256 BEES AND BEE-KEEPING. 



into the improved movable frames of the proper size 

 to fit the hives, thirteen inches in height by twelve 

 in width. 



Having received a model of the frame and suitable 

 box for shipping, I had boxes made of boards f ths 

 thick, fourteen inches square and twenty inches long, 

 with a partition in the centre, making a convenient 

 receptacle for two colonies with six frames in each, 

 having a cross-bar with gains cut in it for the projec- 

 tion of the upper part of the frame to rest in, leaving 

 a vacant space or chamber at front edge of the frames 

 of one and one-half by ten inches wide, and four- 

 teen deep. At the foot or opposite angle of the frame 

 a cross-bar, with gains cut in it to receive the tenon of 

 the frame, was nailed in the bottom, which held the 

 frames firmly in their place. Openings for the bees 

 to pass in and out were made for one colony in front 

 and one in the rear. The lid was left movable. 



Having boxes and frames thus prepared, I com- 

 menced, in the last week of May, to transfer bees 

 from box hives into these frames, fastening the combs 

 with metallic braces, dividing the combs, bees, &c. * 

 so as to make two colonies from one. Those des- 

 titute of a queen would supply themselves (in the 

 manner described in the chapter on rearing queens). 

 Some of these I again divided during the season, 

 making three and in some cases four colonies from 

 one old stock, dry combs being supplied to some 

 extent from other sources. They continued to work 

 in these small boxes during the remainder of the sea- 

 son, storing them well with provision for the winter. 



