73 THE APIARY. 



that the hives of each alternate row will face the space? 

 of the row in front of it. (See fig. 18). 



The difEerent colored hives or roofs, should be inter- 

 spersed, so that no two of tha same color come next each 

 other. This is particularly important if the hives are 

 necessarily placed rather close together. 



DISTAKCB BETWEEK HIVES. 



The present improved system of management requires 

 that hives should not stand too near each other. There 

 should, be at least 6 feet between them, and 10 feet would 

 be a preferable distance. If hives aie set this distance 

 apart, queens are less liable to be lost, when returning to 

 the hive after meeting the drones. 



The advantage of plenty of room between the hives, 

 is also evident when handling a swarm ; its neighbors will 

 not be so likely to be interrupted, and when using the 

 extractor, it is quite apparent that ample room is essential. 



HIVES SHOULD SET LEVEL. 



In adjusting the pieces of scantling to be used for 

 stands (as described in Chap. VI.), it is essential that 

 they be perfectly level, at least from side to side. The 

 rear end may be slightly higher than the front, if the 

 combs run from front to rear, and the combs in the boxes 

 run in the same direction.* A quantity of gravel may 



* In thie connectiOD, I recall an inBtance of the occupation of combs in an 

 unnatural position, which occurred as followa : I visited an apiary several miles 

 from home, for the purpose of feeding, and took with me a number of combs 

 containing honey. It being too cold to open the hives, I simply removed the 

 packing at the top, and laid the combs flat upon the top of the brood nests, 

 placing panels over thpm, and replacing the packing. Upon visiting the apiary 

 two weeks later, after the bees had begun gathering honey from apple blossoms, 

 I found that several of these combs had been occupied by the queen, there being 

 sealed brood upon both the upper and under sides ; honey was also stored on 

 both sides. The warm position that this comb occupied, was douhtiesa the 

 cause of the occurrence. 



