GETTING STARTED WITH BEES 97 



months. A natural windbreak is much more 

 serviceable in breaking the winds than a tight 

 board fence or a building. 



Partial shade is to be preferred to open 

 sunshine, at least for the comfort of the bee- 

 keeper. While many apiaries placed in the 

 blazing sun seem to give as good results as 

 those in shade, the shaded situation, if not too 

 dense, is to be preferred. Bees will not do as 

 well in a situation where there is too much 

 shade. Hives left in the open sun should be 

 shaded with boards. 



Keeping Down Weeds and Grass. — 

 Some provision should be made for keeping the 

 entrance of the hive free from grass and weeds. 

 One often sees the hives surrounded with such 

 a dense growth that the bees coming in with 

 their loads can reach the hive with difficulty. 

 Many heavily laden bees will be lost under such 

 circumstances. Hives should be so placed that 

 when a bee drops to the ground in front she can 



