I believe that 'Aspin- 

 wall frames can be handled at least three times 

 faster than any other style or make, which would 

 be impossible unless contained in a rack to hold 

 the comb-frames, thus avoiding the propolis and 

 bees which would otherwise interfere. 



A still more important feature is the prevention 

 of an excessively high temperature during the op- 

 pressive heat of summer. But some one will 

 raise a question as to the effect of cool nights. 

 Upon examination we will find all colonies in 

 closed bodies employing an excessively large force 

 of workers both night and day in the work of 

 ventilation. With Aspinwall hives but a small 

 force is requisite during the day, while at night 

 we hear but little more than the hum of content- 

 ment, unless the weather be exceptionally warm. 

 Inasmuch as heat is one factor which induces 

 swarming, its control must constitute a part of 

 the non-swarmer. After having experimented 

 with these hives so many years, I can not but re- 

 alize the great disadvantage bees are compelled 

 to labor under in ordinary hives, both in respect 

 to overcoming the heat of summer and the crowd- 

 ed condition; yet many are trying to control 

 swarming when the principal factor which induces 

 swarming (a crowded hive) is not taken into con- 

 sideration. 



Let us now consider the relation of the cluster 

 in reference to a thoroughly ventilated hive as 

 contrasted with one having little or no provision 

 for the comfort of the colony in this respect. 

 Upon the technical observance of this feature in 

 hive construction — namely, open hive-bodies and 

 brood-frames with slatted ends, used in combi- 

 nation, we practically obtain a square, which, 

 aside from the spherical, most economically con- 

 serves the warmth of the colony when separated 

 by slatted frames. The writer can not forget the 

 years of failure by attempting to use them with 

 those of Langstroth length. So subtle are the 

 combined forces which constitute successful in- 

 ventions, we can not afford to overlook even those 

 of the least importance; and in proportion as we 

 follow the unerring laws of nature in this respect 

 do we obtain success. 



Having combined brood-frames with slatted 

 ends for ventilation and distribution of the bees, 

 also slatted frames alternating them, we obtain a 

 uniform distribution of both bees and tempera- 

 ture laterally throughout the hive. 



By adding a super we approximate a cubical 

 form, which is also in accordance with the diffu- 

 sion of warmth, and by tiering we practically ob- 

 tain a cube, which, for conserving the warmth of 

 the colony in the storage of honey, can not be 

 equaled. The generating of heat in the lower 

 story or brood-apartment of the hive and its as- 

 cendency through wide passageways afforded by 

 the slatted frames, is a feature which will preclude 

 the use of two stories of ordinary hive-bodies and 

 slatted frames. The ordinary Langstroth or 

 Hoffman frames are too short to afford ample su- 

 pering surface — five square sections in a holder 

 being requisite to the best results and to avoid 

 excessive tiering. 



Bee-keepers are cognizant of the fact that deep 

 frames are not well adapted to storage of comb 

 honey, much less two hive-bodies with slatted 

 frames separating the combs and reducing the 

 crowded condition of the colony. With such an 

 arrangement, filling the brood-combs of the up- 

 per hive-body with honey in lieu of continued 

 brood-rearing would be a natural result, especial- 

 ly as the queen is not likely to pass from a lower 

 to an upper story unless by pressure of a crowd- 

 ed hive. 



One valuable feature of the Aspinwall hive is 

 the absolute freedom from brood in the supers, 

 although no queen-excluding zinc is used. In 

 hive construction the cost of frames is regarded 

 as a small item; so that, in utilizing those of 

 various makes to obtain a non-swarmer, no sav- 

 ing would result, as all parts required, aside 

 from the frames, must be new. Inasmuch as the 

 present style of hive-bodies made sufficiently large 

 for a non-swarmer would cost as much as or more 

 than the Aspinwall, there would be nothing uti- 

 lized but twenty-five or thirty cents' worth of 

 frames poorly adapted to the making of a non- 

 swarmer. 



In view of the numerous difficulties which must 

 be surmounted in perfecting an invention, it be- 

 hooves us to retain every feature which is requi- 

 site to perfect success. Therefore, let us transfer 

 good clean combs from the Langstroth and Hoff- 

 man frames to those provided with slatted ends. 

 These improved frames can be handled with 

 great ease and rapidity, which is essential in this 

 age of high-tension bee-keeping. 



Jackson, Mich. 



EQUIPMENT FOR EXTRACTING 

 HONEY. 



The Mclntyre Uncapping-box; the Ar- 

 rangement of the Furniture in the 

 Honey-house. 



BY E. D. TOWNSEND. 



At our honey-houses at the extracting-yards we 

 have a four-frame automatic extractor, a Mcln- 

 tyre uncapping-box, a honey-tank provided with 

 a strainer and a gate at the bottom, and platform 

 scales with an electric bell attached to give warn- 

 ing when a can is full. Since we put in cans all 



