George W. Akins, Bridgeton, Pa.--In this hive, holes are bored in the
sides of the compartment for ventilation, and windows are flared for
the purpose of inspecting the inside of the hive. A frame is used
whenever it is desired to have the honeycomb of any particular shape.
It consists of a form of tin or other suitable maternal, placed on a
frame or slide, and having the shape required in the comb. Bees will
build inside of the form, leaving about one fourth inch space between
the form and the comb. The tin sheet receives a portion of the refuse
matter, and can be readily taken out and cleaned. On the 1st of May
the bees are driven out into another hive and the frames examined.
Three frames are taken out and set in a new box, and three empty
frames are put in their place. The old queen must be put with the new
colony, and half of the bees must be put in each box and shut up, and
put on a stand. The hives are to be opened the next morning. At the
next natural swarming time the swarms can be again divided. The hive
cannot freeze, and it is proof against mice.