HIVES AND BOXES. 115 



form shade ; and the desired variation in color, wliicli 

 assists the bee in identifying the spot can be secured by 

 different colored roofs, which need not be changed. 



ACCURACY ESSENTIAL. 



In concluding this topic, let me urge that whatever the 

 form of hive to be used, they be most thoroughly made. 

 It will be noticed that in the dimensions of the New 

 Quinby hive, figures are given as closely as '/,, inch. At 

 first thought, these may seem too minute points for the 

 average bee-keeper to observe. But let me say that this 

 may prove the initial lesson in the necessity for attention 

 to minor details, for it is unquestionable that success in 

 bee-keeping depends upon habits of careful attention to 

 little things. Begin then with thoroughly, and accurately 

 made hives. All hives in the same apiary should be pre- 

 cisely alike, so that all parts are interchangeable. One of 

 the preeminent meribs of the movable-comb hive, is in 

 this facility for exchanging combs of honey and brood, 

 for the purpose of equalizing strong and weak colonies. 



The most extensive apiarian of this country, J. E. 

 Hetherington, is using 850 of the New Quinby hives, and 

 all are manufactured with admirable accuracy. It is not 

 strange that with this disposition and ability for perfect 

 mechanical work in the construction of his hives and 

 innumerable fixtures, he should reap noticeable success 

 in his favorite pursuit. 



Eeliable dealers will often furnish bee-hive materials, 

 accurately cut, at much lower rates than a person with 

 less mechanical facilities can prepare them for himself. 



HONET BOXES. 



Three important considerations are apparent in deter- 

 mining the kind of box to be used. First, that it is 

 juificiently practical to meet the wants of t^e bee-keeper; 



