92 THE APIARY. 
that the hives of each alternate row will face the spaces 
of the row in front of it. (See fig. 18). 
The different colored hives or roofs, should be inter- 
spersed, so that no two of the same color come next each 
other. This is particularly important if the hives are 
necessarily placed rather close together. 
DISTANCE BETWEEN HIVES. 
The present improved system of management requires 
that hives should not stand too near each other. There 
should be at least 6 feet between them, and 10 feet would 
be a preferable distance. If hives are set this distance 
apart, queens are less liable to be lost, when returning to 
the hive after meeting the drones. 
The advantage of plenty of room between the hives, 
is also evident when handling a swarm ; its neighbors will 
not be so likely to be interrupted, and when using the 
extractor, it is quite apparent that ample room is essential. 
HIVES SHOULD SET LEVEL. 
In adjusting the pieces of scantling to be used for 
stands (as described in Chap. VI.), it is essential that 
they be perfectly level, at least from side to side. The 
rear end may be slightly higher than the front, if the 
combs run from front torear, and the combs in the boxes 
run in the same direction.* A quantity of gravel. may 
* In this connection, I recall an instance of the occupation of combs in an 
unnatural position, which occurred as follows: I visited an apiary several miles 
from home, for the purpose of fecding, and took with me a number of combs 
containing honey. It being too cold to open the hives, I simply removed the 
packing at the top, and laid the combs flat upon the top of the brood nests, 
placing panels over them, and replacing the packing. Upon visiting the apiary 
two weeks later, after the bees had begun gathering honey from apple blossoms, 
Ifound that several of these combs had been occupied by the queen, there being 
sealed brood upon both the upper and under sides; honey was also stored on 
both sides. The warm position that this comb occupied, was doubtless the 
cause of the occurrence. 
