OR, MANUAL OP THB APIARY. 4SS 



diseased, besmear their comb and hives, and die. If, when 

 they become thus disturbed, they could have a purifying 

 flight, all would be well. Again, if the temperature become 

 extremely low, the bees, to keep up the animal heat, must 

 take more food ; they are uneasy, exhale much moisture, which 

 may settle and freeze on the outer combs about the cluster, 

 preventing the bees from getting the needed food, and thus in 

 this case both dysentery and starvation confront the bees. 

 That able and far-seeing apiarist, the lamented M. Quinby, 

 was one of the first to discover this fact ; and here, as else- 

 where, gave advice that, if heeded, would have saved great 

 loss and sore disappointment. Dr. Miller is doubtless correct 

 in the belief that he has cured and prevented dysentery by use 

 of a coal-stove in the cellar. Of course, Dr. Miller's good 

 judgment and caution were coupled with the artificial heat. I 

 have little doubt, in fact I know from actual investigation, 

 that in the past severe winters, those bees which under con- 

 finement have been subject to severe extremes, were the ones 

 that invariably perished. Had the bees been kept in a uniform 

 temperature, ranging from 40 to 45 degrees, F., the record 

 would have been materially ^hanged. Bees do not hibernate 

 in the sense that other insects do, though if the temperature is 

 just right, from 40 to 45 degrees F., they are very quiet and 

 eat but little. Yet that they are even then functionally active 

 is readily shown by the high, independent temperature in the 

 hive and their frequent change of position in the cluster. 



EJxcessive moisture, especially in cases of protracted cold, 

 is always to be avoided. Bees, like all other animals, are 

 constantly giving off moisture, which, of course, will be 

 accelerated if the bees become disturbed and are thus led to 

 consume more food. This moisture not only acts as explained 

 above, but also induces fungous growths. The mouldy comb 

 is not wholesome, though it may never cause death. Hence, 

 another necessity for sufficient warmth to drive this moisture 

 from the hive, and some means to absorb it without opening 

 the hive above and permitting a current which will disturb the 

 bees, and cause the greater consumption of honey. It is 

 probable that, with the proper temperature, moisture will do 

 little harm. 



