174 THE BEE-HIVES. 



The enamel-cloth is removed before Winter (635), and 

 the mat placed immediately over the frames. A good mat 

 will last as long as the hive. 



^Xe have used these mats for forty years and would not 

 think of getting along without them. 



354. The upper stciy or cover may be a half-story cap, 

 in ■ ne piece (flg. 72), or in two pieces (fig. 74), or, if only 

 full stories are used for surplus, it may be a shallow cover, 



Fig. 83. 



DOVETAILED OE LOCK COKNEE HIVE. 



which will fit over either the first or the second story. "\Ve 

 prefer the half-story cap, which can be readily filled with 

 absorbents for Winter, and is adapted to any stj'le of supers.* 

 355. The caps must fit freely so as to be easily removed. 

 They may be made of lighter lumber than the body of the 

 hive, to save fatigue to the Apiarist in handling them. The 

 top of the hive must be water-tight. Cracks, knots and 

 seams should be avoided, or should be thoroughly painted 



* This term is used by Apiarists to designate any upper box placed 

 ever ttie main lower hive. 



