126 AUSTRALASIAN 



uprights, The two parts of the framework are held parallel 

 to each other six inches apart by two spreaders eight inches 

 long of 6in. by lin. stuff let in flush in the upper horizontal 

 pieces between the uprights, as shown in engraving; these 

 spreaders form part of the platform. Similar spreaders can 

 be nailed across the lower horizontal pieces. Two |in. iron 

 bolts run through the double part of horizontal and upright 

 pieces with a nut and screw hold all firmly together. The 

 uprights and horizontal pieces should be exactly at right 

 angles to each other. If made correctly, when the frame is 

 standing erect, the platform formed by the 4in. by 3in. pieces 

 should be exactly the width of a hive (16in.) below the upper 

 end of uprights. 



The next things required are the two jaws, one stationary 

 and the other movable. To make the stationary jaw, one pair 

 of the uprights is made use of. To these are screwed two 

 pieces of l^in. square, one at the top and one close down to 

 the platform. If thought necessary a stay may extend from 

 the back of each upright to the ends of the horizontal pieces. 

 For the movable jaw a piece of 9in. by 2in. sixteen inches long 

 is required. A carpenter's wooden bench screw is made to 

 work between the other pair of uprights by fastening the 

 screw-block between them. The end of the screw is now 

 fastened to the movable jaw in the usual manner. To steady 

 the jaw when screwing up, a short piece of inch board is 

 nailed on the bottom of it, which slides between fillets nailed on 

 each horizontal piece ; this forms the cramp. When working 

 it, one side of the hive is planed on the platform between the 

 jaws; the two ends are then put in their proper position, 

 and the remaining side ; we have now only to give the screw 

 a turn and all the parts of the hive are cramped together close 

 and held firm and square while nailing them. When one side 

 is nailed the screw is loosened, the hive turned over, and the 

 other side is nailed in the same manner. The cramp is also 

 useful for putting the ends and sides of the covers together, 

 and for many other purposes; in fact it is one of the most 

 convenient appliances a bee-keeper can have in his workshop. 

 It is easily constructed, and if made by a carpenter should not 

 cost more than 30s. 



A simple form of cramp may be made of timber 2in. 

 square. Cut two pieces 24£in. long and two pieces 20£in. 



