123 BEE-HOUSES. 



or small timber, forming two parallel lines about iourteen inches 

 apart. Cut bottom-boards twenty inches long by fifteen wide, 

 and lay them across and on the top of the scantling, observ- 

 ing the proper spaces between the hives. Next, procure saw- 

 dust or spent tan, and fill up under the scantling and around 

 the posts. This will effectually keep down the grass and weeds, 

 keep the hives clean, and prevent the frost from heaving up the 

 posts. A shed should also be erected over the hives, both for 

 shade and shelter from storms. In whatever style this is put 

 up, it should be but five or six feet high, and open all around, 

 so as in no way to interfere with working around the hives. 

 The roof need be but four or five feet wide, and should slope 

 toward the front of the hives. If there be no water convenient, 

 a supply should be furnished the bees during warm, dry weather. 

 It should be pumped or poured into a shallow trough containing 

 small stones or shavings, for the bees to alight on, and changed 

 often. 



BEE-HOUSES. 



Of bee-houses we deem it hardly necessary to speak. They 

 are regarded as unprofitable by our best apiarians. Some of the 

 objections are, cost of construction, danger of crowding hives 

 too close, and consequent loss of young queens when returning 

 from their nuptial excursions, and lack of a free circulation of 

 air in summer. Beside, they afford numerous crevices and 

 lurking places for moths, spiders, roaches, and other ''unclean 

 birds." 



