352 Beekeeping 



Hives of various types are made in which insulation is 

 provided permanently, and were it not for the difficulty of 

 moving such hives they would probably be more in favor 

 among commercial beekeepers. Top packing is the most 

 beneficial and may profitably be retained throughout the 

 summer if practical. 



Insulation for the conservation of heat is of the greatest 

 importance, but even a well insulated hive or group of hives 

 may not offer adequate protection unless sheltered from 

 strong winds. The enormous loss of heat due to wind is 

 usually not appreciated. A high fence or a heavy evergreen 

 hedge is the means of a great saving of bee vitality. 



The weakest place in the protection of the colony is the 

 entrance. It is not safe to contract the entrance too much 

 for it may then become entirely closed by dead bees. Neither 

 is it safe to close the entrance entirely and provide indirect 

 ventilation for the bees become restless when confined. 

 The entrance should be closed as much as possible and yet 

 provide room for dead bees. An entrance f by 8 inches 

 is perhaps the largest ever needed in wintering outside 

 and this is often too large, especially for relatively weak 

 colonies. 



The wrapping of hives in black tar paper and leaving 

 unprotected the fronts of the hives which face south are 

 often advocated on the theory that the heat of the sun will 

 more rapidly warm up the hive on bright days. Since the 

 sun shines on the hive only a small fraction of the time in 

 the average apiary in the winter season, the benefits of heat 

 from the sun should not be overestimated. Any arrange- 

 ment for absorbing heat from without is equally effective 

 in dissipating heat from within and consequently a heavy 

 packing on all sides is advisable. If possible it is best to 

 have the packing cases painted white to reduce loss of 

 heat. 



To summarize : for outside wintering, leave abundant 

 stores, pack early and heavily, protect from wind and un- 

 pack late. 



