METHODS OF WINTERING 239 
receptacle partly filled with shavings, chips or the like to enable 
the bees to get the water without danger of drowning should be 
provided. (See Chapter IV.) 
Protection in Spring —Many bee-keepers complain that after 
they bring their bees through the winter in the cellar they lose 
a large part of them through the spring, the stock dwindling 
after being placed on the summer stands. Several things might 
be the cause of this condition. Too many old bees, or colonies 
that went into the cellar weak, or lack of suitable protection 
might be responsible. It is important not only to place the bees 
in a carefully sheltered position after they are removed from 
the cellar, but in addition to provide some protection in the way 
of packing. 
Over large areas the principal flow is from white clover, 
which is of comparatively short duration. It is only the colonies 
that are strong in bees at the beginning of the flow that will 
return substantial profits to their owners. 
Strong Colonies Also Essential—To the above general prin- 
ciples we must add another—strong colonies. While it is some- 
times possible to winter a weak colony or even a nucleus, it is 
seldom worth while. If a colony is weak at the beginning of 
winter by the time spring arrives there is not likely to be enough 
bees left to build up without the addition of brood or bees from a 
stronger colony. It would be wiser to unite several weak colon- 
ies to make one vigorous one than to bother with the weaklings. 
A strong colony of bees will require less honey to winter 
successfully than a small one. The source of heat is the food con- 
sumed and the larger the cluster the more animal heat will be 
retained. 
METHODS OF WINTERING 
In considering the various methods of wintering here pre- 
sented the reader will bear in mind that some methods suited 
to the latitude of St. Louis would not be safe for northern lati- 
tudes. Chaff hives, paper cases, and similar methods which are 
entirely satisfactory for Southern Missouri and southward are 
