22 HOW TO KEEP BEES 



either side. This is placed directly on top of the 

 hive, and has to be weighted down with stones, and 

 is therefore awkw^ard to handle when working with 

 the bees. If the climate is hot, or in any case, a 

 double-walled cover to the hive is most excellent, 

 since it affords a chance for free circulation of air 

 between the two boards which form it. However, 

 these double covers do not obviate the need of shade, 

 and natural shade is the most desirable sort. 



In case the region is exposed to high winds, there 

 should be a windbreak around the apiary. Mr. 

 Root, who is one of the greatest of American bee- 

 keepers, uses for this a row of hardy evergreens 

 which grow together into a solid hedge. In case a 

 windbreak, either natural or made, is impracticable, 

 a board fence about eight or ten feet high, built on 

 two sides of the apiary, usually the north and west 

 sides, will be found to serve the purpose. This 

 fence may be made the trellis for vines. 



In the rear of the village garden is an excellent 

 place for bees. A high board fence as a boundary, 

 and perhaps a barn at the side will act as a wind- 

 break, while the fruit trees yield a grateful shade. 

 We know several such modest apiaries which are 

 most attractive in appearance. There are those 

 who live in cities or towns who are filled with the 

 bee-keeper's ambitions; and even they need not 

 despair. There are on record accounts of several 

 small apiaries kept on the housetops of the owners, 

 who believe that roofs are for more than mere pro- 

 tection. Where bees kept thus get their honey is a 



