176 SUMMER. 



made before tlie bees are put in, guide-combs as di- 

 rected for boxes should be put in ; (of course tbey 

 sboiild cross at right angles the row of holes). 



, DIEKCTIONS FOR BORING HOLES IN FULL STOCKS. 



To make holes in the top after the combs are made. — . 

 Mark out the top as directed for making hives and 

 boxes. A centre bit or an auger bit witk a lip or 

 barb is best, as that cuts down a little faster than the 

 chip is taken out, leaving it smooth ; when nearly 

 through, a pointed knife can cut the remainder of the 

 chip loose, and it can be taken out ; if it is between the 

 combs, it is well ; if directly over the centre of one, it 

 is a little better ; with the knife take out a piece as 

 large as a walnut ; even if honey is in it, no harm will 

 be done. The bees will then have a passage through 

 from either side of the comb. 



After you have opened one hole, very likely the 

 bees will want to see what is going on over head, and 

 walk out to reconnoitre. To prevent their interfer- 

 ence, use some tobacco-smoke, and send them down 

 out of your way, till your hole is finished. Now lay 

 over this a small stone or block of wood, and make 

 the others in the same way. When all are done, blow 

 in some smoke as you uncover them, and put on your 

 box. This process is not half so formidable as it ap- 

 pears ; I have in this way bored hundreds. You will 

 remember my hives are not as high as many others 

 keep them, they are in about as convenient a position 

 as I can get them. This method saves me the trouble 

 of sticking the guide-combs in my hives; also, the ne- 



