HIVES AND BOXES. 115 
form shade; and the desired variation in color, which 
assists the bee in identifying the spot can be secured by 
different colored roofs, which need not be changed. 
ACCURACY ESSENTIAL, 
In concluding this topic, let me urge that whatever the 
form of hive to be used, they be most thoroughly made. 
It will be noticed that in the dimensions of the New 
Quinby hive, figures are given as closely as ‘/,, inch. At 
first thought, these may seem too minute points for the 
average bee-keeper to observe. But let me say that this 
may prove the initial lesson in the necessity for attention 
to minor details, for it is unquestionable that success in 
bee-keeping depends upon habits of careful attention to 
little things. Begin then with thoroughly, and accurately 
made hives. All hives in the same apiary should be pre- 
cisely alike, so that all parts.are interchangeable. One of 
the preéminent merits of the movable-comb hive, is in 
this facility for exchanging combs of honey and brood, 
for the purpose of equalizing strong and weak colonies. 
The most extensive apiarian of this country, J. E, 
Hetherington, is using 850 of the New Quinby hives, and 
all are manufactured with admirable accuracy. It is not 
strange that with this disposition and ability for perfect 
mechanical work in the construction of his hives and 
innumerable fixtures, he should reap noticeable success 
in his favorite pursuit. 
Reliable dealers will often furnish bee-hive materials, 
accurately cut, at much lower rates than a person with 
less mechanical facilities can prepare them for himself. 
HONEY BOXES. 
Three important considerations are apparent in deter- 
mining the kind of box to be used. First, that it ie 
sufficiently practical to mect the wants of the bee-kceper ; 
