142 A Modern Bee-Farm 



shade and at the same time exclude light without interfering with 

 the admission of air, bees will travel and stand confinement very 

 much better than where they are continually striving to get out, 

 and thus to a great extent impeding free circulation. 



Packing Stocks. 



Before inverting the hive, fasten a thin board along the whole 

 length of the hive at the ends of the frames, overlapping these at 

 least one inch. A piece of porous sacking is first to be placed 

 above the frames and held in place by a few tacks till the slips of 

 wood are fixed. With the left hand find where the frame ends 

 come, and with a bradawl bore a hole through the thin board into 

 each bar ; then insert French TynAs, pressed not quite home. Screws 

 are to be used with this exception, as little hammering should be 

 allowed for fear of injuring the comb attachments. 



We have to provide for a free circulation of air under, after 

 the hive is inverted ; therefore on each upper side, parallel with 

 the frames, thick strips of wood are to be screwed, so that these 

 only will rest on the ground vt'hen turned over. The entrance 

 may be closed with perforated zinc before or after, as is most con- 

 venient. The packing can take place several days before moving, 

 if desired, leaving only the entrance to be closed on the eve of 

 departure. In very hot weather for long journeys additional 

 ventilation should be provided by holes bored at the sides and 

 covered inside with perforated material, or an additional storey or 

 half-storey can be given under the other before inversion. 



By inverting the combs we not only place their weight upon, 

 instead of depending from their base, but also provide that there 

 is free circulation throughout the hive above them; whereas in the 

 natural position the heated air ascending is unable to escape and 

 tends still further to weaken the foundation of the combs. 



When delivered on Rail, 



or placed in vans, the combs should always travel in a line 

 parallel with the road, so that with any incline, or sudden move- 

 ment they are not thrown to one side. Where necessary to tier 



