246 WINTERING 



this method of wintering is perhaps from regions where it should 

 not be used. For intermediate latitudes, with good stores and 

 proper attention, this hive should be expected to give satisfactory 

 results. Extensive bee-keepers who have used a similar hive in 

 Michigan for many years report that the average loss has not 

 exceeded ten per cent. The practical bee-keeper should not be 

 content to follow any plan by which he could not reduce the 

 winter losses below this figure. A ten per cent loss is sufficient 

 to condemn any system. However, a large part of winter losses 

 by any method is always to be charged to failing queens and im- 

 proper stores, two things which can hardly be charged to the 

 method of protection. 



There has been much discussion as to whether with the use 

 of double walled hives there should be a sealed wood cover under 

 the tray of chaff. The best authorities take directly opposite 

 views on this subject, some holding that there should be no 

 upward ventilation and the other side holding that upward venti- 

 lation is essential to absorb the surplus moisture in extremely 

 cold weather. The author, as already stated, holds to the latter 

 view, and in practice uses it as well as recommends it. 



The double walled hive is a most excellent hive for early 

 spring use, as the bees are not subject to such sudden changes 

 of temperature as is the case in single walled hives. 



The large size and extra weight are against the double walled 

 hive for use in extensive apiaries where every part should be 

 interchangeable. For the use of comb honey producers, how- 

 ever, who have less occasion to manipulate the hive bodies, there 

 is not so much objection to be made. There can be no ques- 

 tion but that there will be a greater saving in stores for early 

 spring brood rearing in a double walled hive than in the ordinary 

 single walled one. More honey will also be stored from fruit 

 bloom and other early sources as a smaller number of bees will 

 be required to maintain the required heat for brood rearing in 

 the hive. Taken altogether, there are many advantages from its 

 use to offset the greater weight and bulk. 



