26 
THE REARING OF QUEEN BEES. 
A size of nucleus which has proven to save both time and labor in 
the apiary of the Department of Agriculture is one having a comb 
area somewhat less than one standard Langstroth frame. The hive 
bodies were originally made large enough to hold live frames, as shown 
Fig. 16. — Benton mating boxes, showing method of combining frames to make a standard sized 
frame, and positions of feeders (original). 
in tigure 16; but, in practice, three or even two are used, ana the extra 
room is an advantage in moving the frames quickly. The construction 
of the frames is shown better in the illustration than could be done by 
a written description. Any frame used in a nucleus should be so made 
that it can be used as part of 
a standard-sized frame, or so 
that a number of them fit into 
an empty frame; for other- 
wise it is difficult to get them 
filled with honey and brood 
before making up the nuclei. 
The frames of this particular 
nucleus box are one-third 
standard size, and two full 
ones and one onh T partly 
built out have given most 
satisfactory results. If the 
bees are read} T to build, some 
place should be left for new 
comb; otherwise they will 
build small combs to the 
cover. A feeder is attached 
either to the back of the hive body, or in front over the entrance, arid 
these can be filled very rapidly when feeding is necessary. A colony 
of this size requires much less attention in this regard than the smaller 
size, and is correspondingly better. 
Fig. 17.— Benton mailing cages, showing construction. 
The larger size is for shipment to distant countries. 
The smaller cage may be nsed for shipments to Europe 
(original). 
