CHAPTER III 



THE FRAME AND ITS FITTINGS — DIVISION BOARDS — 



FOUNDATION 



The bar frame, which plays such an important part in 

 modern beekeeping, is built up of four separate pieces 

 of wood in the form of a rectangle, the upper part 

 of the frame, or bar proper, from which the frame is 

 suspended, projects I J inches on either side of the 

 side bars. The frames are sold in "the flat" for con- 

 venience of carriage, and require to be fitted together 

 by the beekeeper. 



The British Beekeepers' Association some years ago 

 adopted a standard size for frames, the use of which 

 has now become almost universal throughout this country. 



The following are the measurements of the com- 

 ponent parts of the standard frame : — 



Top bar, 17 inches long, | inch thick, | inch wide. 



Side bars, 8 „ i „ i „ 



Bottom bar, 14 ,, i » i 



When fitted together these form a frame, the outside 

 measurement of which is 14 inches wide by 8i inches 

 deep, the upper bar projecting i| inches on either side. 

 In the hive these projecting lugs rest upon the metal 

 runners, whereby the frame is prevented from touching 

 either the sides or bottom of the hive. 



The long upper bar is usually furnished with a saw 

 cut, commencing i J inches from either end. This forms 

 a kind of jaw which holds the foundation in position. 



