HIVES. 75 



hives are much improved and their durability increased 

 by encircling their bases with a flat wooden hoop 2 or 

 2\ Inches broad. The hive known as the " Pettigrew 

 Hive " is nothing more than a large flat-topped skep. 

 There are three sizes, viz., 16-inch, i8-lnch, and 20- 

 inch in diameter, that la their width inside measure, and 

 12 or 14 inches deep. When well filled they weigh 

 respectively 60 pounds, 100 pounds, and 130 pounds. 

 They are made in Ayrshire of wheaten straw, neatly and 

 firmly built. These hives are largely used in the North 

 of England and in Scotland ; and Mr. Pettigrew quotes 

 instances where the Bees have in them gathered as 

 much as 164 pounds gross weight of contents. When 

 using such large skeps the Bees cannot be expected 

 to store any honey in supers, and in a great measure the 

 quahty of the honey is sacrificed without any adequate 

 benefit. The combs in the main hive must of necessity 

 become soiled from the labours of the immense popula- 

 tion ; while, had half the store been gathered in supers, 

 this half would be worth as much as double the quantity 

 from the breeding hive. To those who determine on 

 the use of straw skeps I would recommend the pattern 

 of Fig. 5, of about 14 inches in diameter by 8 inches deep, 

 inside measure. These will be found a very manageable 

 size, admitting the use of a super when required. For 

 exceptionally good localities larger hives may be used. 

 It is highly important that the material of which they 

 are made should be good sound straw, and the bands of 

 adequate thickness ; for on this, be it remembered, de- 

 pends in a great measure the well-doing of the stock. 

 Each hive will require a sound wooden floor-board — if 

 i^ or 2 inches thick, so much the better. In country 

 districts these are well and economically cut out of the 

 boll of a felled tree. It should be at least i inch greater 



