52 HIVES. 



in marking the top of hives , is just the one to mark 

 these). Next, get out the corner posts, five-eighths 

 of an inch square, and five inches in length ; with a 

 ;iaw, thick enough to fit the glass, cut a channel length- 

 wise on two sides, one-fourth of an inch deep, one- 

 eighth from the corner, for the glass. A small lath 

 nail through each corner of the bottom into the post^ 

 will hold them; it is now ready for the glass — ^^10 X 12 

 is the right size to get-^have them cut through the 

 centre the longest way for the sideSj and they are 

 right, and again the other way, five and five-eighths 

 long for the ends. Thege can now be slipped into the 

 channels of the posts, and the top nailed on like the 

 bottom, and the box is ready. 



GUnJE-COMBS NECESSABY. 



It will be found a great advantage, previous to nail- 

 ing on the top, to stick fast to it some pieces of guide- 

 combs in the direction you wish the bees to work. 

 They are also an inducement for them to commence 

 several days sooner, than if they had to start combs 

 for themselves ;* a piece an inch square will do; it 

 is well to start every comb you want in the box; 

 two inches apart is about the right distance to look 

 well. To make these pieces hold fast, melt one edge 

 by the fire, or candle, or melt some bees- wax, and dip 

 one edge in that, and apply it before cooling ; with a 

 little practice you can make them stick without diffi- 

 culty. For a supply of such combs, save all empty, 



* A line of bees-wax made with a gvdde-plate, or other means, is 

 found to be of but little use. 



