BEE SHADES. 183 



and setting them three feet in the ground, six feet 

 apart ; then take a piece of scantling three by four, 

 and six feet long, and spike across the top of each, 

 at an angle of about fifteen degrees from the horizon ; 

 then nail a strip of board upon the side of the post 

 two feet from the top, and upon the cap near its end, 

 for a brace ; upon these caps broad boards are laid 

 the whole length of the row. The first season, these 

 boards will need to be turned over frequently, to avoid 

 warping ; after that, they will need little attention, 

 and will last several years. For manner of con- 

 struction, see plate xxvin. 



Where it is convenient, it will take less lumber to 

 make the necessary shade, if the row is set east and 

 west, with the hives facing the south. This aspect 

 gives the bees the influence of the sun, at the pleas- 

 ure of the keeper, with very little trouble in chang- 

 ing the covering. 



This form of shade combines the protection of the 

 bees when at work, and that of the apiarist when 

 transferring, colonizing, changing or removing comb, 

 etc. 



About the first of November, or as soon as hot 

 weather is over,. the boards should be removed and 

 placed upon the top of the hives, in such a way as to 

 shed the rain, and securely fastened, so as not to be 

 blown off or otherwise disturbed. 



By aBout the first of April, they should again be 

 placed upon the frame, as shown in the plate. 



Where rains are frequent during the whole year, 



