148 HOW TO KEEP BEES 



by the dealers, and many good words are said for 

 this method of wintering. 



THE CHAFF HIVE 



The chaff hive is probably the most perfect of all 

 of the devices for out-of-door wintering when con- 

 venience and the saving of work as well as success 

 are taken into consideration. The chaff hive is 

 a double-walled hive with wall spaces packed with 

 chaff. It is a certain guard against extremes and 

 sudden changes of temperature, as it remains cool in 

 the hot and warm in the cold weather. 



The chaff for packing should be fine. That from 

 timothy hay, oats or wheat is commonly used; saw- 

 dust and planer shavings and dried leaves closely 

 packed are also often resorted to. The packing 

 should be below as well as on the sides of the hive. 

 A cushion made of burlap and filled with chaff is 

 put above a Hill's device or super cover, as this is 

 the most convenient method of packing the hive 

 on top. The bees should be thoroughly established 

 and have their stores ready as early as October 1st. 

 It is claimed by the admirers of the chaff hive that 

 they prevent spring dwindling by keeping the bees 

 warm in the early spring ; and also that they keep the 

 hive cool enough so that the brood is not developed 

 in the combs until the proper time for it. 



The chaff hives are sufficiently warm to preserve 

 bees during ordinary winters, but neither they nor 

 any other out-door device were entirely successful 

 during the long, protracted cold of the winter of 



