40 BEEHIVES AND BEE KEEPERS* APPLIANCES. 



not be painted, the floor-board should be painted 

 all over ; and it will considerably add to the wear 

 of the hive if all joints are thickly coated with paint 

 before being nailed together. 



It is highly important that measurements be 

 strictly adhered to, especially as regards the in- 

 ternal dimensions of the body-box, its squareness 

 being no less essential. Bees actively resent inter- 

 ference when brace combs have to be torn asunder, 

 or when propolised surfaces part with a " snap " ; 

 and although accuracy is not so essential in those 

 parts of the hive to which the bees are not allowed 

 access, a properly made and well-fitting hive means 

 comfortable manipulations and few or no stings. 



