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.