Now, Mr. Editor, I believe that the one thousand and one who are pocketing money for improvements in hives, would be just as honest and make more money, by picking up the farmer’s box-hive, putting the Langstroth frames in, and teaching people how to use them properly--selling the same on commission for Mr. Langstroth or his agents. But we must return to the sectional hive. Has any one ever used such a hive? If so we have never heard of it. We use two sections deep in winter, and from one to four in summer. We make our case twelve inches wide, using eight frames in the brood sections, and seven in the third and fourth sections, in which we get the greatest possible amount stored, in good shape for the table or market. Mr. Thomas, or any one else who thinks he has a hive that will offer so many advantages, as the simple sectional box, with Langstroth’s frames in them, had best bring such hive out this way; and I will agree to sell them as fast as forty men can turn them out. We have omitted to mention many little points, in the arrangement of the case and frames, such as beveling to prevent propolis, securing straight combs, &c., but will do so in a future article, if requested. CHARLES HASTINGS. _Dowagiac, Mich._ * * * * * All necessary arrangements and preparations for properly wintering bees, in any kind of hive, should be fully completed in the month of October. * * * * * Let me strongly advise the incorrigibly careless to have nothing to do with bees, either on my plan of management, _or any other_; for they will find both time and money almost certainly thrown away.--_Langstroth._ THE AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL. Washington, Sept., 1870. The remarks on queen raising, by the Rev. Mr. Briggs, in our last issue, appear to be considered by some as aimed personally at Mr. Alley, of Wenham, Mass. We did not so regard them. Mr. Briggs’ object seemed to us to be very different, and one in which queen breeders in general have quite as much interest as queen purchasers. Bee breeding, as a science, is yet in its infancy--not less so in Europe than here; but is evidently engaging the attention of the best and most experienced apiarians, and has already led to some highly interesting discussions in the German Journals and Conventions. Of these we shall, in due season, take proper notice--we give, in this number of the Journal, several communications referring to Mr. Briggs’ article, and shall probably have one from him in explanation. * * * * *