98 HIVES AND BOXES. 



invention, and described the modified form of his hive, 

 which he used successfully for several years. 



The simplest form is made as follows : 



Cut two pieces 18°/, inches long, 12 in. wide, of '/j-in. 

 lumber. Eabbet the ends '/, in. wide, and y^ in. deep, 

 to receive the end pieces. This will allow the corners to 

 be nailed from both ways, making it more firm and 

 strong. 



Next, cut two pieces isy, inches long, 12 in. wide, 

 and same thickness.* In one edge of the ends, cut a rab- 

 bet y, in. each way. Nail together with the end pieces 

 inside, and the rabbeting at top, to support the frames. 

 This will make a box 12x12x17, inside measure. For 

 tho bottom board cut a piece ISy, in. long, ISy, in. wide. 

 Cut two cleats ISy, in. long, and ly, in. square. Nail 

 these on each end, with wrought nails, clinching them 

 firmly. Cut an entrance in this bottom board, 4 in. 

 wide, and '/^ in. deep, at the front edge, gradually slant- 

 ing to the surface, 4 in. back. (See fig. 34). For a top, 

 cut a board of the same size as the bottom. Nail two 

 cleats 12y, in. long, ly, in. wide, y^in. thick, across it, 

 1 in. from the end, and an equal distance from each edge, 

 clinching well. In all cleats it is well to bore holes, for 

 nails, to avoid splitting. It is a mistake of many writers 

 to advise too heavy material for bottom-boards. They 



-AAA.AyUU'NAA- ^^°'^^'^ ^® "^^^^ ^^^^^*' *^*^* ^^'^^ ^^^ 

 ^ ; ** not add unnecessarily to the weight 



IRON poH TOAMEs. of the hive when handling. Across 



the bottom of the hive in the center 



should be a stick with bent wires, or what is better, a 



cast-iron piece to hold the frames steady, and at proper 



distances apart. This (fig. 23) is held in place with screws. 



For a cap to cover the top and protect the boxes, cut 

 two pieces IQy^ inches long, and wide enough to make suf- 



♦ Onlew otberwiec epecifled all material for hlvee should bo J Incli thick. 



