REQUISITES OP A GOOD HIVB. 99 



3. It should afford suitable protection against extremes of 

 heat and cold, sudden changes of temperature, and the in- 

 jurious effects of dampness. 



In Winter, the interior of the hive should be dry, and in 

 Summer, the bees should not be forced to work to disadvan- 

 tage in a pent and almost suffocating heat. 



4. It should allow everything to be done that is necessary 

 in the most extensive management of bees, without incurring 

 any serious risk of exciting their anger. 



5. Not a single unnecessary step or motion ought to be 

 required of a single bee. 



The honey harvest, in most locations, is of short continu- 

 ance ; and all the arrangements of the hive should facilitate, 

 to the utmost, the work of the busy gatherers. Very tall 

 hives, therefore, and all such as compel them to travel with 

 their heavy burdens through densely crowded combs, are 

 very objectionable. The bees in my hive, instead of forcing 

 their way through thick clusters, can easily pass into the 

 surplus honey boxes, not only from any comb in the hive, 

 but without traveling over the combs at all. 



6. It should afford suitable facilities for inspecting, at all 

 times, the condition of the bees. 



If the Apiarian wishes to make a thorough examination of 

 any colony, in a few minutes, all the combs may be taken out 

 and carefully inspected. In this way, its exact condition may 

 always be easily ascertained, and nothing left, eis in the 

 common hives, to mere conjecture. This is an advantage, 

 the importance of which it would be difficult to over esti- 

 mate. 



7. While the hive is of a size adapted to the natural in- 

 stincts of the bee, it should be capable of being readily 

 adjusted to the wants of small colonies. 



