372 A Modern Bee-Farm 
By inverting the combs we not only place their weight 
upon, instead of depending from their base, but also 
provide that there is free circulation of air throughout the 
hive above them ; whereas in the natural position the 
heated air ascending is unable to escape and tends to 
weaken the foundation of the combs. 
Straw Skeps 
containing stocks should be very carefully treated, when 
railing a long distance. The skep, after slight smoking, is 
gently turned over on to its crown, a stick, one inch thick, 
is placed across all the combs, and slightly pressed down. 
A piece of sacking is tied over the whole, and the skep set 
with its crown into a common cheese box, or any other 
receptacle that will keep it from rolling, and all is secured 
as one parcel with strong string or a cord. The stick 
prevents suffocation by holding the cloth away from the 
combs, and also prevents the latter from falling to one side. 
When Delivered on Rail, 
or placed in vans, the combs should always travel in a 
line parallel with the road, so that with any incline, or 
sudden movement, they are not thrown to one side. 
When necessary to tier up the hives, place boards between 
each set. Plenty of straw is needed to give them ah easy 
motion, but on no account is it to be arranged so that the 
inverted hives rest directly upon it, though some must be 
packed between to prevent sliding, or jolting against each 
other. Place a good layer first upon the floor, spread it 
out evenly, and then lay boards down; on these place 
the first set of hives; then straw and boards again, thus 
always keeping a clear space under the sacking next the 
* frames. 
All covers and odd material must be packed separately, 
and where the stock hives, are simple square boxes, with 
