356 



WINTERING. 



it is of the utmost importance that they be allowed to fly and 

 void their excrements (73) whenever the weather is warm 

 enough. At such times it will be advisable to clean the bottom- 

 boards of hives, of dead bees, and other refuse. 



639. To show the advantages derived by the bees from 

 a Winter flight, we will give our experience during one of 

 the coldest Winters, that of 1S72-3. From the beginning 

 of December to the middle of January, the weather was 

 cold and the bees were unable to leave the hive. The 16th 



Fig. 132. 



noUBLE-WAI.L COWAN HIVE. 



(From Cheshire.) 

 ab, apron-board, e, entrance, p, portico, hs^ hollow space, tr, 

 tunnel-roof or cover to entrance, he, hive case, sc, surplus case. 

 r, roof. 



of January was a rather pleasant day. We took occasion 

 of this to examine our weak colonies, being anxious in re- 

 gard to their ' condition. To our astonishment, they were 

 found alive, and our disturbing them caused them to fly and 

 discharge their excrements. Being convinced that all our bees 

 were safe, we did not disturb the strong colonies, and a few 



