114 KITES AND BOXES. 



apart to set oyer each end of tlie lure. The lumhei 

 should be '/^ in. thick. 



The second form may be made of '/^ in. boards, fig. 39. 

 In putting roofs together wherever one piece joins an- 

 other, they shouhl. be first painted, and when finished, 

 should receive a good coat of paint, and as often after aa 

 may be needed. 



PAINTIKQ HIVES. 



The principal reason why hives should be painted is, 

 that it gives a cheei-f ul and tidy appearance to the apiary. 

 If hives are well painted it should induce those who are 

 operating with them to handle them with more care. 

 Paint will also assist in preserving hives when exposed to 

 the weather. Nevertheless, painting has its manifest dis- 

 advantages. I have always kept both painted and un- 

 painted hives in my apiary, and am fully convinced that 

 the closing of the pores of the wood is frequently very 

 detrimental. I am of the opinion that the rays of the 

 sun are not so readily absorbed, and that moisture is re- 

 tained, which, without paint, will pass off through the 

 pores of the wood, leaving the interior of the hive in a 

 much more wholesome condition. 



In this as in all kindred matters the bee-keeper must 

 make his own experiments, and form his own conclusions. 

 There is less objection to painting the standing-frame 

 hive than some others, as the case or top may at any time 

 be removed without disturbing the brood-nest, and the 

 inside thoroughly warmed and dried ; also from the con- 

 struction of the case there is a better opportunity for the 

 moisture to escape, than where the parts are firmly nailed 

 together. Hives should always be painted as long before 

 using as possible, to free them from any odor, objection- 

 able to the bees, and they shovild be in light colors. 



In view of the frequent exchange of hives in the same 

 apiary, I would suggest that they be painted of some uni- 



