EXAMINING AND HANDLING BEES.—Chapter IX. 
near side of the hive, thus always leaving room for taking out the next 
comb, 
When ready to close the hive the frames should again be crowded 
against the far side of the hive before the last comb is put in. After 
all the frames are in place, crowd them together tightly against one 
side of the hive, then move them back slightly so that the end-bars of the 
outside frames are about one-fourth inch from the side of the hive. This 
allows a clustering space for the bees between the outside combs and the 
side walls of the hive. Furthermore, the queen can occupy the cells of 
the combs adjacent to the side walls of the hive when proper space is given, 
and thus more cells are available for brood-rearing. 
It will thus be seen that in the examining‘and handling of bees there 
is a correct method of manipulating hives, which, if followed, will mean 
satisfaction and pleasure instead of drudgery and stings. The beginner who 
is afraid of being stung and afraid of doing the wrong thing at the wrong 
time can very soon become proficient in handling and examining bees, if 
attention is given to the details we have endeavored to set forth in this 
chapter. 
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