238 WINTERING 



consequently lost. Every possible means should be used to 

 save the energy of the colony at this season. 



Too much value can hardly be placed upon a good wind- 

 break. Evergreens so planted as to break the wind from the 

 north and west are very good. The author's apiary is sheltered 

 by a blackberry thicket immediately behind the hives and back 



Fig. 108. — The value of a good natural windbreak behind an apiary can hardly be over- 

 estimated. 



of that is a grove of native trees (Fig. 108). The apiary was 

 formerly in the grove where the wind swept under the trees. 

 The difference in the condition of the colonies in spring, since 

 moving to the new location, is surprising indeed. 



When brood rearing commences the bees require quantities 

 of water and this accounts for their frequenting the watering 

 troughs so freely in early spring. Water should be placed near at 

 hand to save long flights in search of it. A tub, trough, or other 



