In a message dated 96-04-10 14:15:00 EDT, you write: > This is a real beginner question. When inspecting a >hive, assuming 10 fames, designated 1-10 with oreintation <, >what is the proper procedure and are there any hints to make >it easier to get it right? Remove any end frame first 1 or 10 inspect the hive and place them back like you found them in the hive. The out board frames (1and10) are usually food stores pollen and honey. The frames 2 thru 9 are brood frames. The reason that you want to put them back like you find them is to keep the brood nest intact. If you put a frame of pollen in the middle or the 2 or 8 position the bees will start a new pollen frame on the out board frame 1 and 10 and the old out board frames will be plugged up with pollen or honey and restrict the space the queen has to lay in. Dean M. Breaux Hybri-Bees Breeding Better Bees