124 
HIVES. 
too high, less box honey is obtained ; but if too shallow, it not 
only takes more workers to cover the lower part of the combs, 
to protect them from the moth, and keep up the required hear 
for breeding, but the winter stores are scattered over so large a 
surface, and of so little depth, that although the heat arising 
from the swarm will keep the honey warm directly above the 
bees, they soon consume that to the top of the hive. "When 
this happens in very cold weather, if there are no holes through 
the combs, the bees die of starvation, as it is certain death for 
them to venture around the edge of the frosty combs by which 
they are surrounded. Hence, swarms often perish with ample 
stores in the hive. For a correct proportion, the common hive 
should be square, and its breadth equal to three-fourths of its 
height inside. And in movable-comb hives, the depth of the 
frame should be greater than its width, and this should not be 
less than the distance from one side of the hive to the other, 
across the frames, as the outside combs better confine the heat 
than the edges of the frames. But extensive bee-keepers, who 
winter their bees in cellars, may, if desired, safely make the hives 
for their own use more shallow. 
“ THE ADVANTAGES SECURED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF HIVES." 
Centuries ago, intelligent men were convinced that, if complete 
control of the lees and corals could be obtained, bee-keeping 
must become a sure and systematized business, both pleasant and 
profitable. The practice of murdering whole colonies, with the 
brimstone match, for their stores, was gradually abandoned by 
the introduction of surplus honey boxes, with glass p : d»s in 
