PURCHASING STOCKS. 367 



honey ; the fifth lasted through the winter, and then 

 had to be transferred. He had flattered himself that 

 they were obtained very cheaply, but when he made , 

 out what his good ones cost, he found no great reason, 

 in this respect, for congratulation. 



SIZES OF HIVES IMPORTANT. 



Another point isworthy of consideration : endeavor 

 to get hives as near the right size as possible, viz., 

 2,000 cubic inches ; better too large than too small. 

 If too large, they may be cut off, leaving them the 

 proper size. But yet, it often makes an ungainly 

 shape, being too large square for the height. As the 

 shape probably makes no difference in the prosperity 

 of the bees, the appearance is the principal objection, 

 after being cut off. 



An acquaintance had purchased a lot of bees in 

 very large hives, and called on me to know what to 

 do with them, as he feared such would not swarm 

 well in consequence ; I told him it, would be doubtful, 

 unless he cut them off to the right size. , 



" Gut 'em off! how can that be done ? there is bees 

 in 'em." 



" So I expected, but it can be done nearly as well 

 as if empty." 



" But don't you get stung dreadfully ?" 



" Not often : if it is to be done in warm weather, I 

 smoke them well before I begin ; in very cold weatlier 

 is the best time, then it is unnecessary ; simply turn 

 the hive bottom up, mark off the proper size, and 

 with a sharp saw take it off without trouble." 



