In a message dated 97-11-24 00:47:38 EST, [log in to unmask] (Alden P. Marshall) writes: << Can someone provide me with a suppliers name and address that would be able to provide a bee skep suitable for hiving bees. Am I correct in assuming that this type of hive requires some type of protection from the elements? THANKS >> You need to first check with your state bee inspector to see if these are legal in your state. In most states it is not allowed to keep bees in any hive that does not have moveable frames. This is so the state inspector can check the brood for disease. If you are doing it for educational purposes (like a natural history museum or something similar, the state may have a special permit. Yes you would need some kind of roof or shelter overhead. And it would be difficult to winter over the bees in a skep. They give off a lot of moisture and the straw would get soaked from the inside, and lose its insulation value. I don't know of any US manufacturer; there'd be little demand for them. I have seen small ornamental skeps for sale in gift shops. Maybe one of the European readers will give you a name. They are not hard to make, if you have a source of straw, broom straw, or similar long-stemed grass. [log in to unmask] Dave Green Hemingway, SC USA The Pollination Scene: http://users.aol.com/pollinator/polpage1.html Jan's Sweetness and Light Shop (Varietal Honeys and Beeswax Candles) http://users.aol.com/SweetnessL/sweetlit.htm