114 HIVES AND BOXES. 
apart to set over each end of the hive. The lumber 
should be '/, in. thick. 
The second form may be made of ’/, in. boards, fig. 39. 
In putting roofs together wherever one piece joins an- 
other, they should be first painted, and when finished, 
should receive a good coat of paint, and as often after as 
may be needed. 
PAINTING HIVES. 
The principal reason why hives should be painted is, 
that it gives a cheerful and tidy appearance to the apiary. 
If hives are well painted it should induce those who are 
operating with them to handle them with more care. 
Paint will also assist in preserving hives when exposed to 
the weather. Nevertheless, painting has its manifest dis- 
advantages. I have always kept both painted and un- 
painted hives in my apiary, and am fully convinced that 
the closing of the pores of the wood is frequently very 
detrimental. Iam of the opinion that the rays of the 
sun are not so readily absorbed, and that moisture is re- 
tained, which, without paint, will pass off through the 
pores of the wood, leaving the interior of the hive in a 
much more wholesome condition. 
In this as in all kindred matters the bee-keeper must 
make his own experiments, and form his own conclusions. 
There is less objection to painting the standing-frame 
hive than some others, as the case or top may at any time 
be removed without disturbing the brood-nest, and the 
inside thoroughly warmed and dried ; also from the con- 
struction of the case there is a better opportunity for the 
moisture to escape, than where the parts are firmly nailed 
together. Hives should always be painted as long before 
using as possible, to free them from any odor, objection- 
able to the bees, and they should be in light colors. 
Tn view of the frequent exchange of hives in the same 
apiary, I would suggest that they be painted of some uni- 
