VOL. I. 



F&BRUflRY, 1891. 



NO. 2. 



their confinement by stress of weather. 

 This one idea, it seems, takes posses- 

 sion of bee-keepers, with but few ex- 

 ceptions. Those who write gushingly 

 about ventilation constitute them- 



Managemeni off Bees in 

 Winter. 



BY C J ROBINSON. 



The problem of safe wintering in 

 high, cold regions, is not yet solved, 

 and the subject is still one of much selves learned physiologists, and at- 

 importance to bee keepers in rigor- tempt to theorize by likening bees 

 ously cold climates. The condition physically to mammals; such reasoning 

 and perfection of colonies during win- cannot bri ,g forth light. A constant 

 ter, and of the brood comb and young current or change of air is not essen- 

 brood during Spring determines the tial for the support of life in tad-poles 

 success and profits of the owner. and fish, nor do hibernating creatures, 

 With bee-keepers the ever recur- including bees, require supplies of air, 

 ring problem, how may bees he kept as do animals that feed on air for a 

 during winter's reign in their most supply of oxygen. 

 perfect condition, is still a, theme of Bees, like tropical plants cannot 

 reflection and discussion. abide in, and endure a low tempera- 

 Thanks are not due to the thou- tore, except by clustering, and they 

 sands of writer* who have theorized cannot exist while clustering a 



on the subject, without tin- knowledge 

 of scientific principles, but we owe a, 

 debt of gratitude to those who, by 

 their researches and laborous experi- 



loug time, unless amply protected 

 against rigorous cold. Bees, as well 

 as man, had an Eden home in the be- 

 ginning. Science and art renders 



ments, have, in some measure, dispell- most of the habitable globe a possible 

 ed the darkness that years ago shroud Eden for man, but the ease is differ- 

 ed the winter problem . Theory, un- ent with bees — as differently as are 

 less based upon correct principles, bees from mankind; yet science and 

 cannot be taken as an exposition of art have achieved great victories over 

 scientific truths. the vicissitudes of climates, and the 

 The predominent thought among busy bee, as well as animals, are pro- 

 theorists, who go it hit and miss, is vided for against winter's cold in most 

 that of ventilation. Fresh air is the all lands, 

 salvation vouchsafed to bees during Individually, bees cannot endure a 



