172 FITTINGS AND APPARATUS. [Ch. l-v. 



on the grassplot. It is painted green ; the iron rods are 

 of such a length as to support 

 the roof at a convenient height 

 from the ground. 



Our next figure is that of a 

 simple and inexpensive cover- 

 ■ ing for any cottage straw hive 

 when exposed in the garden. 

 It fits close on to the upper 

 hive, coming sufficiently low 

 to protect it from sun and rain, 

 without obscuring the whole 

 hive. 



These covers are painted green — a colour that is gene- 

 rally preferred. 



§ III. WOOD COVER.S. 



A loose outer case completely enveloping the hive is 

 found very useful. Such covers are made in various 

 forms, some to drop over the hive in detached portions, 

 some in a single piece, and others hinged ; some, as we 

 saw in the last chapter (§§ xii., xiii., xiv.), constitute a 

 part of the hive itself. Ample rotjm must be allowed 

 for opening these, both at the side and behind, remem- 

 bering that from the latter position all operations must 

 be conducted. The cover and stand will require paint- 

 ing, or else staining and varnishing, which looks perhaps 

 better ; the hive itself, if not exposed to the weather, will 

 not need this. When removing or replacing the covers, 



