COVEES FOE HIVES. 65 



CHAPTER XYI. 



COVEES FOR HIVES. 



In summer as well as winter Hves require protection. If 

 not shaded from the summer sun, their combs are likely 

 to become softened at their fastenings, and drop down in 

 confused masses. And it is well when not a drop of rain 

 can touch hives either in winter or summer. Of course, 

 rains in summer that touch hives do less harm than those 

 of winter, inasmuch as the wetted parts are sooner dried > 

 in hot weather. It may be stated as an axiom, that per- 

 fect protection of hives, from both sun and rain, should 

 be aimed at in covering them. 



Milk-pans are often used by cottagers in many parts. 

 With small hives they answer in summer, but are a most 

 unsuitable protection in winter. . Eor cheapness and con- 

 venience, anything at hand that will shed the rain off 

 hives is made use of. Three or four cabbage - blades 

 placed on a hive, and held there by a stone, are sometimes 

 used till something better turn up. We now use felt 

 (sold at one penny per foot) largely as a covering for our 

 hives. It is impervious to water, and very durable ; 

 indeed we cannot say how long it will last. The covers of 

 felt that we got eight years ago have been in constant use, 

 and are still as good as ever they were, and apparently 

 will last for an indefinite length of time. These felt covers 

 suit also in this respect, that they are light, soft, and pli- 

 able. When we remove our hives to better pasture or to the 

 moors, the felt covers, being easily carried, go with them. 



The felt, when first bought, is stiff and hard, but can be 

 made as soft as liannel by holding it before the fire for a 

 minute or two. When warm and soft it should be fitted 

 on the hives. It becomes softer every year. It is rather 



