CHAPTER IX 



HIVES. 



The value of a hive depends upon its size, shape, and the 

 advantages secured in its construction. 



SIZE. 



Experience has demonstrated that, as a general rule, when we 

 vary from the correct size, the larger the hive the fewer swarms 

 we get, ar,d the smaller the hive, the smaller the swarms will be, 

 and the greater the danger of over-swarming. A hive should 

 contain about two thousand cubic inches, in the clear. A stock 

 in a hive of this size, will swarm more regularly than from a 

 larger one, and store more surplus honey. "While, if the hive 

 be much smaller, the colony will often fail to lay up provisions 

 enough for our long winters. All the hives should be made of 

 the same size, as a very large swarm will usually be no larger, 

 after a few months, than one of medium size, while a small 

 swarm may be as large as any at the end of the season, much 

 depending upon its having a prolific queen, good weather aiiJ? 

 abundant pasturage. 



SHAPE. 



Upon the shape of the hive, depends the economy of heat for 

 breeding, and safety in wintering. If a hive of proper size be 



