52 
HIVES. 
in marking tlie top of hives is just the one to mark 
these). Next, get out the corner posts, five-eighths 
of an inch square, and five inches in length; with a 
saw, thick enough to fit the glass, cut a channel length- 
wise on two sides, one-fourth of an inch deep, one- 
eighth from the corner, for the glass. A small lath 
nail through each corner of the bottom into the posts 
will hold them ; it is now ready for the glass— 10 X 12 
is the right size to get — have them cut through the 
centre the longest way for the sides, and they are 
right, and again the other way, five and five-eighths 
long for the ends. These can now be slipped into the 
channels of the posts, and the top nailed on like the 
bottom, and the box is ready. 
GUIDE-COMBS NECESSARY. 
It will be found a great advantage, previous to nail- 
ing on the top, to stick fast to it some pieces of guide- 
combs in the direction you wish the bees to work. 
They are also an inducement for them to commence 
several days sooner, than if they had to start combs 
for themselves ;* a piece an inch square will do; it 
is well to start every comb you want in the box; 
two inches apart is about the right distance to look 
well. To make these pieces hold fast, melt one edge 
by the fire, or candle, or melt some bees-wax, and dip 
one edge in that, and apply it before cooling ; with a 
little practice you can make them stick without diffi- 
culty. For a supply of such combs, save all empty, 
* A line of bees-wax made with a guide-plate, or other means, is 
found to be of but little use. 
