TIIE MOVABLE-COMB FRAMES. 
129 
moths may deposit their eggs where they cannot be reached 
and removed by the bees. The arrangement of the central 
bars not only aid in securing straight combs, but the bees 
almost invariably leave holes through the combs just above the 
bar, which serve for winter passages, and save the trouble of 
inserting in the combs, coiled shavings ot tins, as usually recom- 
mended but which bee-keepers generally neglect to do. The 
object of leaving a cavity above the frames, is not only to give 
room for the honey boxes without injuring the appearance of 
the hive by a high cap, but mainly to form a basin which (after 
the honey-boxes are removed and the openings from below cov- 
ered with a piece of screening,) serves to hold in place cut straw 
or shavings, to absorb the moisture arising from the bees in 
winter, thus keeping the interior of the hive dry and free from 
frost. A swarm, of proper size thus prepared , will not perish 
while there is honey in the hive. In moving bees the cap is left 
off, and a piece of wire screening tacked over the top of the 
hive. By thus leaving a large space between the screening and 
the top of the frames, the bees remain upon the combs, leaving 
a free upward ventilation, and can be moved or shipped almost 
any distance with safety. 
IMPROVEMENTS. 
The hive embodies two series of improvements. The first 
was the result of the inventive skill of several persons whose 
inventions were purchased and combined in this hive, and 
secured by letters patent, Nov. 24, 1863. The last series of im- 
provements, including our improved movable-comb frame, pat- 
9 
