114 AUSTRALASIAN 



the dimensions of the frames, it is usual to speak of the latter 

 only when comparing different hives. Now the principal 

 frames — modifications of the "Langstroth," which is 17|in. 

 by 9Jin. — are known by the following names : — The Quinby, 

 18 Jin. by ll^in. ; the American, 12in. by 12in. ; the British 

 Standard, 14in. by 8 Jin. : and the Gallup, ll|in. by ll|in. 

 All these are the outside measurements of the frames. There 

 are a few other sizes used, but the foregoing are the principal 

 ones. All these frames have their advocates, but it has 

 been frequently asserted, and I believe with truth, that there 

 are more of the original Langstroth size in use than of all 

 the others put together. The general opinion of late years 

 has been in favour of a shallow frame, of medium length, as 

 being best for the storage of surplus honey and most convenient 

 and handy for manipulation. Of the frames mentioned 

 above, two answer this description, viz., the "British Standard " 

 and the "Langstroth." For several reasons I consider the 

 latter preferable. 



To give a detailed description of each of the hives enumerated 

 above would occupy too much space, and I feel convinced that 

 it could only serve to confuse beginners, who require at the 

 start not so much to know the particulars of all hives as to be 

 guided in the selection of the best. It would be impossible in 

 a work of this kind to enter into the details of all the different 

 hives and systems of management without extending it to an 

 unreasonable length, nor do I consider it either necessary or 

 desirable for the reason already given. I shall therefore, with 

 only occasional reference to other appliances and systems, and 

 without dogmatically condemning any, confine myself as much 

 as possible to describing and recommending such as I have 

 found by experience to be the best. 



THE LANGSTROTH HIVE. 



This hive, which has now stood the test of thirty years' trial, 

 is more in favour to-day than at any previous time. In 1851 

 Mr. Langstroth gave it to the world, and, as Professor Cook 

 says, " it left the hands of the great master in so perfect a form 

 that even the details remain unchanged by many of our first 

 bee-keepers." 



Early in 1878 it was my good fortune tp become acquainted 

 with this particular hive. For years, previous to that time I 



