MANUAL OF THE APIAEY. 129 



contracted in case of robbing, or entirely closed when desired, 

 by simply moving the hive back. 



Some apiarists cut an opening in the side of the hive, and 

 regulate the size by tin slides or triangular blocks (Fig. 29); 

 others form an opening by sliding the hive forward beyond the 

 bottom board — which I would do with the above in hot 

 weather when storing was very rapid — ^but for simplicity, 

 cheapness and convenience, I have yet to see an opening 

 superior to the above. I think, too, I am a competent judge, 

 as I have at least a half-dozen styles in present use. 



I strongly urge, too, that only this one opening be used. 

 Auger holes about the hive, and entrances on two sides, are 

 worse than useless. By enlarging this opening, we secure 

 ample ventilation, even in sultry August, and when we con- 

 tract the entrance, no bees are lost by finding the usual door 

 closed. 



Some of our best bee-keepers, as Messrs. Heddon, Bald- 

 ridge, etc., prefer that the bottom board be nailed to the hive 

 (Fig. 39). I have such hives ; have had for years, but strongly 

 object to them. They will not permit a quick clearing of the 

 bottom board, when we give a cleansing flight in winter, or 

 'when we commence operations in spring, which, especially if 

 there is a quart or more of dead bees, is very desirable. Nor 

 with their use can we contract the opening in cold weather, 

 or to stop robbing, without the blocks (Fig. 29), tins or other 

 traps. Simplicity should he the motto in hive-m.aking. 

 The arguments in favor of such fastening are : Convenience in 

 moving colonies, and in feeding, as we have not to fasten the 

 bottoms when we desire to ship our bees, and to feed we have 

 only to pour our liquids into the hives. 



Of course, such points are not essential — only matters of 

 convenience. Let each one decide for himself, which expe- 

 rience will enable him to do. 



THE COTER OF THE HIVE. 



The cover (Fig. 33, a) should be about six inches high, 

 and like the lid of a trunk. The length and breadth may be 

 the same as the body of the hive, and fit on with beveled 

 edges (Fig. 33), the body having the outer edge beveled, and 

 the cover the inner. If we thus join the cover and hive with 



