Cover for Ike Frames. 



135 



When the frames are in the hive there should be a three- 

 eighths inch space between the sides and bottom of the frames, 

 ajad the sides and bottom of the hive. A much wider space 

 would very likely receive the comb, and be troublesome. 

 Frames that fit close in the hive, or that reach to the bottom, 

 are very inconvenient and undesirable. To secure against this, 

 our lumber must be thoroughly seasoned, else when shrinkage 

 takes place our frames may touch the bottom-board. 



Fig. 47. 



The distance between the frames may be one-half of an inch, 

 though a slight variation either way does no harm. Some 

 men, of very precise habits, prefer nails or wire staples in the 

 side of the frames (as already stated, Mr. Jones prolongs the 

 sides and bottom of the frame for the same purpose) at top 

 and bottom, which projectrjust a quarter of an inch, so as to 

 maintain this unvarying distance ; or staples in the bottom of 

 the hive to secure the same end. Mr. Langstroth so arranged 

 his frames, and Mr. Palmer, of Hart, Michigan, whose neat- 

 ness is only surpassed by his success, does the same thing. I 

 have had hives with these extra attachments, but found in them 

 no special advantage. I think we can regulate the distance 

 with the' eye, so as to meet every practical demand, and thus 

 save the expense and trouble which the above attachments cost. 



COVER FOE FRAMES. 



In summer I prefer oil-cloth to cover the frames. This is 

 used with the glazed or enameled side down, and should be 



