The Biiiqham Hive. 139 



tacked by the same nails that fasten the end-bars to the top 

 and bottom-bai-s. This iron at the end of the bar bends in at 

 right-angles (Fig. 49, a), and extends one-fourth of an inch 

 parallel with the top and bottom-bars. Thus, when these 

 frames stand side by side, the ends are close, while half-inch 

 openings extend 'between the top and bottom-bars of adjacent 

 frames. The bottom-bars, too, are one-fourth of an inch from 

 the bottom-board. Tacked to the bottom-board, in line with 

 the position of the back end-bars of the frames, is an inch strip 

 of sheet-iron (Fig. 49, b, b) sixteen inches in length. One- 

 third of this strip, from the front edge back, is bent over so it 

 lies not quite in contact with the second third, while the pos- 

 terior third receives the tacks which hold it to the bottom- 

 board. Now, when in use this iron flange receives the hooks 

 on the cofners of the- frames, so that the frames are held firmly, 

 and can only be moved back and side-wise. In looking at the 

 bees we can separate the combs at once, at any place. The 

 chamber can be enlarged or diminished simply by adding or 

 withdrawing frames. As the hooks are on all four corners of 

 the frames, the frames can be either end back, or either side 

 up. TJiis arrangement, which permits the inversion of the 

 frames, is greatly praised by those who have tried it. It is 

 claimed, that by turning a frame bottom up the comb will be 

 fastened above and below, and the bees, in their haste to carry 

 the honey from the bottom of the frames, will rush at once into 

 the sections. Boards with iron hooks close the side of the 

 brood cavity, while a cloth covers the frames. 



The entrance (Fig 49, e) is cut in the bottom-board as 

 already explained, except that the lateral edges are kept 

 parallel. A strip of sheet-iron (Fig. 49, d) is tacked across 

 this, on which rest the ends of the front end-bars of the frames 

 which stand above, and underneath which pass the bees as 

 they come to and go from the hive. A box, without bottom 

 and with movable top, covers all, leaving a space from four to 

 six inches above and on aU sides between it and the frames. 

 This gives chance to pack with chaff Jtn winter, and for side 

 and top storing in sections in summer. 



The Bingham hive (Fig. 50) is not only remarkably simple,' 

 but is as remarkable for its shallow depth ; the frames being 

 only five inches high. These have no bottom-bar. The end- 

 bars are one and a half inches wide, and the top-bar square. 



