BEE-HOUSES. 
S7 
or small timber, forming two parallel lines about fourteen 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.” 
