REQUISITES OF A COMPLETE HIVE. 
97 
have been raised, to trap and destroy them, before they 
have largely consumed the honey of the hive. 
This is effected, in my hives, by adjusting the blocks 
(PI. III., Figs. II, 12) which regulate the entrance. 
14. It should enable the Apiarian to remove such combs 
as are too old. 
The upper part of a comb, being generally used for 
storing honey, will last for many years. 
15. It ought to furnish all needed security against the 
ravages of the bee-moth. 
16. It should furnish to the Apiarian some accessible 
place, where the larvae of the bee-moth, when fully grown, 
may wind themselves in their cocoons. 
17. It should enable the Apiarian, by removing the 
combs, to destroy the worms, if they get the advantage 
of the bees. 
18. The bottom-board should be permanently attached 
to the hive, for convenience in moving it, and to prevent 
the depredations of moths and worms. 
Sooner or later, there will be crevices between every 
movable bottom-board and the sides of the hive, through 
which moths will gain admission to lay their eggs, and 
under which worms, when fully grown, will retreat to spin 
.heir webs. In my hive, there is no place where the moth 
jan get in, except at the entrance for the bees, which may 
be contracted or enlarged, to suit the strength of the col- 
ony; and which, from its peculiar shape, the bees are 
easily enabled to defend. If, however, any prefer mova- 
ble bottom-boards, they can be used in my hive. 
19. The bottom-board should slant toward the entrance, 
to facilitate the carrying out of dead bees, and other use- 
less substances ; to aid a colony in protecting itself against 
robbers ; and to carry off moisture, and prevent rain from 
beating into the hive. 
5 
