AUSTRALASIAN BEE MANUAL 



41 



them supplied with water, and that they are cleaned 

 out frequently. Bees often become a nuisance by con- 

 gregating around cattle troughs and domestic supplies, 

 hence the reason for having water in or close to the 

 apiary. 



ARRANGEMENT OF THE APIARY. 



In the first place, the hives should stand out in the 

 open clear of all trees, tall hedges, fences, and buildings. 

 If the hives are properly constructed, as explained in 

 the next chapter, and painted a light colour, they should 

 stand on the ground, and will not need any kind of 



Fig. 16 — -GOVERNMENT APIARY. 



shade. It is a mistake even to put them among fruit 

 trees ; they should be clear of everything that will tend 

 to impede rapid work. Hives are sometimes placed 

 under ever-green trees, in dense shade, when, after a 

 time, the occupants become exceedingly vicious, and 

 are difficult to handle. Such hives are likely to become 

 damp inside in winter, and the-combs mouldy. 



I have no hesitation whatever in saying that the best 

 and most convenient arrangement of hives in an apiary 

 is singly, and in straight rows. Some bee-keepers, but 



