Colonies which have been weakened by disease should be united 
until a sufficient number of bees are in one colony to winter well. 
A good windbreak is a large factor in the successful wintering 
of a colony of bees. To keep the temperature of the cluster up to 
a point at which the queen will surely be protected, the bees, when 
the temperature of the air surrounding the cluster drops to 57°F., 
or below, generate heat by muscular activity. Everyone can ap- 
preciate the increased rapidity with which this heat is carried off 
when the hives are not protected from the cold winds. 
A solid board fence is not considered as desirable a windbreak 
as one with many small cracks. When the fence is tight the wind 
whirls over the top and a return current is set up which blows 
directly on the row of hives near the fence. An artificial windbreak 
should be provided if a natural one cannot be had. In some cases 
the apiary is surrounded by coarse mesh woven wire fencing in 
Fig. 44. A New Jersey apiary provided with winter cases, which give ample 
protection against low temperatures. 
which corn stalks are woven. This answers fairly well. It is obvious 
that a natural windbreak when it can be had is superior to an arti- 
ficial one. A bluff, the edge of a wood or a row of evergreens are 
excellent: and are self-maintaining. (Fig. 44). Some beekeepers 
stack corn stalks around the hive for winter. This is far better 
than no winter protection. So much depends upon the bees having 
a comfortable winter location thal any pains to secure the ideal 
site will be well repaid. 
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