A MONTHLY JOURNAL 



DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF HONEY PRODUCERS 



^l.nn A ffar 



E. B. TYRRELL, Editor and Publisher 

 Office OF Publication - - - 230 NA/oodlan d Aven ue 



VOL. XXV. DETROIT, MICHIGAN, FEBUARY 1, 1912. No. 2. 



The Question of Wintering and Spring Protection. 



HOMER MATHEWSON. 



"^^^ HIS much discussed subject of winlerins;- seems to be a sealed 

 C y book to m.any, notwithstanding the mass of articles published 

 in its regard. In m}- experience for the past ten years I have 

 adopted the following plan : 



Beginning in the fall, first see that brood rearing is kept going 

 as long as possible. That all colonies have ample stores. Xext, put 

 them in the cellar, which I do about Xov. '^0 to Dec. 1st. In my 

 opinion bees winter much better if allowed to see some cold weather. 



The cellar should be ample in size. Hives should be set on 

 benches at least one foot high. Outward ventilation is absolutely 

 necessary. A\'ith such arrangements the intake will usually be 

 ^ufficient through holes in the wall and around the door. Loosen 

 all covers and open entrances to fullest extent. Hang a piece of 

 canvas in front of hives that will reach from ceiling to bottom of 

 cellar. 



In regard to noise and other confusion I don't think it makes 

 much, if an}-, difference. My cellar is opened from one to five times 

 each day and the bees are perfectly quiet. 



During the warm weather in December I often open a three 

 In' three-foot window in each end of the cellar and leave them open 

 all night. For temperature I prefer a Avarm cellar, one seldom 

 going below (30. but you must ventilate. 



The spring end of the matter is this : \\'e will suppose that 

 conditions are right for setting out. About dark open doors and 

 windows of cellar and commence to carry out a1:)OUt one hour later. 

 Finish, if possible, that night. If the night be cold all the better. 



