282 COMB. 



This will be understood by observing the effect 

 upon them. 



The temperature steadily maintained in the midst 

 of the cluster of bees during the season of active 

 breeding is 94 Fahr., even though the outside tem- 

 perature is below freezing point. But when the out- 

 side temperature is raised above 94, (which is fre- 

 quently done by reflection when the main tempera- 

 ture would not range above 75) the bees arrange 

 themselves in such numbers and manner, that by 

 standing and vibrating their wings incessantly (these 

 ventilators, as they may be called, are doubtless re- 

 lieved by relays) a current of cool air is driven into 

 the hive while the heated air is forced out. Thus a 

 lower temperature is maintained within the hive than 

 prevails outside. They however, if unable to keep 

 the temperature at a sufficiently low point, leave the 

 interior and cluster on the outside, seeking to get in 

 the hade, not many remaining inside, except those 

 engaged as ventilators ; thus by instinct and devoted 

 labor, they save their combs and treasures from im- 

 pending danger. 



JSTot unfrequently, however, their efforts are una- 

 vailing; the combs become so nearly melted, that 

 they part, of their own weight, and sink down a per- 

 fect ruin, involving the lives of the queen and many 

 bees. 



More frequently, however, only a partial melt takes 

 place, which occurs in the comb used for breeding, 

 as it contains cocoons left by the young bees, which 



