With regard to the materials of which hives are made, I believe it to be a matter of indifference whether straw or wood be used, but the facility and economy in the construction of straw hives must always be a recommendation, especially to the cottager. Having, therefore, decided upon the materials for cottagers' hives, their form must now be considered. For straw hives I would recommend the following size:—7 inches deep and 14 in diameter; straight at the sides and flat at the top; in shape like a half-bushel measure. A hole should be made in the top 4 inches in diameter, and a piece of straw-work, like - 7 -that of which the hive is made, large enough to cover it, must be fastened over the hole; not to fit in, but to cover over it.

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