BEE-KEEPINO. 818 



To make the sides place 1 of the inch square pieces % an inch from the 

 end of the board cut for the sides, if 3^ inch stuff is used, or % of an inch if 

 % stuff is used, and nail fast; making as wide as the cleats ar« long, and put 

 anotlier cleat at the other end in the same -way. For the end pieces place the 

 cleats 1 inch from the ends of the boards that have been cut for the ends; make 

 as many of these as may be needed. The sides and ends may be fastened at 

 the corners with two hooks at each corner, or screws may be used if more con- 

 venient. The cover may be made like a house roof, or in any way that may 

 suit ones fancy or convenience, always making sure that it is water tight. Set 

 the hive to be prepared for winter on a board that is as wide as the inside of the 

 above described box, and some longer than its length so as to furnish an alight- 

 ing place for the bees. Fix an entrance for the bees and place the box in posi- 

 tion, and pack as already directed. The ends of the cleats will stand on the 

 edges of the bottom board so that rains will not wet the packing. 



"Whatever method of protection is adopted, whether it be corn fodder, straw, 

 or packing in a box, it should not be removed till settled warm weatLer in the 

 spring. 



MY METHOD OP WINTERING. 



As soon as possible after the frost has killed the flowers so that the bees 

 can gather little or no bee-bread, I examine each colony and select such combs 

 as have little or no bee-bread in them, and place as many in one side of the 

 hive as the bees may need to cluster on, and put in a division board. If there 

 is not honey enough in the selected combs for the bees to winter on, I uncap 

 the honey in some or all of the others, and place them on the other side of the 

 division board so the bees will carry it over into the combs they are to winter 

 on. If there is still a lack of winter stores, I feed more honey or syrup made 

 of either granulated, or coffee A sugar. Don't feed poor sugar if you wish to 

 save the bees. 



The empty or extra combs are put away to be used again in the spring. 

 At this time put on the sticks and new honey quilt as before directed, and when 

 it becomes settled cold weather, place all in the cellar. 



The object in taking away the bee-bread is to prevent the loss of bees frona 

 diarrhea. I have wintered in this way with perfect success for the last seven 

 winters, not losing a colony from disease. 



During cold weather all the bees need to eat is food which will produce heat, 

 and that is furnished by the honey or sugar syrup, which, when pure, is fully 

 digested, leaving nothing to be discharged as feces, consequently there can be 

 no diarrhea, unless it be induced by extremes of heat or cold. 



I believe that colonies wintered in the cellar are more apt to become weak 

 ^rom the loss of bees in the spring than those that are wintered outdoors if 

 properly protected ; but those wintered in the cellar consume much less honey. 



The same protection may be given them when they are brought from the 

 cellar in the spring, as has been recommended for outdoor wintering, and wiU 

 largely, if not wholly prevent spring dwindling. 



