230 THE bbb-ksbpbr's guidb ; 



it not for its complexity. With this frame there is no danger 

 of the top-bar sagging, which is sure to enlarge the bee-space 

 above and create mischief, and by inverting we secure the firm 

 attachment of the comb to the frame along all its edges, 

 and it helps to force our bees into the sections, simply 

 by inverting the combs. This may not always succeed with 

 the unskillful — some bee-keepers report failure — and it re- 

 quires some time and attention. Figure 97 shows the charac- 

 ter of the reversible frame as made by Mr. Heddon, and which 

 I have found to work the best of any that I have used. As 

 will be seen, the reversible part is a rectangle, pivoted iu the 

 center to the bottom of the short end-bars. These short end- 

 bars at the top come within one-fourth {'4) inch of the side of 

 the hive, and thin a little as they run down, so that the lower 

 end is three-eighths (^) of an inch from the side of the hive. 

 The bottom of the frame, indeed all below the short end-bar, 

 is three-fourths {%) oi an inch from the side of the hive. This 

 makes it easy to put in the frames without crushing the bees. 

 It might be supposed that the bees would build combs between 

 the lower end of the frame and the hive, but I have never seen 

 a case of the kind, and I have used such frames now quite 

 extensively for several years. These frames reverse very 

 easily, and I do not know a single person who has thoroughly 

 tried them, who does not value them highly. Here again let 

 me suggest that in making changes, a few be tried first, and 

 not all till we know we wish them. 



As the use of comb foundation secures straight combs, 

 with no drone-cells, it is very desirable. When this is fastened 

 by merely pressing or sticking it to the top-bar, it is apt to 

 sag and warp, hence it is becoming quite the custom to wire 

 the frames (Fig. 97). This insures perfect safety if we wish to 

 ship our bees, and secures against sagging or bulging of the 

 foundation. If the foundation is put on with the Given press 

 as the foundation is made. No. 36 wire is used ; if pressed on 

 by hand No. 30 wire is better. 



The timber for frame should be thoroughly seasoned, and 

 of the best pine or white wood. Care should be taken that the 

 frame be made so as to hang vertically, when suspended on 



