mvES. 61 



contrary the year following. A queen belonging to a 

 small swarm is capable of depositing as many egg^ as one 

 belonging to a very large colony. A small colony which 

 is able to get through the winter and spring, may be ex- 

 pected to be as large as any, another season. 



DniECTIONS FOn MAKING BOX HIVES. 



Select one-inch boards of the proper width to make the 

 hive about square, of the desired size, say 12 inches square 

 inside, by 14^ deep. I prefer this shape for the box hive, 

 but it is not all-important. I have had some 10 inches 

 square, by 20 in length ; they were awkward looking, but 

 I could not discover any difference in the prosperity of their 

 occupants. I have also had them 12 inches deep by 13 

 square, with the same result. A neighbor has used them 

 12x 18, and 10 inches deep, with much satisfaction. One- 

 third more room could be obtained for boxes, with this 

 shape. In seasons when no swarm issues, the great 

 number of bees present would thus find employment. If 

 we avoid extremes, and give the required room, the form 

 can make but little difference. It has been advised to 

 plane the boards for hives, " inside and out," but bees 

 when first put in such a hive, experience much difficulty 

 in holding fast until they get their combs started, hence 

 this trouble is worse than useless. When hives are not 

 painted, the grain of the wood should never run crosswise, 

 having the width of the boards fonn the height ; not that 

 the bees would have a dislike to this, but nails will not hold 

 firmly, and wiU draw out in a few years. The size, form, 

 materials, and manner of putting together, are now, I 

 think, sufficiently understood. Sticks half an inch in diam- 

 eter should cross each way through the centre, to help 

 support the combs. A hole about an inch in diameter in 

 the front side, halfway to the top, is a great convenience 

 to the bees coming home heavy lad^n. It is also essential 



