TIIE CAP Olt COVELt. 
77 
square inside and six and a half high, the cover projecting 
over one-half inch on each side. Xt would be better it tho 
top of the hive were rabbeted all round one-fourth inch deep 
and three-fourths on ; so that the cap will just fit on it. A 
laro'e number of the box* hives in use that have no conven- 
ient arrangement for taking honey could have holes bored in 
the top, and this style of cap and honey box added. Strips 
of white comb stuck where it is designed the bees should 
start their combs will induce them sometimes to start a littlo 
sooner than they otherwise would, and they will build only 
as many combs as are wanted, and where they are wanted. 
For this purpose all the white empty combs should be saved. 
Out the combs into strips ; melt the edges in a warm pan ; 
it is better if the pan contains a little resin and bees-wax 
melted together; stick the comb to its place before it cools. 
Three combs in a six-inch box are sufficient. The honey can 
be taken off sooner if the combs are built regular, than when 
they have some pieces to fill in the corner after the main 
combs are built. Combs will be tougher and bear handling 
better if slightly warmed; cut them with a thin bladed 
knife warmed. Strips of comb stuck to the top of the hive 
when a swarm is first put in will be a better guide even than 
the triangular strips described. The hive just described 
possesses the advantages of simplicity and cheapness — very 
essential qualities, as any one who has had much to do in 
selling hives well know — which will help to compensate for 
some things left out which might otherwise be desirable. It 
is convenient for examining the combs by inverting it. Tho 
cap and honey boxes can be set off so that it will not take up 
much room in the cellar or bee house in winter. It can be 
ornamented somewhat if desired byextending the top of the 
hive, and the cover of the cap out an inch or more, and put 
in moulding around under it. A window could be put in tho 
side. Paint would add to the appearance of the hive, and 
make it last longer, but it is no advantage to the bees ; white is 
the best color, as it will not permit the heat to pass through 
so readily to melt tho edges of the combs loose from the sides 
of the hive, as a dark color will. 
* By a box hive, is meant, tho simplest form of box for boos, or any nrrnnce- 
ment in which the combs are stationary iu distinction from movable tomb 
„ hives. 
