2,6 THE BOOK OF THE HONEY BEE 



in a comparatively short time by means of this frame 

 block. 



The two sides (grooved faces looking inwards) are 

 placed in the channel between A and D, one on either 

 side ; the wedge is next inserted in E, and a tap with a 

 mallet on the wedge makes all secure. Now place the 

 top bar in position by dropping it between BB, and nail 

 together, using one inch oval wire brads. Use one nail 

 only at either end, so that one half of the top bar will 

 come clean away when split in two for the purpose of 

 fixing the sheet of foundation. Next nail on the 

 bottom bar, using two nails at either end, and knock out 

 the wedge when the completed frame can be readily 

 withdrawn from the block. 



The dimensions of the frame-making block here 

 given are such as to admit of its use both for standard 

 and shallow frames. These latter differ from the 

 standard frames in depth only, the former being 8| 

 inches deep, whilst the latter are 5i inches in depth. 



Division or Dummy Boards. — These are used for con- 

 tracting the hive when less than the full complement of 

 frames is used, and are really curtains of wood hung 

 inside the hive from bars of the same thickness and 

 length as the top bar of the standard frame, viz. | of an 

 inch thick and 1 7 inches long. If the dummy be made 

 of |-inch board, the width of the upper bar will be 

 l^-inch also. No metal ends are needed, the board 

 being pushed close up in contact with the metal end 

 of the last frame in the hive. When more frames are 

 required, the dummy is pushed backwards and fresh 

 frames are inserted, until the division board is finally 

 withdrawn to make room for the tenth or last frame. 



In making division boards (the dimensions of which 

 should be such that they readily slide in and out of the 

 hive), take care to nail cross pieces at each end, so as to 

 prevent warping. 



