174 



THE BEE-HIVES. 



The enamel-cloth is removed before Winter (635), and 

 th? mat placed immediately over the frames. A good mat 

 will last as long as the hive. 



We have used these mats for forty years and would not 

 think of getting along without them. 



35 l. The upper story or cover may be a half -story cap, 

 in one piece (fig. 72), or in two pieces (fig. 74), or, if only 

 full stories are used for surplus, it may be a shallow cover, 



Fig. S3. 

 DOVETAILED On LOCK COL.VER HIVE. 



which M'ill fit over either the flrst or the second storjr. We 

 prefer the tialf-story cap, which can be readily Hlled with 

 absorbents for AA'inter, and is adapted to anj' st^-le of supers.* 

 355. The caps must lit freely so as to be easily removed. 

 They may be made of lighter lumber than the body of the 

 hive, to sa\'e fatigue to (he Apiarist in handling them. The 

 top of the hive must be water-tight. Cracks, knots ami 

 seams should be avoided, or should be thoroughly painted 



* This term is user! by .Apiarists to designate any upper box placed 

 over the main lower bive. 



