PI^PONT OF J HI-: EMOMOLVULST AM) BOTANIST 249 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



Care was taken that the colonies in both tests had plenty of unsealed stores bcforo 

 fruit bloom and between fruit and clover bloom. This was done by uncapping one 

 side of a frame of honey nearest to the cluster, allowing the bees to use up the honey 

 for food and providing space for the queen to lay her eggs. Although so much moisture 

 v\'as in close proximity to the colonies, a great deal of the success of this experiment 

 is no doubt due to the good cellar in which it was tried, the cellar having stone walls, 

 cement floors, good ventilation and the temperature being easily regulated. This goes 

 to show that good ventilation and even temperature have a great deal to do with 

 successful w'intering. An excellent plan for ventilating is to have sliding ventilators 

 in the doors, so that much or little air may be let in as desired. Also connect an extra 

 stove pipe, provided with a damper, to the regular heating stove. This may be done 

 by means of a T, or an extra flue will answer. Allow the pipe to extend into the cellar. 

 This plan of ventilating has proved very successful. 



in. — INSULATING HIVES FOR OUTSIDE WINTERING. 



For this experiment, the hives were insulated against the winter cold by air 

 cushions in the following manner. Slats 1 inch thick were nailed at intervals all 

 around the hive, on these was tacked one layer of thick brown buildiug paper and 

 then a layer of oiled paper, which increases durability and also keeps out vermin. In 

 order to provide extra protection to the hive, a box six inches wider and six inches 

 longer was placed over this with au opening cut at the entrance, 1 inch by 2 inches, 

 all other openings being closed. The wooden covers of each hive Mrere removed and 

 replaced with a chaft' cushion 3 inches thick, the latter placed on the propolis quilt, 

 and lapping over the sides of tlie hive; two layers of paper were then put on top of 

 the cushion and a second cushion added, which had the top of the outside box over it. 

 This experiment, flrst tried during the winter of 1902-3 with two hives, was re- 

 peated last winter for the second time with four colonies in Langstroth hives. These 

 were all four placed in a large packing case, one foot larger each way than the hives, 

 whicli were six inches apart in the case, with six inches of cut straw on the bottom 

 of the case for the hives to rest upon. The six-inch space between the hives wat> 

 packed with cut straw, as well as the one-foot space all around and on top of the hives. 

 The entrances of two of the hives faced each otiier, and two hives faced west. The 

 entrance to the hives was kept clear of snow all winter to ensure free ventilation. 

 The hives were in a corner well sheltered from cold winds. 



No sound could be heard from these colonies all winter. On March 22 the bees 

 made their appearance, many flying briskly, going out and returning. From March 

 22 to April 22 the bees had but one good flight. On April 22 they were then examined. 

 Very few dead bees were found on the bottom boards; the combs were dry and clean 

 and there were no signs of dysentery. The hives were then removed from the pack- 

 ing case and placed on their summer stands. The average weight of the hives when 

 put into winter qtiarters was 62i pounds; when put on their summer stands, 49^ 

 pounds, showing that each hive had lost 13 pounds 4 ounces. The weather after this 

 date (April 22) being bright and warm, the bees built up rapidly and were in excellent 

 condition for the honey flow. 



IV. — EXPERIMENTS TO DETERMINE W'lIIClI BEES WOULD CONSUME MOST OF, HONEY OR SUGAR, 



AVIIILE CONFINED IN THEIR WINTER QUARTERS. 



Eight colonies in Langstroth hives were selected for this experiment, all of as 

 nearly equal strength as could be secured. On September 1 their natural stores were 

 removed from both sets. On September 2 all were weighed as follows : — 



(a.) The four colonies fed sugar syrup: No. 1 weighed 30 lbs. 7 oz. ; No. 2, 31 

 lbs. 12 oz. ; No. 3, 31 lbs. 10 oz.; No. 4, 31 lbs. 3 oz. ; average of weight, 31 lbs. 4 oz. 



(6.) The four colonies fed extracted iioney : No. 1, weight, 30 lbs. 9 oz. ; No. 2, 

 31 lbs. 10 oz.; No. 3, 30 lbs. 12 oz.; No. 4, 31 lbs. 1 oz.; or an average of 31 pounds. 



