When there is a hole in the centre on top of the stock hive, as is the case here, there is a possibility of the queen ascending and depositing eggs in the super. To check such a mishap, a queen and drone preventer can be applied, which is a contrivance so arranged as to admit the passage of nothing larger than a worker (Chap. IV. § xvii.). § III. THE COTTAGER'S HIVE. [Illustration] This is our more complete form of a cottager's hive, composed entirely of straw. A very prevalent opinion exists that bees do better in hives of that material than of any other. Another opinion prevails, that the old-fashioned straw hive is the least expensive, the most simple, and the most productive. Although we cannot go so far as this, we are willing to admit that a simplified adaptation of the humane system to the old common straw hive is the most suitable to put into the hands of that large class of bee-keepers--_cottagers_. By these the more fanciful hives will be instantly condemned; besides, the expense puts them quite beyond the reach of the poorer class. The object aimed at in planning this structure has been to furnish a depriving hive that should be at once easy of management, inexpensive, and convenient. The stock hive, in which the bees are first deposited, is round, and has a flat top with a hole in the centre. The size of this lower hive is nine inches deep outside, and fifteen inches across the bottom; it is finished with a wooden hoop, which adds very much to its firmness and durability. The floor-board is one inch and a quarter thick, with a way sunk therein for the entrance. A small round mat of straw closes the hole in the top; this mat may be fixed by wooden pegs. We have now described what is termed the _stock hive_, which is, in fact, an old-fashioned straw hive, adapted, modernised, and improved to the more humane, viz., the depriving system. The weight of the stock hive, with its floor-board, is about seven pounds. The super is five inches deep outside and twelve or so in diameter, and, when filled, contains about twelve pounds of honey and comb. Its purpose is exactly identical with that of the three bell glasses described on page 117: the lower hive is for the breeding compartment and for the storage of honey for the bees' own consumption, while the upper is to receive the surplus of their treasure which the owner intends to appropriate pure for himself. A glass window, which is placed at the side of the super, is useful for inspecting the progress made in filling it. An adapting-board to facilitate removal is added underneath it by some.