CHAPTER XII.
SIZE OF HIVES.
Most amateurs have all their hives of an equal size. Some will have only very large ones; others very small ones; and others there are who prefer those of middling dimensions, into which they lodge indifferently, early and late, weak and strong, and even double swarms, that have re-united on leaving the parent hive; this is not very judicious. There should be a roomy lodging for first and for strong swarms, and even more so for double ones; and there ought to be small hives to receive feeble and tardy swarms, as well as for second and third ones at least, if proprietors do not reinforce them, by uniting them, according to my plan. Middling sized hives are convenient for ordinary swarms, which are neither the first nor the last ones.
When two or even three swarms come off at the same time and mingle together, as sometimes happens in large apiaries, I take care not to separate them, but give them a hive big enough to contain them all.
One strong population supports itself better, and is incomparably more profitable, than feeble colonies, that must be often in need of assistance. But there is a measure in every thing, and there should be no excess; should four or five swarms mingle, it is proper to separate them and lodge them in two hives of suitable dimensions; when I have not done so, I have always, except once, had cause to regret it. Before swarming time, it is as well to prepare hives of various sizes, just as one would have casks ready in a cellar before the vintage, to be ready for use. Here experience is in harmony with reason.