FIFTY YEARS AMONG THE BEES 



29;> 



in wintering full colonies in double hives. If I had not 

 changed from ten-frame to eight-frame hives I should 

 have continued the practice, but an eight-frame hive 

 makes too cramped quarters for two full colonies, even 

 in winter. Still, I approximate it with five frames on o^ie 

 side and three on the other, and of course the hive could 

 be divided to take four frames on each side. 



There is nothing new or original about two colonies 

 in one hive, among others Dzierzon's twin hives having 



Fig. 104. — Honcy-Slici^' 



been highly esteemed by him and others for many years. 

 These, however, are used the same all the year around. 

 and my use of them is only during the time of year when 

 bees can be crowded into a less space than a full hive. 



From the time the bees are fed in the summer or fall, 

 till perhaps the middle of May, most of my colonies would 

 have room enough in one-half of a ten-frame hive. I am 

 not sure that any of them ever need more room through 

 the fall and winter, and in the spring they need no more 

 till more than four frames are needed for brood. With 

 some, this may come quite early, but I think I should be 



