28 
HIVES. 
Thirdly, because large swarms may be easily divided. 
Fourthly, because however late a swarm may come 
off, it may be easily supplied with honey for the 
winter, by taking from a full hive a surplus drawer, 
and placing it in the hive pf the late swarm. Fifthly, 
because a column of air between the drawers and the 
outside of the hive is a non-conductor of both heat 
and cold, preventing the melting of the comb, and se- 
curing the bees against frost and cold.” 
Now here is a full description of perhaps as good a 
hive as any of its class ; it is given for the benefit of 
those who wish to go miles instead of rods; they may 
know the road, especially as they can have the privi- 
lege by paying for it : for myself, I had rather be ex- 
cused, — why, reading the description has nearly ex- 
hausted my patience ; what should I do if I attempted 
to make one ? 
FIRST OBJECTION, COST OF CONSTUCTION. 
The first obstacle in the way (after the right is ob- 
tained) is the construction. Let’s see ; we want inch 
boards to make the shell, three-quarter inch boards 
for the tops and bottoms of drawers, half inch for sides, 
hinges to hang a door, glass for back of drawers, 
tubes for the egress of the bees, and slides to cut off 
communication. It will be necessary to v get a me- 
chanic, and a workman too. Those 108 holes that 
must be bored, must match, or it is of no use to make 
them. But few farmers would have the tools requi- 
site, a still less number the skill and patience to do it. 
What the cost might be by the time a hive was ready 
1 
