At 05:57 PM 10/4/2002 -0400, you wrote:
>What is the underlying concept of the slatted rack and how does it work?
>
I've never heard of this else where, but I use the slatted rack BOTH at the
bottom of the hive (as intended) AND on top as an inner cover. The slatted
rack on top I turn up-side-down so the slats are close to the top bars. In
hot weather, I also prop the outer covers up a bit.

My feeling is that the hive is like a chimney... you need to let air in at
the bottom and let the air escape at the top. The little oval whole in an
inner cover seems too small - especially in hot weather. I've had no
swarming with hives that are set up this way.

John