WINTERING BEES. 119 



_ _ 



warm day in winter to rouse the bees from tlieir 

 dormant state in the Controllable Hive and bring 

 them out for a turn in the open air. If the air is 

 warm enough to induce them to come out, it is 

 always warm enough for them to fly briskly. In 

 this respect there is a great contrast between my 

 hive and others. With other hives, an hour's warm 

 sun will bring out the bees in winter, when the air 

 is cold, and the consequence is, they fall into the 

 snow and perish by hundreds. In this way stocks 

 are often reduced in numbers until all are lost. 

 The dysentery generally attacks such stocks (brought 

 on by the sudden changes in temperature in the 

 hive,) and hastens their destruction, by causing 

 them to leave the hive, when they would not do so 

 if in a health}- condition. Bees when virintered in 

 Controllable Hives as directed, will come out in 

 the spring, strong in numbers, and in a healthy 

 condition — in great contrast to the weak and dis- 

 eased stocks which have been wintered in the ordi- 

 nary manner. I have perfect confidence in the 

 method of wintering here recommended, for I have 

 had it in practical use for many years, and have 

 never lost a stock, notwithstanding some winters 

 have been very destructive to bees in this section,' 

 some, who practice the old methods, losing their 

 entire stocks. I learn from my correspondents in 

 all parts of the United States that there is great loss 

 of bees in winter ; so great in fact as to discourage 

 many from attempting to engage in apiculture. 



My plan of wintering is very simple, and com- 

 mends itself to every intelligent pei'son. In a few 



