On Wed, 10 Apr 1996, Jim Moore wrote: > 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? There are many *right* ways :-) This is an area where a follower/dummy board D can help. Beginning config: D 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Remove D and then 1, 2, 3, ... 9 then replace the D at the other end, finishing with... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 D Next inspection, remove D, then 9, 8, 7, 6, .... 1 Finishing as we started with... D 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 No combs get left outside the box to cool during the inspection. The brood nest order is not disturbed. Also, if you're only quick-checking for eggs, swarming, etc., you could stop partway through once you're satisfied all's well and push the remaining frames along en-masse -- you'll start at the other end next time so you'll be sure to check all frames within two inspections. Note: If you stop part way there is *always* a risk you could be unlucky and get a swarm cell on an unchecked frame -- value judgement time. Regards, -- Gordon Scott [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask] (work) The Basingstoke Beekeeper (newsletter) [log in to unmask] <A HREF="http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/apis">Embryo Home Page</A> Beekeeper; Kendo 3rd Dan; Sometime sailor. Hampshire, England.