176 
SUMMER. 
made before the bees are put in, guide-combs as di- 
rected for boxes should be put in ; (of course they 
should cross at right angles the row of holes). 
DIRECTIONS FOR BORING HOLES IN FULL STOCKS. 
To make holes in the top after the combs are made . — 
Mark out the top as directed for making hives and 
boxes. A centre bit or an auger bit with a lip or 
barb is best, as that cuts down a little faster than the 
chip is taken out, leaving it smooth * when nearly 
through, a pointed knife can cut the remainder of the 
chip loose, and it can be taken out ; if it is between the 
combs, it is well ; if directly over the centre of one, it 
is a little better ; with the knife take out a piece as 
large as a walnut ; even if honey is in it, no harm will 
be done. The bees will then have a passage through 
from either side of the comb. 
After you have opened one hole, very likely the 
bees will want to see what is going on over head, and 
walk out to reconnoitre. To prevent their interfer- 
ence, use some tobacco-smoke, and send them down 
out of your way, till your hole is finished. Now lay 
over this a small stone or block of wood, and make 
the others in the same way. When all are done, blow 
in some smoke as you uncover them, and put on your 
box. This process is not half so formidable as it ap- 
pears ; I have in this way bored hundreds. You will 
remember my hives are not as high as many others 
keep them, they are in about as convenient a position 
as I can get them. This method saves me the trouble 
of sticking the guide-combs in my hives; also, the ne- 
