40 BEEKEEPING 



dead air space for insulation against both 

 heat and cold at the top of the hive and it 

 also prevents the bees from sticking down 

 the main cover as they are very much in- 

 clined to do. 



Perhaps I should at this time say just 

 a few words as to the proper placing of 

 the hives in an apiary. In every case 

 they should be set up off the ground a few 

 inches. Two six-by-six timbers provide 

 an almost ideal rest for a beehive, but any 

 other support which will keep the hive it- 

 self from direct contact with the soil wUl 

 answer the purpose. Also, the back of 

 the hive should be a trifle higher than 

 the front so as to allow any moisture that 

 might collect on the floor to run out at 

 the entrance. 



The hives should be placed in such a way 

 that they have some shade during the hot- 

 test part of the day. Some beekeepers 

 prefer a location in the edge of a grove 

 for this reason. Others plant grape- 

 vines in front of the hive or use some 



