PURCHASING STOCKS. 
367 
honey ; the fifth lasted through the winter, and then 
had to he transferred. He had flattered himself that 
they were obtained very cheaply, but when he made 
out what his good ones cost, he found no great reason, 
in this respect, for congratulation. 
SIZES OF HIVES IMPORTANT. 
Another point is worthy of consideration : endeavor 
to get hives as near the right size as possible, viz., 
2,000 cubic inches ; better too large than too small. 
If too large, they may be cut off, leaving them the 
proper size. But yet, it often makes an ungainly 
shape, being too large square for the height. As the 
shape probably makes no difference in the prosperity 
of the bees, the appearance is the principal objection, 
after being cut off. 
An acquaintance had purchased a lot of bees in 
very large hives, and called on me to know what to 
do with them, as he feared such would not swarm 
well in consequence ; I told him it would be doubtful, 
unles* he cut them off to the right size. 
“ Cut ’em off'! how can that be done? there is bees 
in ’em.” 
“ So I expected, but it can be done nearly as well 
as if empty.” 
“ But don’t you get stung dreadfully ?” 
“ Not often ; if it is to be done in warm weather, I 
smoke them well before I begin ; in very cold weather 
is the best time, then it is unnecessary ; simply turn 
the hive bottom up, mark off the proper size, and 
with a sharp saw take it off without trouble.” 
