THE MANAGEMENT OF BEES, 247 
The black or German bee was the first race introduced into this 
country, and is still abundant usually as a cross with other races. The 
black bee is not desirable and is being gradually supplanted by other 
and more desirable races. 
THE APIARY: ITS LOCATION AND SIZE. 
While there are certain ideal sites for. the tocation of the apiary, 
which should be utilized if possible, yet bees can be kept in a great 
many places which do not conform to ideal surroundings. A slope 
gently inclining to the south and east is very desirable, although any 
plot of ground that has good drainage, so that water does not stand 
on it, is good. The slope to the south and east secures protection 
against cold winds from the north and west, although this advantage 
can be as well and even better attained, sometimes, by other barriers, 
such as a grove or fruit orchard. Buildings of some kind can often be 
made to serve this purpose, as the honey house and shop. 
The hives should not be too near walks or drives, owing to danger 
from stings. This is particularly applicable if horses that are per- 
spiring are likely to be brought near such driveways. 
It is considered best to face the entrance of the hives south or east, 
or somewhere between these two directions. This will give the bees 
the early morning sun and start them gathering nectar early in the day. 
While it is desirable to have a certain amount of sun, particularly in 
the early part of the day, this may be a source of discomfort and actual 
loss if hives are unshaded at the hottest part of the day. The midday 
and afternoon sun when beating down on unprotected hives may be 
so severe as to melt down the combs within the hive. The result of 
such a disaster is obvious. Perhaps the ideal location as far as pro- 
viding shade is concerned, is under trees that have the branches high 
enough not to interfere with easy movements of the operator when 
attending to the hives. The comfort of the bee keeper is to be con- 
sidered as well as the welfare of the bees. One is more apt to give the 
bees the attention they need, if the work can be done in the shade, 
rather than under the rays of the sun at the most heated part of the day. 
The hives should be level from side to side in order that the combs 
may be built straight. If the hives were inclined to one side, it would 
result in the newly drawn comb, being swung from the top bar of one 
frame and attached to the bottom bar of the frame adjacent, since 
comb building progresses from above downward. The hives should, 
howeyer, slope downward from the rear to the front. This will cause 
any rain, which may beat in and any moisture which may condense 
on the inside of the hive to run out at the entrance. 
The hives can be arranged to suit the convenience of the operator in 
manipulation. Ample space should be allowed for ease of movement. 
A good arrangement consists in setting the hives in rows. (fig. 11.) 
A line may be used to get the rows straight. 
As to the covering of the ground, whether bare or sod, it is believed 
that grass is much more preferable as it facilitates the ease and pleas- 
ure of working in the apiary. No grass or weeds, however, should be 
