14 
Agriculturist to follow, has been my study for a number 
of years. And the great sale of my hives and publica- 
tions for the last few years, with an increase almost un- 
precedented, is one of the highest encomiums that public 
opinion can bestow in their favor. From Maine to Cal- 
ifornia, one universal expression of approbation of their 
merits stimulates me to accomplish that “which I have 
undertaken, — to oreate a revolution in Apiculture. In 
order to present more fully, and at the same time, more 
comprehensive views what a Bee Hive should be, I 
have divided my system of bee keeping into a calendar 
of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter management, adapt- 
ing my hive to meet the particular wants of the bees and 
their masters at all of these seasons : 
First, A hive should be made of good merchantable 
Pine lumber, well painted and of a convenient size to 
hold a good swarm of bees, and still be convenient for 
any person to handle ; should be so constructed that a 
swarm of bees can be put into it or taken out in a few 
moments time without injuring the bees or combs ; 
should be so that you can control the entrance at all 
times ; should be so that if necessary it can bo adapted 
for swarming or non-swarming purposes ; should bo so 
ventilated that a swarm can be carried any distance in 
cold or warm weather, or kept at an even temperature 
both summer and winter ; should l^o so that all moisture 
from the breath of the bees, or otherways, cannot collect 
in the hive, or drip on the bees or combs ; should be so 
that they can be securoly guarded against robbery, or 
injury from all intruders. In fact it should possess ev- 
ery facility for man and bees that is needed for the con- 
venience of the one and profit of the other. The hive 
should be of that size that one man can handle it full or 
empty, — the brood-box folding a trifle over one bushel. 
