192 Frames Described. 
enough to recommend it. I fear the hives are too complex 
for the general bee-keeper. I advise all to go slow ‘in 
adopting them, as we know the old, tried ones are excel- 
lent. I fear that in the hands of the general bee-keepers. 
these new hives will not prove satisfactory. 
THE FRAMES. 
The form and size of frames, though not quite as various as 
the persons who use them, are still very different (Fig. 68). 
Some prefer large frames., I first tried the Quinby frame, 
and afterward the Langstroth (Fig. 68). The advantage 
claimed for large frames is that there are less to handle, 
and time is saved; yet may not smaller frames be handled 
so much more dexterously, especially if they are to be 
handled through all the long day, as to compensate, in 
part at least, for the number? The advantage of the 
shallow frame is, as claimed, that the bees will go into 
boxes more readily; yet they .are not considered by some 
bee-keepers as safe for out-door wintering. This is the 
style recommended and used by Mr. Langstroth, which 
fact may account for its popularity in the United States. 
Another frame in common use, is one about one foot 
square. I have long used one 114 inches square, and 
still think that this frame has much to commend it. It is 
light, easily handled, convenient for nucleus hives, and 
perhaps the best form for forming a compact winter 
cluster; and yet upon mature reflection I have decided to 
use in future for the most part the Langstroth frame and 
advise all others to do so. 
It is very desirable to have bees in hives such as others 
will wish in case we sell bees, as every bee-keeper is 
almost sure to do more or less each year. The Langstroth 
hive is used much more generally than any other, and 
that it is excellent is shown in the fact that most of our 
successful bee-keepers, from Canada to the Gulf, use it, 
and I am free to say that taking the whole country 
through it is doubtful if a better style or form exists than 
the regular Langstroth. The chief objection urged against 
its use, that it is not the best form to secure safe wintering, 
