18 



Fig. 9. — Arrangement of Hives, 

 (Dots denote entrances to hives, which are all on one side.) 



Keeping the Hives free fi?om Grass. 



Long grass and weeds immediately around the hives not only 

 look unsightly, but also form shelter for insects which find their way 

 into these in cold weather. Woodlice are disgusting insects which 

 may often be found in neglected hives in winter by thousands ; but 

 by keeping the hives clear of all growth, and changing the mats 

 occasionally, neither these nor other insects wiU be troublesome. 



In no case should hives be placed directly on the ground, or the 

 bottom-boards will soon rot and have to be replaced. The hives 

 should stand sufficiently high above the ground to avoid dampness, 

 and it is an excellent plan to stand them on four half-bricks placed 

 one at each corner of the bottom-board. 



Should the apiary be in a permanent situation no better plan 

 can be followed than to provide concrete hive-stands. These stands 

 have been used in New Zealand for quite a number of years, and 

 have saved the users a great deal of labour by preventing the growth 

 of weeds and by affording protection against insect-life. They are 

 expensive to lay down in the first place, but, being permanent, will 

 remain in position indefinitely. If concrete stands are adopted they 

 should extend a few inches in front of the alighting-boards, so as to 

 prevent vegetation from growing too close to the entrances of the 

 hives. In all cases the hives should have a slight cant towards the 

 entrances, in order to permit of the water leaving the bottom-boards 

 readily. The presence of moisture will lead to much loss to the bee- 

 keeper, besides causing the hives to become sour and foul-smeUing. 



Shade. 



Many amateur beekeepers imagine that hives containing bees need 

 shading, and forthwith place them under trees in dense shade. No 

 greater mistake could be made in bee-culture. Bees love sunshine, 

 and they should be in the open where they can get all the benefit 

 of the sun, summer and winter. Though the shade of fruit-trees — 

 being deciduous — might not be objectionable, there is no need for 

 it. The hives, if painted white or a light colour, and the \-entilation 



