"One could assume that the spike before and the subsequent drop net out to what we would expect, but I have to say again that I just do not know.  Maybe there is some important apian anti-gravity effect that has heretofore remained undiscovered becasue everyone has papered it over."

I have one hive on a platform scale that I set up last spring.  It has been very interesting and educational to follow (except for the unexpected hard drive crash that hosed my data in September).  Anyway, from the pic I saw on your website of four hives on a scale, it LOOKS like it uses counterweights, like mine.  I learned early on that water from rain (or snow) could get between the flat weights and sit there.  It could also get down into the weight holder through the small hole into which the original balancing bits of metal were added to zero out the scale all those years ago (mine is supposedly about 100 years old).  That water was enough to throw off the weight by a noticeable amount, making the hive appear to be lighter.  Once the sun hit the weights and evaporated off the water, the weight came back to 'normal.'   Lesson for me?  Keep weights covered year round.  Don't know if that's what happened there, but it is something to keep in mind.  Sorry, if this is old news.

Bill

Claremont, NH

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