256 MANUAL OF THE APIARY. 



eight inches thick. Above these I would sheet with building 

 paper, fastened by nailing strips two inches deep on top, 

 above which I would ceil with matched boards. I should 

 lath and plaster below the joists. The hives, which are to be 

 kept constantly in this house, may rest on two rows of shelves, 

 one at the floor, the other three feet high, and should be ar- 

 ranged for both top and side storing in the small section 

 frames. Indeed, the hive need only consist of the two rab- 

 beted side-boards (Fig. 30, c), and a division-board with 

 quilt. The entrances of course pass through the wall. An 

 alighting-board, so hinged as to be let down in summer, but 

 tightly closed over the entrance during very severe winter 

 weather, I should think would be very desirable. Between 

 the double windows, which it will be remembered shut closely 

 against rubber, sacks of chaff may be placed in winter, if 

 found necessary to keep the proper temperature. With few 

 colonies this might be very necessary. The adjacent entrances 

 should vary in color, so that young queens would not go 

 estray, when they returned from their "marriage flight." 



ARE THEY DESIRABLE ? 



As yet, I think this question cannot be answered. Some 

 who have tried them, among whom are Messrs. Russell and 

 Heddon, of this State, pronounce against them. Perhaps 

 they have faulty houses, perhaps they have had too brief an ex- 

 perience to judge correctly. Others, among whom are Messrs. 

 A. I. Root, Burch, and Nellis, have tried them, and are loud 

 in their favor. I think these first trials are hardly conclusive, 

 as perfection seldom comes in any system with the first expe- 

 rience. That the early use of these houses has met with so 

 much favor, seems to argue that with more experience, and 

 greater perfection, they may become popular. Yet I would 

 urge people to be slow to adopt these costly houses, as enough 

 will do so to thoroughly test the matter ; when, if they prove 

 a desideratum, all can build ; whereas, if they prove worth- 

 less, we shall not have to regret money squandered, in the 

 adoption of what was of doubtful value. 



THE CASE AS IT NOW STANDS. 



The desirable points as they now appear, are : First. The 

 bees are in condition to winter with no trouble or anxiety. 



