I20 THE BOOK OF THE HONEY BEE 



SECTIONAL SUPER FOR 3KEP 



desirous of replacing his straw skeps with the up-to-date 

 appliances of modern beekeeping is one of £ s. d., the 

 expenditure of thirty or even fifteen shillings in one lump 

 sum in the purchase of appliances being well nigh out 

 of the question. 



To overcome this difficulty it is suggested that the 

 transition from ancient to modern bee culture might be 

 undertaken gradually. As a 

 first step, one or more supers 

 for skeps might be purchased. 

 These cost 3s. 6d. and contain 

 fifteen I lb. sections each. 

 The bottom of the crate is 

 covered with a board in the 

 centre of which is a round 

 hole fitted with queen - ex- 

 cluder zinc. 



If there is no hole in the 

 top of the skep one should be cut by means of a sharp 

 knife of the-same size as the hole in the crate. A little 

 clay or mortar should be placed around this hole and 

 the crate pressed down firmly, taking care that it be 

 perfectly level. On each side of the crate a chain 

 with a wire pin is fixed. These pins being pushed 

 into the sides of the skep prevent the super being 

 blown off. The whole is covered with a span roof, 

 this again being secured by means of pins back and 

 front. 



Here then the cottager by a moderate expenditure 

 enhances considerably the value of his honey, and the 

 increased profits so gained should help him to advance 

 another stage by purchasing a bar-frame hive. A really 

 good hive may be had for the modest sum of eight 

 shillings and sixpence. Having purchased one hive, 

 he might, if at all handy, use it as a pattern for making 

 others of his own. As an instance of what can be done 



