HIVE STANDS 39 
ant, for in manipulating one colony he too often disturbs others 
near at hand, with the result that angry bees become very annoy- 
ing. The preferred arrangement is to set the colonies in pairs. 
At least three feet of space should be between the pairs of hives 
(Fig. 20). The two may set within a few inches of each other. 
Some bee-keepers set them in fours, with two colonies with en- 
trances facing to the east and two to the west. 
Fig. 21.—A hive-stand of cement for two colonies. 
A south front is to be preferred, especially in cool weather 
of spring and fall. 
Hive Stands.—Hives placed directly on the ground do not 
give satisfaction for several reasons; the bottom boards soon rot 
and have to be replaced, grass grows up about the entrance and 
interferes with the flight of the bees, and it is hard to keep the 
hive level. Many kinds of hive stands are in use. Some use 
short pieces of board laid flat on the ground. These last but a 
short time and must soon be replaced. Four bricks make a good 
stand, if a piece of board is leaned against the front of the hive 
