Langstroth on the Hive and the Honey-Bee by L. L. Langstroth is an essential read for anyone interested in beekeeping or the study of bees. Langstroth, often referred to as the "father of modern beekeeping," provides a thorough and detailed guide on the management of hives and the behavior of honey bees.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including the design of the Langstroth hive, the life cycle of bees, and the harvesting of honey. Langstroth's writing is clear and informative, making complex concepts accessible to readers of all levels of experience.

One of the highlights of the book is Langstroth's emphasis on the importance of understanding and respecting the natural instincts of bees. He advocates for a gentle and sustainable approach to beekeeping, which is both beneficial for the bees and the beekeeper.

Overall, Langstroth on the Hive and the Honey-Bee is a valuable resource for beekeepers, educators, and anyone curious about the fascinating world of bees. Langstroth's passion for these remarkable insects shines through in every page, making this book a joy to read.

Book Description:

Langstroth revolutionized the beekeeping industry by using bee space in his top opened hive. In the summer of 1851 he found that, by leaving an even, approximately bee-sized space between the top of the frames holding the honeycomb and the flat coverboard lying above, he was able to quite easily remove the latter, which was normally well cemented to the frames with propolis making separation hard to achieve. Later he had the idea to use this discovery to make the frames themselves easily removable. He found that, if he left a small space (less than 1/4 inch or 6.4 mm) between the combs, or between the combs and the sides of his hives, the bees would fill it with propolis thus cementing the combs into the hive. On the other hand, when he left a larger space (more than 3/8 inch or 9.5 mm) the bees would fill it with comb which had a similar effect.