If natural is what you are striving for, I would think the top bar hive
would be a step in that direction.  I have a friend who has what he calls a
Kenyan top bar hive, and he said it did better than his other hives last
year.  But he might have a slight bias toward the "natural" approach.  His
Langstroth hives seemed a bit neglected to me.  A point worth remembering is
that the way that gives you the most satisfaction is the right way for you.
I like wax foundation.  I am new enough at this to enjoy even putting new
frames together.  At my local supplier's recommendation I am using wired wax
for the brood chambers and Plasticell for the honey supers.   I have known
people who love wooden boats, and the spend all their time working on them.
I know other people who love to go boating.  They have fiberglass boats.
Steve Noble

South Whidbey Island, Wa.

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