REQUISITES OP A GOOD HIVE. 105 



34. It should admit of the easy removal of good honey 

 from the main hive, that its place may be supplied by the 

 bees with an inferior article. 



In districts where buckwheat is raised, the bees will rapid- 

 ly fill any vacancies made by removing the choice honey 

 from the hive". 



35. It should allow, when quantity not quality is the 

 object, the largest amount of honey to be gathered ; so that 

 the surplus of strong conlonies may, in the Fall, be given to 

 those which have not a sufficient supply. 



By surmounting my hive with a box of the same dimen- 

 sions, and transferring the combs to this box, the bees, when 

 they commence building, will descend and fill the lower 

 frames, gradually using the upper box, as the brood is hatch- 

 ed out, for storing honey. In this way, the largest possible 

 yield of honey may be secured, as bees prefer to con- 

 tinue their work below, rather than above the main hive, and 

 will very seldom swarm, when allowed ample and seasona- 

 ble room in this direction. The combs in the upper box, 

 containing a large amount of bee-bread, and being of a size 

 adapted to the breeding of workers, will be all the better for 

 aiding weak colonies. 



36. It should compel, when desired, the force of the 

 colony to be mainly directed to raising young bees; so that 

 brood may be on hand to form new colonies, and strengthen 

 feeble stocks. 



37. It ought, while well protected from the weather, to be 

 so constructed, that in warm, sunny days in early Spring, 

 the influence of the sun may be allowed to penetrate and 

 warm up the hive, so as to encourage early breeding. 



38. The hive should be equally well adapted to be used 

 as a swarmer, or non-swarmer. 



In my hives, bees may be allowed, if their owner Ghooses, 



