HIVES FOR BEE-KEEPERS. 
77 
The lift, or super case (jc), is surmounted by the 
roof (r), fitting loosely over sc, and having an 
inclination towards the back, to allow rain to run off. 
It is covered with paper-felt or calico, and painted 
to make it waterproof. 
Beneath the porch (j>), a rabbeted piece permits two 
shutters to slide, so as to contract or enlarge the en- 
trance. The alighting-board (a3), I 5 in. wide, slopes to 
the ground, and is fixed to the stand, which is bin. 
high. The alighting-board, from its position, saves many 
bees, which would otherwise be lost if blown down 
by high winds when returning. Root’s metal corners 
are used, as may be seen at the angles of the frames 
in the illustration. They consist of tin plate bent up 
into form, and give the frames great rigidity. As in 
cross section they are like an inverted U (fi), it is im- 
possible to stick them fast, at the same time that the 
risk of crushing bees is reduced to the smallest limits; 
but, of course, as in the case of ordinary wooden ears, 
they are propolised to the quilt at their upper part, 
to the great discomfort of the operator. 
In this hive there are neither distance-pins, notches, 
nor broad shoulders, securing the advantages arising 
from variability in the interspacing of comb previously 
pointed out. Division-boards are used which fit 
the hive at the sides, but allow :fin. beneath during 
the summer months. For wintering, they are made 
to fit tight by having strips of cloth tacked round 
the edges on the outside, by which the hive space 
can be contracted without loss of heat. 
All the parts being separable, the hive can be 
easily moved or examined, or turned in any direction 
