THE BEGINNER IN BEE CULTURE. 



The Bolton Hive. 



This hive is lately being used to some extent in New South Wales, and 

 there is no doubt that it is convenient in some ways ; the chief of its 

 advantages is that all parts are 

 interchangeable. The* end bars 

 of the Bolton frames are the 

 same size from the top bar to the 

 bottom, and the frames can be 

 made firm with the aid of a 

 screw, and the body inverted 

 when desired. My reason for 

 not advocating this hive at the 

 present time is that the method 

 of manufacture allows double- 

 spacing between the frames, the 

 disadvantages of which have been 

 mentioned in the paragraph on 

 the home-made hive. In my 

 opinion, to get the best from 

 this design, there should only be 

 half bee space at the top and 

 bottom of each body, which would make correct spacing even if the bodies 

 were inverted. If this hive were so constructed as to overcome the difficulty 

 mentioned, it could be advocated for extensive use. 



Fig. 2. — A Bolton Hive. 



Cover, Bottom Board and Frames. 



A flat cover (redwood) or the Beulme cover is rPcommendfHl wlien 

 purchasing from the factor}', and for a bottom board a solid redwond boaid 

 is preferable. 



Root Hoffman self-spacing frames are manufactured in two classes — the 

 " wedge and groove " and the " moulded comb guiJo " The former have two 

 grooves in the top bar, the centre or larger groove being- for placing comb 

 foundation upoiijand the adjoining groove for a wedge. The moulded comb 

 guide frame has a solid top bar with a convenient ledge on which to place the 

 foundation. This frame is generally preferred for reasons of convenience in 

 nailing and cleaning if the combs are cut out, and there is also less harbour 

 for wax moth larvse. 



Shallow extracting frames are made with a plain top bar. The end-bars 

 of the frames should be fitted as illustrated in Fig. 3, so that the V-edge will 

 come in contact with the square, and manipulation will not alter the position. 

 To adjust the frames correctly, first take the top-bar and hold it 

 perpendicularly with the back toward you and one end on the bench ; next 

 place a side-bar V^-edge to the left and nail. Now invert the frame (its 

 back still toward you), place the other end-bar V-edge to the left again, and 

 nail. Put the bottom bar on, and keep the frame as a guide. If you 

 desire to nail others it will be found useful to place the two together and 

 nail the bottom bar first. 



