634 



SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



one, the adjacent hive is not disturbed. They should be far enough away 

 from roads or walks so as not to annoy passersby. 



In the North, hives should be placed on a sunny slope, facing away 

 from the prevailing winds. Some shade is desirable, but the hives should 



be so placed as to catch the 

 morning sun. This encourages 

 bee activity early in the day, 

 thus gathering the best of the 

 nectar. 



The colony must be located 

 in a dry place and kept free from 

 weeds, each hive being raised a 

 few inches from the ground by 

 means of a stand. These stands 

 may be of wood, stone or con- 

 crete, and serve to keep the 

 hive dry. 



Shade and Ventilation. — A 

 reasonable amount of shade is 

 beneficial, although dense shading 

 of the apiary is disastrous. It 

 promotes dampness and encour- 

 ages disease. If a natural shade 

 is not possible, a temporary 

 shade of boards or canvas should 

 be used during the heated por- 

 tions of the day. Newly swarmed 

 hives should be kept well shaded 

 and cool. Temperature influ- 

 ences the swarming habit; a 

 colony subjected to the burning 

 rays of the sun will swarm much 

 sooner than one well shaded. 



Roomy, well-ventilated hives 

 are necessary for comfort and 

 health. During warm weather, 

 ventilation is improved by 

 raising the front of the hive 

 two or three inches by supporting it upon small blocks of wood. Care 

 must be taken, however, to lower the hive in case of a change in 

 temperature. Most authorities do not approve of opening the upper 

 part of the hive. It is apt to cause a draft through the hive, and also 

 encourage robber bees. A wide entrance at the bottom is much preferred 

 for ventilation purposes. 



1 Courtesy of U. S. Dcpt. of Agriculture. Farmers' Bulletin 503. 



A Modern Bee Hive. 1 



