George Imirie wrote: "I would never own a colony without an upper entrance because it guarantees ventilation. I know that Brushy Mountain Bee Farm in North Carolina makes and sells very good quality Goble covers." IMO George is being modest as he did not mention a very simple inexpensive device that gives ventilation as well as a way for bees to enter and exit their hive, the Imirie Shim. When talking about upper ventilation the Imirie Shim can be used above a standard inner cover (not a solid innercover). Of course, a small twig about 1/8 to 5/16 inches in diameter is free if available and will provide ventilation; a larger gap may induce robbing due to the increased area that requires defense of the colony. That is precisely why either a Goble Inner Cover or a standard inner cover with an Imirie Shim above works better if both ventilation and upper ingress and egress is desired. Chuck Norton Norton's Nut & Honey Farm Reidsville, NC :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::