THE HIVE 31 



inch. The larger opening is provided 

 during hot weather and during a period 

 when the bees are gathering large quanti- 

 ties of nectar from the flowers. At such 

 times the activity within the hive is so 

 great that the bees would pile up at the 

 entrance in their hurry to get in and out 

 unless plenty of room is allowed. The 

 smaller opening is used in winter and in 

 summer if the supply of nectar runs low. 

 It is also used in the case of weak colonies 

 which might be subject to the attack of 

 robber bees from other colonies. Usually, 

 too, a removable cleat is provided by the 

 use of which the bee entrance can be still 

 further contracted during any emergency. 

 The hive body is the real works of the 

 whole apiary. It is here that the bee 

 makes its home and it is absolutely neces- 

 sary that the beekeeper be able to ascer- 

 tain at all times just what his insect work- 

 ers are doing. 



The walls of the hive body may vary 

 considerably. They may be of a single 



