REQUISITES OF A COMPLETE HIVE. 97 



have been raised, to trap and destroy them, before they 

 have largely consumed the honey of the hive. 



This is effected, in my hives, by adjusting the blocks 

 (PI. in., Figs. 11, 12) which regulate the entrance. 



14. It should enable the Apiarian to remove such combs 

 as are too old. 



The upper part of a comb, being generally used for 

 storing honey, will last for many years. 



15. It ought to furnish all needed security against the 

 ravages of the bee-moth. 



16. It should furnish to the Apiarian some accessible 

 place, where the larvae of the bee-moth, when fully grown, 

 may wind themselves in their cocoons. 



17. It should enable the Apiarian, by removing the 

 combs, to destroy the worms, if they get the advantage 

 of the bees. 



18. The bottom-board should be permanently attached 

 to the hive, for convenience in moving it, and to prevent 

 the depredations of moths and worms. 



Sooner or later, there will be crevices between every 

 movable bottom-board and the sides of the hive, through 

 which moths will gain admission to lay their eggs, and 

 under which worms, when fully grown, will retreat to spin 

 their webs. In my hive, there is no place where the moth 

 can get in, except at the entrance for the bees, which may 

 be contracted or enlarged, to suit the strength of the col- 

 ony; and which, from its peculiar shape, the bees are 

 easily enabled to defend. If, however, any prefer mova- 

 ble bottom-boards, they can be used hi my hive. 



19. The bottom-board should slant toward the entrance, 

 to facilitate the carrying out of dead bees, and other use- 

 less substances ; to aid a colony in protecting itself against 

 robbers ; and to carry off moisture, and prevent rain from 

 beating into the hive. 



