152 A Modern Bee Farm 



inserted for the lower corners of the sections to rest upon. 

 In the Conqueror Hive, the space below the stock pre- 

 vents that over- crowding which induces the building of 

 brace combs in old-style hives. 



SECTIONS. 



The one-piece sections wherein the new comb-honey is 

 built are made in two forms, either with a bee space at 

 top and bottom, or such spaces on all sides. In the 

 latter case it is proposed to give free communication 

 throughout the entire crate instead of through each row 

 of sections only. The advantages of intercommunication 

 are doubtful, while the section of comb is certainly more 

 difficult to handle, does not look so neat, and cannot be so 

 conveniently packed for market as the old style. 



The widths in general use are — 2 inches to be used 

 with separators, or if inches without; each 4;^ inches by 

 4I inches, to hold i lb. of honey. Sections to hold 2 lbs. 

 are not in demand, but those to contain about one-half 

 pound may generally be disposed of; these should be i^- 

 inches through, 4^ inches deep, and barely 3 inches wide. 



A deeper and narrower section 5 -inch by 4-inch is now 

 used to some extent. Its advantages being that the 

 purchaser is made to think he has more for his money. 

 Thin combs are sealed more quickly, but a total change 

 of furniture is a serious matter to most bee-men. 



Folding Sections. 



By making a block to fit the inside of a section, fasten- 

 ing it horizontally to a table, the operation of folding is 

 carried through at a rapid rate, and one can always be 

 certain of them coming true to square. With a lever 

 and cramp motion to take the strain at two opposite 

 corners, the tenons may be locked together as fast as the 



