Page:Jardine Naturalist's library Bees.djvu/179

Rh "The inside dimensions of each are 12 inches by 9, and 8 deep; the whole depth of the step (hive) is therefore 16 inches, and its capacity one solid foot. Each box has 8 wooden spars, 1 inch broad, and ⅜ thick, as a foundation to the combs. The length of the upper side of each spar is 9½ inches, while the under side is only 9, a half-check, as tradesmen say, of ¼ inch being made in the under side at each end. But the upper side of the spars must be flush with the upper edge of the boxes; wherefore a check must be made to receive the spars in the long sides of the boxes also. The intervals between the spars in the upper box are closed with slips of glass, the ends of which rest on the same check as the spars. In the under box all the intervals are left open, not only that the bees may have a ready passage up and down, but also that the whole interior air may be of the same temperature."

In Dr. Bevan's "Honey-Bee" we have the description of another storied hive (Pl. XI. fig. 2,) which differs from the last described only in dimensions, and in the number of bars; the size of the former being 12 inches square, and 9 deep, inside measure; and the bars six in number, and 1½ inch broad. We have reason to know, however, that since the publication of his excellent Treatise, Dr. B. has found reason for making some alteration in his hive, and that he now recommends the dimensions to be 12 inches between back and front at the top, but gradually tapering inwards to 10⅝ inches at the bottom, with the view of supporting more firmly the weight of the