SHADE 37 
results that can be ascribed to shade or to the lack of it. For the 
comfort of the operator, if for no other reason, a shaded situation 
would seem to be desirable. Large trees should be avoided, if 
possible, because of the tendency of swarms to cluster so high as 
to make it very inconvenient to hive them. Many bee-keepers 
who have apiaries in the open provide shade boards made of cheap 
lumber obtained from dry goods boxes or similar sources. About 
two by three feet is the most popular size for such a shade board. 
Fig. 19.—An apiary without shade. 
This permits the sun to reach the body of the hive early and late 
in the day, while effective shade is obtained during the hottest 
period. 
The shade of fruit trees, especially cherry and apple trees, 
if not set too close together is very satisfactory. Hives should 
never be painted with dark colors, because of the tendency of 
such colors to absorb heat. In extremely warm weather, combs 
will sometimes melt down and the colony be greatly injured or 
