PROTECTION. 121 



We are now prepared to discuss the question of protec- 

 tion in its relations to the construction of hives. We have 

 seen how it is furnished to the bees in the Polish hives, and 

 in the decayed hollows of trees. If the Apiarian chooses, 

 he can imitate this plan by constructing his hives of very 

 thick plank; but such hives would be clumsy, and with us, 

 expensive. Or he may much more effectually reach the 

 same end, by making his hives double, so as to enclose an 

 air space all around, which may be filled with charcoal, saw 

 dust, or any good non-conductor, to enable the bees to pre- 

 serve with the least waste, their animal heat. Hives may 

 be constructed in this way, which without great expense, 

 may be much better protected than if they were made of the 

 thickest plank. 



The manner in which I make my hives, not only protects 

 the bees against extremes of heat "and cold, but it guards 

 them very effectually, against the injurious and often fatal 

 effects of condensed moisture. By means of my movable 

 frames, the combs are prevented from being attached to the 

 sides, top or bottom of the hive ; they are in fact, suspended 

 in the air. If now the dampness can be prevented from 

 condensing any where, over the bees, so that it may not drip 

 upon the combs, and if it can be easily discharged from the 

 hive wherever it may collect, it cannot, under any circum- 

 stances, seriously annoy them. Such are the arrangements 

 in my hives, that the little moisture which forms in them, is 

 deposited on the sides in preference to any other part of the 

 interior ; just as it is upon the colder walls or windows, 

 rather than the ceiling of a room. But as the combs are 

 kept away from the sides, this moisture cannot annoy the 

 bees, but must fall upon the bottom-board, from whence it 

 can be easily discharged from the hive. Wherever glass is 

 used in the construction of my hives, I prefer to set the 

 11 



