116 HIVES AND BOXES. 
second, it must in form and convenience meet the de- 
mands of the dealer; and, third, that it present an at- 
tractive appearance to the consumer. As there are many 
forms equally practical for the producer, it remains to 
inquire what the market demands. This question will 
be answered variously in different markets. 
In New York City, all styles can be sold, from the large 
wooden box on which tare is allowed, to the dainty one- 
comb section box now becoming so popular. If a home 
trade, or local market is to be consulted, a very different 
box, may, in most cases, be used. Every bee-keeper will 
decide these questions according to the demand. What- 
ever the form designed for the grocery trade, it must be 
one that can be handled without bruising the combs, or 
injuring the capping, rendering it untidy, and soiling 
everything with which it comes in contact. The honey 
trade has already been much injured by the use of an un- 
suitable box. 
SECTION-FRAMES OBJECTIONABLE. 
For the past few years, section-frames as used by 
several leading bee-keepers, have been sold largely 
through the Mohawk Valley. I have watched the re- 
sult with much interest. These frames, holding about 
a pound and a half each, are arranged side by side in 
rows of 8 or 10, with a glass at the two outer sides. 
There being no separators between them, the combs are 
not built true in each frame, but are often attached at 
the edges to the different frames. In handling and de- 
livering them, the sides are necessarily exposed, and 
easily bruised ; and in retailing, the sections are broken 
apart, which frequently involves breaking the cells, even 
when the combs are straight, thus presenting some very 
objectionable features to the dealer and consumer. 
I have seen honey offered for sale in this shape, when it 
was necessary to set the frames in a shallow dish to catch 
