BEEKEEPING EX THE SOUTH 21 



for in winter should be reduced to a minimum. Remember that 

 a temperature of 57 F., requires work on the part of the bees 

 to prevent a lower temperature in their cluster. The more of 

 this work they do, the more the colony loses in numbers and in 

 the vitality of its individuals. Have good hives, tight, water- 

 proof covers, reduced entrances, and protection by fence or 

 trees, against the prevailing winds of winter days. If your part 

 of the South is where snow falls and temperatures drop low, 

 your bees might profit by being packed. Send for the govern- 

 ment's free bulletin on "Wintering Bees Outdoors." 



The Theory and Practice. 



The theories of successful beekeeping have been stated in the 

 first paragraph of this chapter. Learn them well first. This 

 will enable you to separate the chaff from the wheat in what you 

 read, or what >ou are told by beekeepers who may not be as well 

 posted as they believe. Given the mastered theory, the prac- 

 tice will not only become easy, but will prove the most interesting 

 study you ever attempted, if you are destined to be a beekeeper. 

 If you are not, give up beekeeping right now. There are already 

 too many men and women masquerading under the title "bee- 

 keeper." 



Subscribe for bee papers and get one or two of the better 

 bee books, which give the results of practice, and not theory 

 alone. Attend the short courses for beekeepers and witness 

 demonstrations in handling bees made by the bee culture ex- 

 tension men. If there are no such meetings near you, take the 

 initiative and arrange for some. Begin to put your theories into 

 practice modestly, search your practices for a confession of 

 fault as you go. Above all, remain open-minded about your 

 beekeeping methods and you will be sure to succeed. In any 

 event, invest modestly at first and make the bees keep you. 



