THE EVOLUTION OF THE BEE-HIVE. 219 



of many minds" applies to covers or roofs' of hives as well as to 

 other matters. In the covering for hives we have many patterns : 

 flat roofs, hip roofs, gable end or cottage roofs, skillion roofs, &c. 

 Whatever their name or pattern, they must be water-tight and 

 afford bee space between the top bar of the frame and cover of the 

 hive. Suitable covers for hive will be described further on. 



Perhaps it will be as well, where timber has to be purchased, 

 to bear in mind that a board of inch stuff, 12 feet x 10 inches, 

 will work up into two bodies — i.e., a brood chamber and a full-size 

 super or two half supers; shallow boards, 10 inches wide, are 

 difficult to obtain, unless specially ordered, but 12 feet x 1 foot is 

 a very common measurement, and I strongly advise such a board 

 to be obtained. In the first place, it will allow for shrinkage in 

 seasoning prior to being cut up and put together. The overplus 

 strip that must be cut off comes in grandly for frame-making or 

 for making" cleats for bottom-boards, or flanges for covers. In 

 cutting up the board, it is best to cut off the strip, which will be 

 about l£ inch wide, or a little more, according to the shrinkage; 

 then cut off the four ends in one piece. It will be found more 

 convenient to work out the rabbet in one length than if cut into 

 the four necessary ends. An iron American plough, used by car- 

 penters, is one of the best tools I know of for this purpose. 



If the hives are constructed to allow bee-space between the 

 bottom bar of the frame and the bottom board it will save a lot 

 labour in working out the rebate. If bee-space is left between 

 the top bar of the frame and the cover, then the rebate must be \- 

 inch deep — that is, bee-space and the thickness of the shoulder of 

 the frame; but if it is intended to work the hive with the frames 

 flush to the top of the hive, which is by far the best, then the 

 rebate should only be \ inch deep, or sufficient for the shoulder 

 of the frame to come flush with the top of the hive. In this case 

 the cover must be constructed to allow the required space necessary. 

 If metal is to be used in the rebates, due allowance must be made 

 for their reception. A piece of wood (the thicker the better) 13 

 inches x \% inches, all the angles cut perfectly true, will be found 

 very useful gauge in putting hives together. It should be of some 

 very light material. Iron frame gauges, expressly for working 

 hives correctly, are procurable from houses (Pender, Maitland, 

 Lassetter & Co., A. Hordern & Sons), where bee-keepers' supplies 

 are sold. They are true to measurement, and so constructed that 

 all the angles of the hive must be right angles. 



