96 A MANUAL OF BEE-KEEPING. 



of an inch. The frames may now be placed in position, 

 resting on the zinc slips, and allowing about ^ of an inch 

 between the end frames and the sides of the hive 

 (which may be regulated by similar pins driven 

 there) will be found to fill up the interior, and 

 the hive is complete. But, if thought desirable, 

 a stand may be simply and easily made by 

 taking a piece of quartering (T), 3 by 3 ; cut it 

 as in the dotted lines, and four legs will be pro- 

 duced ; 9 inches of the thin ends should be screwed 

 or nailed (sloping side inwards) on the sides of the 

 hive, which will then stand securely. 



It is desirable that all the wood should be planed 

 on one side and all the edges ; but, of course, if 

 the amateur is clever enough, he may plane his 

 wood both sides, and dovetail it together ; or he 

 may strengthen the joinery by nailing over all the 

 exterior angles, tin plate or zinc strips, and these 

 may be had almost costless from old Australian 

 meat tins. I would strongly recommend that the 

 nails used be the French wire-pins. They may 

 be had of all sizes, are much easier to drive, re- 

 quiring no bradawl, and hold very fast. Now for 

 the expense. If all the materials have to be pur 



chased new, the wood (including legs) and nails will '^' ^ ' 

 cost as nearly as possible ^s., to which must be added is. 

 for the paint. All the wood may be bought planed on one 

 side, which only enhances its cost a mere trifle. Should 

 second-hand materials be used, the cost will be, of 

 course, considerably reduced. The wood should in no 

 case be thinner than I have specified, and the internal 

 measurements should be carefully adhered to. It 

 will also be advisable to drive the principal nails in at 

 various angles, and clench them where possible, in 



