64 HANDY BOOK OF BEES. 



expectedly to the ground ; and, by reason of the sudden 

 and severe shake, they do not rise for some time, and 

 many are chilled to death ere they gain nerve and resolu- 

 tion enough to make another attempt. 



If an elevated position has any advantages at all, we 

 have hitherto failed to learn what they are. 



Three posts, ahout 15 inches long, driven half theu' 

 length into the ground, answer well for a stand for one 

 hive. These posts are driven into the ground ahout 

 15 inches apart, and the front one a little lower than the 

 two behind, so as to make the rain run off the flight-board, 

 and not into the hive. Three round stones or river bullets, 

 half buried in the soil, wiU answer as well as the posts. 

 In fact, anything that is well grounded and secure, and 

 rising a few inches above the ground, is quite as good as 

 something better for stands for bee-hives. Some bee- 

 keepers are of opinion that bee-hives are Uke corn-stacks, 

 if not placed high above the ground vermin will 'go in 

 and eat their treasures. A very Little schooling will 

 teach these men how to keep mice out of their hives, with- 

 out hoisting them aloft on ugly single posts. 



How far should hives be placed asunder ? As far as 

 convenience will permit. When we come to the chapter 

 on artificial swarming, it will be pretty evident to the 

 reader that 6 feet distance between stock hives is near 

 enough. Many reasons could be given in favour of some 

 distance being left between hive and hive. When apart 

 5 or 6 feet, young bees and young queens do not mistake 

 their own hives ; but if hives are near each other, mis- 

 takes may and do happen, and ruinous consequences 

 follow. 



But where many hives are kept, would you have them 

 spread aU over the garden ? No, if economy of space and 



