Preparation for Winter. 395 
extra frames of comb, giving the bees simply what they 
will cover, but always a good amount of honey. A frame 
of pollen taken away the previous autumn may also be 
added. We close up about the bees with a division board, 
and cover warmly above by adding a chaff filled super. 
If we give abundant stores, I am not sure but for strong 
colonies a full set of frames and board above, which, how- 
ever, must fit very snugly, is as good as a chaff covering 
or chaff-hive. For the simple Heddon-Langstroth hive, 
however, I think a warm cloth under the cover is very 
desirable. I have tried some colonies in this way the past 
two springs, and was pleased with the results. I am not 
yet sure but it is always better to cover with chaff, sawdust 
or leaves; but we must give plenty of honey, and perhaps 
we must cover warmly and snugly, to win the best suc- 
cess. I always thought so, but now I am in doubt. Even 
if better, it may still prove more profitable to give plenty of 
honey, and let the hives-alone, with a full set of combs 
in each. This saves much time. Geo. Grimm and my 
brother practice this and succeed. 
Perhaps I ought to say that all colonies should be strong 
in autumn; but I have said before, never have weak colo- 
nies. As before stated, a colony need not be very large 
to winter well; but they should be strong, in the possession 
of a good queen, and the proper proportion of young and 
vigorous bees. Yet for fear some have been negligent, 
I remark that weak colonies and nuclei should be united 
in preparing for winter. To do this, approximate the col- 
onies each day, four or five feet, till they are side by side. 
Now remove the poorest queen, then smoke thoroughly, 
sprinkle both colonies with sweetened water scented with 
essence of peppermint, put a sufficient number of the best 
frames and all the bees into one of the hives, and then set 
this midway between the position of the hives at the com- 
mencement of the uniting. The bees will unite peaceably, 
and make a strong colony. In case of nuclei I usually 
unite three for winter. Uniting colonies may pay at other 
seasons. It may seem rash to somc,.yet I fully believe 
that if the above suggestions are carried out in full, I may 
guarantee successful wintering. But if we do lose our bees, 
