> It may seem like a *dumb question*, but what do you folks mean by "Long
> Way" - "Warm Way"?
 
With rectangular Langstroth hives, we have a choice of on which side to
place the bottom entrance -- and also, for wintering, the top entrance.
 
'Long way' is entrance on the 'side'.  'Warm way', is entrance on the
'front'.
 
With square hives like Farrar hives (which I once ran), the distinction
becomes whether the entrance leads to one comb ('side' of the hive) or the
ends of several or many combs ('Normal' way).
 
Some claim to find advantages in having the entrance on the 'side', so
that the bees can hide behind the front combs in cool weather.
 
As David pointed out, it seems very logical, however there are a number of
reasons why the entrances are where they normally are.  I think
probably strength in floor design, and convenience for ranking in rows
of hives are several.
 
Most tests seem to confirm that long way is satisfactory, and perhaps
ideal, both summer or winter. However other factors may have some effect
on the decision.
 
I've tried it both ways, and don't see a huge difference.
 
 
Allen Dick                                  VE6CFK
Rural Route One, Swalwell, Alberta  Canada T0M 1Y0
Internet:[log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask]
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