CONDITION OF THE COMB IMPORTANT. 283 



are retentive of heat, and the wax composing the 

 central foundation or bottom of opposite cells is there- 

 by partially melted. This extends slightly outwards 

 to the waxen walls of the cells. The comb, however, 

 retains its shape, being held together by the lining 

 membranes as well as the remaining sound walls near 

 either surface of the comb. 



The lives of the young brood are placed in jeop- 

 ardy ; some are destroyed, while others, being of a 

 different age, survive, although the wax is disinte- 

 grated in a slight degree. I apprehend, however, 

 that the insensible respiration of the young bee pen- 

 etrates the cocoon, and in combination with the heat, 

 causes it to separate from the wax, and a partial de- 

 composition to take place. This, however, is arrested 

 as soon as the young bees emerge, by the moisture 

 evaporating. 



Notwithstanding the permanent damage thus sus- 

 tained, the bees continue to use the same coml^ re- 

 peatedly, perhaps for years, particularly if freed 

 from a repetition of injury ; decomposition having 

 once been started, although again arrested, will set 

 in on the return of the exciting cause, although that 

 cause is slight. 



Let the hive that has sustained damage, as above, 

 be placed in winter quarters, which may be either a 

 room containing large numbers of hives, or a cellar 

 with either few or many. Also, if placed in a posi- 

 tion that is shaded, if dampness is found to collect 

 upon or within the hive, the combs of which have 



