HIVES AND BOXES. 35 



perly made, and judiciously managed, according to the direc- 

 tions previously given, the returns from them will often equal, or 

 surpass, those from some of the more fancy-shaped and expen- 

 sive wooden boxes. 



" The size of straw hives should be from sixteen to seventeen 

 inches in diameter, and twelve te thirteen inches in height ; and 

 they should have a narrow, fiat, and thick top of wood, with a 

 circular hole and cork bung in the centre of it, similar to that 

 which is recommended for wooden boxes. 



" The outer box, in which the stock-hive and side boxes are 

 enclosed, having been made wider than the interior hives or 

 boxes, should have a partition from front to back, on each side 

 of the stock-hive, and the interstices round the centre hive filled 

 up with dry sawdust, powdered charcoal, or other suitable ma- 

 terials, which will be of service in preserving the temperature of 

 the hive in a congenial and uniform state. 



" I have above stated that the communication from the straw 

 stock-hive to the side boxes should be along the hollow centre 

 of the bottom board ; and I recommend that three or more cir- 

 cular holes be made in the bottom board on each side, in such 

 a manner that each of them may be covered with a bell-glass, 

 or that one of the larger side hives or boxes may be placed over 

 them, as may suit the wishes or convenience of the apiarian. 



" When glasses are used, they should be well covered with 

 some soft woollen materials, and a hive or box should then be 

 placed over them to effectually exclude the light, and preserve 

 them from accidents of any kind, and sudden changes of tempe- 

 rature. 



" It is advisable to have the outer box well made, with a neat 

 and substantial roof to carry off the wet, &c. ; and it should be 

 made of such breadth as to leave a space of one-half inch on 

 each side of the stock-hive. 



" I would recommend, that if the bees are kept in a straw 

 hive, that it be of a large size, and well made ; and should be 

 stocked with a strong swarm at the usual period of the year. It 

 should then be placed on the centre of a stout bottom board, 

 made long enough to hold a small hive or box on each side of it, 

 and having hollow communications from the centre hive to the 

 side ones, which can be opened or closed at pleasure. When the 

 bees require room in the Spring or Summer months, the entrance 

 from the centre to one of the side hives must be opened, and 



