With the moveable "bar and frame hive" every comb is available for extraction, and may easily be taken out of the hive; each comb being fixed within its frame, there is less disturbance to the bees than if the combs were fixed to the sides, as is the case with ordinary hives. A strip of wood, about ½ an inch wide, rests on the floorboard; in this strip are ten notches, made to receive the lower part of the frames, so as to retain them in their places at equal distances from each other. A difficulty is found with a well stocked hive in dropping the frames into the exact notches, so that it is not necessary to have these rack works always in use; but when any movement of the hive is made, it is essential to have the frames firmly fixed by the aid of this contrivance. It is also advisable to have the frames perpendicularly supported until the combs are built, so in order that the frames should hang true, the hive ought to be on the level. A little inclination may be given to it from back to front, causing the hive slightly to fall towards the entrance, so as to allow the moisture inside the hive, caused by the exhalations of the bees, to run off.
"Compound Bar Frame."—In the Journal of Horticulture, Mr. Woodbury thus describes the compound bar frame. Being his own adaptation, we cannot do better than use his own words. "This is a contrivance of my own, which I have found very advantageous in enabling me to use frames in stock hives and bars in supers, without forfeiting the advantages arising from the unlimited interchangeability of every comb in every hive and super in the apiary. Its construction will be readily understood by an inspection of the annexed sketch, in which the comb bar is shown slightly raised from its frame. The bar itself is 13¼ inches long by ⅞ of an inch wide and ⅜ of an inch thick. When the comb bar is in its place, the whole forms a frame 13 inches long by 7¼ inches high (inside measure), with ⅝ of an inch projection at each end, which rests in its appropriate notch in either the back or front of the hive. When filled with comb, the bar becomes so firmly cemented to the frame as to admit of its being handled with facility." This contrivance is, no doubt, very excellent in the hands of Mr. Woodbury; but in the hands of the unpractised severe mishaps may arise. In warm weather the propolis and wax, with which the bees cement the bar to the frame, becomes soft, consequently in handling the frames, unless dexterity is used, the comb is likely to drop out. We, therefore, recommend that the bar and frame be made both in one: greater firmness and simplicity are thereby gained. Some of these compound bars and frames are kept in stock at our establishment, though they cannot be recommended for general use; but should any one prefer them, they can be supplied at the same price as the common frames.
In describing the stock hives of wood, straw, and glass, allusion has frequently been made to the depriving hives, technically called "supers." These are also made of glass in wood frames, 13 inches inside, 6 inches deep, with eight bars (without frames). The accompanying cut represents the super used with the bar and frame hive.
Honey-combs in supers are better when made thicker than those for breeding, consequently the bars are placed a little further apart than in the lower or stock hive; they are either the "Woodbury Ribbed," contrived to induce the straight building of combs, or flat bars with guide combs affixed.
Cover.—A loose outer case, forming a complete cover for the hive, is found very useful. The case is made in two parts for convenience, the roof is also separate, having an acorn at top which forms a neat finish. These outside cases are made of wood, and drop lightly over all; when thus protected and fixed on a pedestal, the hive may be placed in the open air in such position as fancy may dictate. The aspect should be south or south-east, and if against a wall, sufficient space must be allowed for a free passage behind, as it is from thence all operations must be conducted by the apiarian. The case and roof with the stand being the only parts exposed to weather, will be the only portions that require painting; they are sometimes stained and varnished, and we are inclined to prefer the latter for appearance. Should the apiarian have a complete bee-hive house, the cover and stands will not be needed.
When removing or replacing the covers, care should be taken to do so very gently, or the bees will be enraged and rush out, and may inflict stings upon those within their reach. The necessity for lifting off the cover for the purpose of looking in, either at the window of the stock hive or of the super, we have obviated by making a door both in the upper and lower parts of the outside case. These doors, or unglazed windows, are hinged at the bottom so as to open downwards, rendering inspection easy without disturbance to the bees.
A wooden range for supporting a number of hives makes a safe and economical stand; it may be formed by driving firmly into the ground two rows of posts, each row about 13 inches apart; to these two rails about 2 inches square are nailed, and upon these the hives firmly rest. Care should be taken not to have the hives nearer together than 18 inches; the intermediate space will be found very convenient on which to rest the cover, or for supporting an empty hive during the proper performance of any operation.