FIFTEENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART VIII. 



521 



EFFECTS OF HUMIDITY. 



It may as well be stated that we have no data showing the effects of an 

 increase or decrease in the relative humidity on the activities of the bees 

 in winter. We therefore do not know what relative humidity is best, for 

 we do not know whether the moisture is the cause or the effect of poor 

 wintering. From practical experience it may be concluded that excessive 

 condensation is indicative of poor wintering and most beekeepers aim to 

 have their cellars as dry as practical. Whether this is desirable for the 

 warmer cellars remains to be determined. 



Government apiary and laboratory at Washington. 



Elwood falls into a common error, in which he is probably accompanied 

 by many beekeepers, when he states that a damp cellar at 45° to 50° F. 

 is no warmer than a dry cellar at 38° to 40° F. This conception arises 

 from our personal experience that high relative humidity gives us a feel- 

 ing of chill. There is no evidence that bees with very different exteriors 

 are so affected. 



At any rate it is evident that condensation of moisture on the combs 

 of honey is not beneficial since this favors the growth of molds. The 

 damp dark interior of the hive is certainly favorable for the growth of 

 these organisms. It is not yet shown how these are injurious but they 

 can scarcely be assumed to be desirable as food. A still more serious con- 

 sideration is the fact that honey tends -to take up moisture either from a 



