384 Causes of Winter Losses. 
CHAPTER XVII. 
WINTERING BEES. 
This is a subject, of course, of paramount importance to 
the apiarist of the Northern States, as this is the rock on 
which some of even the most successful have split. Yet I 
come fearlessly to consider this question, as from all the 
multitude of disasters I see no occasion for discourage- 
ment, If the problem of successful wintering has not been 
solved already, it surely will be, and that speedily. So 
important an interest was never yet vanquished by misfor- 
tune, and there is no reason to think that history is now 
going to be reversed. Of course this chapter has no prac- 
tical value to the apiarists of the South and Pacific Coast. 
There safe wintering is assured, except as the careless bee- 
| keeper permits starvation. 
THE CAUSES OF DISASTROUS WINTERING. 
I fully believe, and to no branch of this subject have I 
given more thought, study, and observation, that ‘all the 
losses may be traced to either unwholesome food, extremes 
of temperature, or protracted cold. I know from actual 
and wide-spread observation, that the severe loss of 1870 
and 1871 was attended in this part of Michigan with 
unsuitable honey in the hive. The previous autumn was 
unprecedentedly dry. Flowers were rare, and storing was 
largely from insect secretion, and consequently the stores 
were unwholesome. I tasted of honey from many hives 
only to find it nauseating. 
Extremes of heat and cold are also detrimental to the 
bees. If the temperature of the hive becomes too high, 
the bees become restless, eat more than they ought, and if 
confined to their hives are distended with their feces, become 
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 
