Colonies having combs three or four years old, should 
weigh, without the hive, at least forty-five pounds ; the 
combs of such colonies usually have an excess of bee- 
bread, greatly adding to their weight. Should there be 
a deficiency of stores in any hive, it should be supplied 
from hives that have enough without it ; or such stocks 
must be fed until they obtain the named weight. (See 
“ Feeding.”) 
In the common hive, where an examination is im- 
possible, the amount may be judged by lifting the hive ; 
always bearing in mind, that old combs are heavier. A 
very large allowance must also be made for the bee- 
bread stored therein. 
The middle combs are usually used for breeding, and 
the honey is stored in side combs ; and as bees cluster 
near the middle combs, the side combs should be in- 
serted near the middle, so that bees may cluster near 
their stores, and not be compelled to search for them 
■ n the extremities of the hive. If such combs are full 
they should be placed on each side of the cluster of 
bees. Bees need empty combs to cluster upon, as 
combs filled with honey are better conductors of cold, 
and hence, too cold for winter clustering 
G * 
In upright hives, such an exchange will seldom be 
necessary; the honey being stored above, the bees 
cluster directly beneath it on the empty part of the 
comb, and move further up as the honey is consumed. 
