OR, MANUAL OP THB APIARY. 



217 



be six-eighths precisely. This is very important, as we must 

 have a three-eighths space exactly between the top-bar and the 

 top of the hive. If we make the hive ten and one-eighth (10)^) 

 inches high we give a space of half-inch between the bottom 

 of the frame and bottom of hive. I like this wide space, and 

 there is no objection to it. Near the top of the hive we will 

 nail narrow cleats entirely around it ; these strengthen the 

 hive, and are convenient supports by which to lift the hive. 

 Hand grooves (Fig. 90) can also be cut in end and side-boards 

 for convenience in handling, if desired. Mr. Root favors these 

 hand-holes always. They are easily cut, and are surely a 

 convenience. 



The entrance is cut in the end of the hive (Fig. 89), and 

 the size is easily regulated by use of the Langstroth triangular 



Fig. 90. 



Dovetailed Hive, — From A, I. Root (Jo. 



blocks (Fig. 89, B, B). Thus we may gauge the size to our 

 liking. I would have the entrance the whole width of the 

 hive, and seven-eighths of an inch high. This may aid to 

 prevent the bees hanging out of the hive, and likewise may 

 restrain the swarming impulse. The opening in the bottom- 

 board (Fig. 87) is preferred by many. This is enlarged or 

 restricted by simply pushing the hive forward or back, and, of 



