Peter remarked about seeing what he considered an unusual hive configuration during a US trip and asked how often it was used and whether it was limited to certain purposes, such as pollination. Here in the Northeast, what we call a one and a half (1 ½) story hive is commonly used. I believe it is also a very common configuration in parts of the upper mid-west. The deep (the '1') is a standard Langstroth, 9.5" deep. The medium can be either 4¾", 5.5", 6 5/8" or 7 5/8" deep. Unfortunately, all of these sizes are more or less 'standard', meaning that one can buy wired brood foundation and frames to fit. Most common, by far, is 6 5/8". I believe the original purpose of this configuration was to reduce weight when moving hives, while providing plenty of space for brood production. This configuration allows room for sufficient honey and pollen storage (90 lbs.) for our long winters. In recent years, several well-known authors have advocated this configuration for hobbyists as it is far easier to manipulate than two deeps. When I advise beekeepers to use this configuration I suggest over-wintering with the medium on the bottom. This makes it easier to find the queen in the spring (as she will almost certainly be in the deep) and to make splits. If the medium is on the top the brood will be split between both boxes and the queen can be in either box. This makes it harder to find her and more difficult to make up good splits. The only disadvantage I have found is that the bees are more inclined to swarm with this configuration than with three deeps. I don't find they are more likely to swarm compared to two deeps. While I personally keep most hives in three deeps, I don't often move bees and don't advise hobbyists to do so because of the necessary added expertise and muscles. Hope this helps, Lloyd Lloyd Spear, Owner Ross Rounds, Inc. Manufacturers of Ross Rounds Comb Honey Equipment, Sundance Pollen Traps and Custom Printer of Sundance Labels. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::