40 FORMATION OF SWARMS. 
The spaces cut out for the combs should be a trifle over three-fourths 
of an inch, as near four-fifths as possible, and the bars left in the plate 
which is the space between the combs three-eighths of an inch. These, 
I believe, are all the peculiarities that this hive possesses. It is got 
up in an ornamental style, and makes a better appearance than the 
common hive, though any chamber hive may be ornamented as well 
as this, and make just as good appearance. Mr. M. thinks that it is 
superior to any other hive, and better adapted to the wants of the bee, 
both in size and shape. But bee-keepers do not agree on this any 
more than on other points. I am confident that some colonies require 
a larger amount of room than others, and that if it is afforded them, 
and is easy of access, they will produce more honey than if they were 
compelled for want of room to cluster on the outside of the hive. This 
hive I consider defective on this point, the same as every other hive 
of this form. It affords the bees just such an amount of room whether 
there be many or few, with no means to increase or diminish it to cor- 
respond to their actual wants. 
CHAPTER X. 
FORMATION OF SWARMS. 
Tue season of swarming is one of excitement and interest to the 
apiarian. And the causes that tend to produce this result may be 
considered various, and much veiled in mystery; for while one cause 
appears to have a marked effect on one colony in hurrying off a swarm, 
the same cause does not appear to influence another colony in the 
least. The crowded state of the hives, together with hot and sul- 
try weather, are generally considered symptoms of swarming. Yet 
both of these combined often fail to produce the result anticipated ; 
for it is well known that bees will cluster out in large quantities, 
sometimes for weeks, during the swarming season. and not swarm at 
