MOVABLE-FRAME HIVES. 145 
‘The question of the mobility of the ceiling was discussed at 
length at the Bee-keepers’ Meeting held in Milan, Italy, in 
September 1885. Mr. Cowan and I were unable to conceal from the 
Italian bee-keepers our wonder that it was not solved for them, 
as it has been, for a long time, in the countries of large produc- 
tion. 
““We can predict, and without any fear of mistake, that the 
principles on which the Langstroth hive is based will be ad- 
mitted sooner or later by the most progressive bee-keepers of 
the world.’’—(Ed. Bertrand.) . 
294. The introduction of the Langstroth hive in Italy, 
and especially in Germany, has been hindered, so far, by 
the premature adoption of a standard frame, which ‘‘ shuts 
the door to progress.’’—(Ed. Bertrand.) 
295. The success of American bee-culture, in the last 
twenty years, was first attributed, by European bee-keepers, 
to the honey-producing power of the country ; but the most 
intelligent Apiarists, who have tried the American methods, 
with the Langstroth hive, now recognize that success is 
principally due to the manipulations that it permits. 
296. Nay, if the student will but refer to the former re- 
vision of this very book (1859), the first words of it will 
snow him the progress accomplished since then: 
‘Practical bee-keeping in this country is in a very de- 
pressed condition, being entirely neglected by the mass of 
those most favorably situated forits pursuit. Notwithstand- 
ing the numerous hives which have been introduced, the 
ravages of the bee-moth have increased, and success is becom- 
ing more and more precarious. While multitudes have 
abandoned the pursuit in disgust, many even of the most 
experienced are beginning to suspect that all the so-called 
‘Improved Hives’ are delusions or impostures; and that 
they must return to the simple box or hollow log, and ‘ take 
up’ their bees with sulphur in the old-fashioned way.”’ 
297. Mr. Gravenhorst, also a German, invented a mov- 
able-frame hive made of straw. We give acut of his hive 
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