108 BEES AND BEE KEEPING. 



are nice and healthy, strong and vigorous, are as 

 profitable as any. There are about as many colonies 

 lost when but one year old, as at any other age, up 

 to ten or twelve. 



PROPER SIZE AND KIND OF HIVES. 



In selecting bees to begin with, the size and kind of 

 hives is of the utmost importance. First, in regard 

 to size. Mr. Quinby says, that 2,000 cubic inches is 

 the proper size for this latitude, but I would prefer a 

 little larger, say about 2,200 cubic inches. When 

 the improved movable comb hives are used, the 

 frames and spaces occupy 400 cubic inches, hence 

 they should contain about 2,600 cubic inches inside 

 the case. These sizes should be exclusive of the 

 chamber or cap on top for spare honey receptacles. 

 In southern latitudes, hives of a less size would do, 

 perhaps, equally as well, the winters being shorter 

 and honey more abundant. 



The kind of hive is also important in buying bees, 

 if the object is to work them on the improved plan, 

 having full control of them. It is quite important 

 to get those, if possible, that are already in such 

 hives, as it saves the trouble and expense of buying 

 new hives and transferring them. 



But if the object is to let them take their chances 

 on the old plan, then buy good, sound, well made 

 box hives ; in any case, they should be well made and 

 well painted, to keep them from swelling and shrink- 

 ing by the changes of the weather, which loosens the 

 combs from the sides and top where they are attached. 



