166 



THE BEE-HIVES. 



front, to shed the rain and better protect the colony against 

 ants and moths. It projects forward three inches, at least, 

 to support an adjustable entrance-block. Some Apiarists 

 use a tin slide, instead of an entrance-block. We object to 

 it, because, if glued by bees it may be bent in handling, and 

 if it is mislaid, it cannot always be promptly replaced; while 



Fig. 74. 



DADANT HIVE. SETTING FLAT ON THE BOTTOM. 



any square wooden-block can take the place of the entrance- 

 block, if necessary. 



343. The apron, or slanting-board, helps overladen work- 

 ers to reach the entrance, when they have fallen to the ground. 

 The blocks that support the bottom, may be made of unequal 

 height, so as to give the hive the proper forward slant, on 



