28 S the quest for the perfect hive
figure 2.5 The “Manifold hive,” made from two logs and capped with boards (Dzierzon 1882).
Ständer hives had walls that were two or three inches thick, with a door cut at either end. The design of these log hives was also adaptable to more advanced beekeeping practices. If the inside walls of the log were made smooth and parallel, the logs could be furnished with fi xed bars or movable frames, important beekeeping advances that will be detailed in chapter 10. Dzierzon also noted that two or more logs could be joined to make a larger “Manifold hive” (figure 2.5) and that the functionality of the hive was improved by adding a dividing board to drive a swarm or capture the queen. Although Dzierzon had a favorable opinion of log hives, he ultimately preferred the box hive. His reasoning was simple economics. A good log could produce one fine log hive, but if converted to boards, that same log could produce enough material for several box hives. Upright log hives thrived in cooler