and its Economic Management. 307 



at the sides and covered inside with perforated material, 

 or an additional storey or half-storey can be given under 

 the other before inversion. 



By inverting the combs we not only place their weight 

 upon, instead of depending from their base, but also 

 provide that there is free circulation of air throughout the 

 hive above them ; whereas in the natural position the 

 heated air ascending is unable to escape and tends still 

 further to weaken the foundation of the combs. 



Straw Skeps 



containing stocks should be very carefully treated, when 

 railing a long distance. The skep, after slight smoking is 

 gently turned over on to its crown, a stick, one inch 

 thick, is placed across all the combs, and slightly pressed 

 down. A piece of sacking is tied over the whole, and the 

 skep set with its crown into a common cheese box, or any 

 other receptacle that will keep it from rolling, and all is 

 secured as one parcel with strong string or a cord. Thb 

 stick prevents suffocation by holding the cloth away 

 from the combs, and also prevents the latter from falling 

 to one side. > 



When delivered on Rail, 



or placed in vans, the combs should always travel in a 

 line parallel with the road, so that with any incline, or 

 sudden movement, they are not thrown to one side. 

 When necessary to tier up the hives, place boards between 

 each set.- Plenty of straw is needed to give them an easy 

 motion, but on no account is it to be arranged so that the 

 inverted hives rest directly upon it, though some must be 

 packed between to prevent sliding, or jolting against each 

 other. Place a good layer first upon the floor, spread it 

 out evenly, and then lay boards down ; on these place 



