eS76 MONTHLY MANAGEMENT. 



As soon as the above arrangements are completed, 

 the front entrances are to be entirely closed, so that 

 no light can enter ; when it is desired to let the bees 

 have their liberty, these can be opened ; after which 

 they are again closed. Each hive should be entirely 

 enveloped with canvas, or straw bound around, being 

 careful not to obstruct the air passages. The hives 

 should be covered to keep them dry and secure, to 

 prevent their being blown over. 



Common chamber or other hives should have aper- 

 tures made as represented in plates xxm and xxiv, 

 with ventilating blocks attached. 



During winter, all the apertures should be kept 

 closed, and air admitted through these ventilators, 

 allowing the bees to have their liberty at suitabls in- 

 tervals during mild weather. 



The hives should also be protected by means of 

 canvas or straw, as above directed. 



The advantages gained by this Arrangement are : 



FIRST: A more equable temperature within the 

 hive. 



SECOND : Protection from piercing winds and moist- 

 ure, whereby the health of the bees is greatly pro- 

 moted, and the texture of the combs preserved. 



THIRD : It effectually guards against all danger of 

 smothering the bees ; there are more bees lost from 

 the latter cause than there are from worms and all 

 other enemies combined. 



