bee-keeper's manual. 219 



tion of the structure is closed below the roof in front. 

 This portion of the front thus covered, is about two feet 

 wide. It is not intended to be permanently fast, but 

 one foot of it, at least, in width, should swing on hinges 

 and be susceptible of being raised ahd lowered at plea- 

 sure. In the spring of the year, it may be raised, and 

 the sun let in, as the heat of this orb, at that period, is 

 beneficial in aiding the bees to raise the temperature of 

 the interior of the hives suiRciently to develop the brood. 



HIVES TO BE BROUGHT WITHIN THE RAYS OP THE SUN 

 AT CERTAIN SEASONS, ETC. 



A very good way to bring the hives within the rays 

 of the sun during the spring months is, to so construct 

 the floor-board, as to admit of its being brought forward 

 or moved back at pleasure. For instance, in March, 

 April, and May, bring it forward parallel with the front 

 of the house, where the sun will stfine with full force 

 upon the hives. When swarming is over and the heat 

 becomes oppressive, let it be moved back, so far as to 

 be beyond the reach of the rays of the sun ; and in the 

 winter, the farther back it is moved the better, for the 

 reason, that no inducement should then be afforded to 

 cause the bees to leave their homes, and at this season the 

 front should be closed partially ; that is, the board that 

 hangs on hinges should be let down. The rear being 

 open in winter, causes a cool current of air to pass 

 around the hives, and if at any time the bees leave their 

 domicils, they do it with their eyes open, or in other 

 \yofds, they are not deceived in regard to the actual 



