27 



of space, as the double row system places difficulties in the way 

 of manipulations. Hives should not be placed in damp or 

 closely -sheltered situations. When there is more than one 

 hive in an apiary, the hives, or at least the fronts of the hives, 

 should be painted in different colours, so that bees may readily 

 recognise their own hives ; queens are sometimes lost when 

 returning from their nuptial flights, owing to their failure to 

 recognise their own hive. Fig. 21, represents a well arranged 

 cottager's apiary, in Donegal. 



The hive should stand upon a solid foundation, capable of sus- 

 taining it perfectly level when it is fully 

 69. Hive Stand loaded with honey. A " C. D. B." hive, 

 carrying five crates of well-filled sections, 

 might weigh about If cwt. The best description of stand is 

 one made of concrete ; the site should be levelled, the surface 

 soil removed and replaced by broken stones up to the ground 

 level ; a layer of concrete should then be put over the stones 

 and finished off so as to give a smooth level surface about three 

 inches above the ground level, and measuring 26 inches by 

 26 inches. It will be found convenient to use a wooden frame 

 four inches deep in which to mould the concrete, which should 

 consist of : — 



3 parts sharp sand, 



3 parts fine broken stone, 



1 part of Portland cement. 



Two bent irons should beset in the concrete , one on each side of 

 the hive, to provide means for tying it down in windy weather. 

 If the site is infested by ants, a groove two inches deep and 

 two inches wide should be made in the concrete all round the 

 hive to hold water. The surface of the stand should be made 

 quite level, using a spirit level to ascertain that it is so. If it 

 is desired to have a movable stand, the concrete may be moulded 

 in a box, or a large flagstone may he used. It is a good plan to 

 lay a heavy dressing of cinders for about a yard all round the 

 stand to prevent the growth of herbage. 



VI.— WIKING FEAMES AND FIXING FOUNDATION 

 IN FEAMES. 



Although the upper edge of the foundation is held by the top 

 bar of the frame (24), it is necessary to 

 70. Reason for give it further support to prevent it stretch- 

 Wiring, ing or breaking down under the weight of 

 bees which it has to support when the 

 brood chamber is at a high temperature ; such support is pro- 

 vided by fastening wires across the frames and embedding the 

 foundation in them. Several methods of wiring are practised, 

 the object being to support the foundation by wires so placed as 

 to injure the future brood nest as little as possible. 



