§ XIII. CHESHIRE'S FRAME HIVE.
In its general principles and inner structure this hive differs very little from the one last described, with which in outward appearance it is still more closely identical; but the walls of the stock hive, when made of wood (for they can also be had in straw, if the apiarian so prefers) are constructed double, with an airspace between, with a view to modifying the variations of temperature. The upper part of the outer woodwork is a cover to the supers, and opens on a hinge at one side. Within are two of Lee's bar supers, placed one upon the other, the upper of which is to be first supplied, and the other added from beneath when the first is partly filled.
The stock hive usually contains eleven of the regular-sized Woodbury frames, besides the dummy. Admission is given to the super by means of slits in the sides of two of the five planks constituting the crown-board, and when the super is away these two can be shifted to the ends, when the slits will come outside the hive. The entrance-hole is ten inches in length, but is provided with shutters for narrowing or closing it. The alighting-board in front of the entrance is grooved in order to let off wet or moisture. The entire floor-board draws out to allow of cleaning.