104 THE HIVE AND HONEY-BEE. 



left, in the Fall, in the hive, without detriment either to 

 the bees, or to their owner. 



If too much honey is taken, and the Winter prove 

 very unfavorable, the bees may starve. In the common 

 hives, if too much remains, it cannot be removed in the 

 Spring, and it is thus worse than lost to the bee-keeper, 

 by occupying the room needed for raising brood. 



55. It should permit the Apiarian to remove such combs 

 as cannot be protected by the bees, to a place of safety. 



When a colony becomes greatly reduced in numbers, 

 its empty combs may cause its destruction, by affording a 

 harbor to the bee-moth ; or its rich stores of honey may 

 tempt robbing bees to despoil it. In the common hives, 

 often nothing can be effectually done to prevent such 

 casualties. 



56. It should permit the space for spare honey recep- 

 tacles to be enlarged or contracted at will, without any 

 alteration or destruction of existing parts of the hive. 



Without the power to do this, the productive force of 

 a colony is in some seasons greatly diminished. 



57. It should be so compact as to economize, if possible, 

 every inch of material used in its construction. 



58. The hive, while presenting a neat appearance, 

 should admit, if desired, of being made highly orna- 

 mental. 



59. It should enable an Apiarian to lock up his hives in 

 some cheap and convenient way. 



As my bottom-boards are not movable, the contents of 

 a hive, when it is locked, can only be reached by carrying 

 it bodily away. 



60. It should allow the contents of a hive, bees, combs, 

 and all, to be taken out when it needs any repairs. 



As movable-comb hives can, at any time, be thoroughly 

 overhauled and repaired, they should last for generations. 



