104 AUSTRALASIAN 



between those in the row either before or behind it, as shown 

 in Fig. 35. 



For the same reasons which recommend this arrangement as 

 to plan, it is v.ery convenient, if the ground slopes gently — but 

 very gently, so that a barrow or light carriage can be easily 

 wheeled to any part — from rear to front, in order that each 

 successive row may be a little above the level of that in front 

 of it, something like the seats in a theatre. If space and the 

 natural formation of the ground admit it may also be found a 

 very convenient plan to arrange the hives in three or four long 

 and curved lines, so as to form something of a horse-shoe shape, 

 having the extracting house, etc., in the centre, with a wing of 

 the apiary on each side, instead of being placed in a compact 

 square with so many rows one behind the other as that 

 arrangement requires. A great number of hives placed in this 

 latter form, with the geometrical precision of the squares on a 

 chess-board, present probably the greatest difficulties to both 

 bees and bee-keeper in finding the position of any one particular 

 hive, while the longer lines, with not more than three or four 

 rows to choose between, and perhaps with occasional breaks 

 or gaps in the line, can be made to offer a variety of land- 

 marks which will easily impress themselves upon that sense, 

 whatever it may be, of the bee which guides it in seeking its hive; 

 and also on the mind of the bee-keeper, who if he devotes 

 full attention to his business, will generally have something to 

 remember about most of the hives individually, and should have 

 a pretty clear idea in his head as to where each is to be found. 



When placing the hives in position, the bottom boards have 

 first to be put down firmly, perfectly level from side to side, 

 but with one inch of dip from the back to the front. The 

 stands, as fully described in the next chapter, are nailed to the 

 bottom boards and keep them a sufficient height off the ground 

 to avoid dampness. As the bottom boards are laid, the hives 

 can be placed upon them ready for use, the entrances being 

 closed until they may be required. 



EXTRACTING HOUSE AND HONEY STOKE. 



The extracting house should, as I have already said, be 

 nearly in the centre of the apiary, so as to make the average 

 distance from the hives to it the least possible. If the same 



