CHAPTER VII. 
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 and 
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 
