THE FRAME HIVE. 139 



the bees will build comb in it, and so fix the frames ; 

 and, if less than a quarter of an inch, they are unable 

 themselves to get round the frames as they require, 

 and so they fill up the space with propolis, and fix 

 everything tight, which is worse still. The space 

 below the frames the bees require as they come rush- 

 ing in with their loads, to carry them to all parts of 

 the hive. 



In the next place, whatever the description of 

 hive, it must be warm in winter, and not too hot in 

 summer. 



This is best provided for by its having double 

 walls with, if possible, a space between. Good hives, 

 however, may be made with single walls if only the 

 wood is of sufficient thickness. But, whatever the 

 walls, you must always remember that it cannot be a 

 good hive unless, as I say, it is warm in cold weather, 

 and the bees inside are protected in summer from the 

 scorching heat of the sun. 



Again, our hive must be very dry. This is quite 

 essential for the bees. They cannot live in a damp 

 house. If therefore the hive stands out in the open, 

 it must be well painted, and must have a good roof, 

 well made, to throw off the rain. And then this roof 

 — which must either be hinged to the hive, or made 

 separately, so that it can be taken off — must have 

 plenty of room inside. You will hear the reason of 

 this presently, but remember it as a necessity — a 

 good high roof with plenty of room inside. 



And now I have really told you the chief points 

 of a good hive. There are other things of importance, 

 such as the size and construction of the entrance, and 



