246 WINTERING 
this method of wintering is perhaps from regions where it should 
not be used. For intermediate latitudes, with good stores and 
proper attention, this hive should be expected to give satisfactory 
results. Extensive bee-keepers who have used a similar hive in 
Michigan for many years report that the average loss has not 
exceeded ten per cent. The practical bee-keeper should not be 
content to follow any plan by which he could not reduce the 
winter losses below this figure. A ten per cent loss is sufficient 
to condemn any system. However, a large part of winter losses 
by any method is always to be charged to failing queens and im- . 
proper stores, two things which can hardly be charged to the 
method of protection. 
There has been much discussion as to whether with the use 
of double walled hives there should be a sealed wood cover under 
the tray of chaff. The best authorities take directly opposite 
views on this subject, some holding that there should be no 
upward ventilation and the other side holding that upward venti- 
lation is essential to absorb the surplus moisture in extremely 
cold weather. The author, as already stated, holds to the latter 
view, and in practice uses it as well as recommends it. 
The double walled hive is a most excellent hive for early 
spring use, as the bees are not subject to such sudden changes 
of temperature as is the case in single walled hives. 
The large size and extra weight are against the double walled 
hive for use in extensive apiaries where every part should be 
interchangeable. For the use of comb honey producers, how- 
ever, who have less occasion to manipulate the hive bodies, there 
is not so much objection to be made. There can be no ques- 
tion but that there will be a greater saving in stores for early 
spring brood rearing in a double walled hive than in the ordinary 
single walled one. More honey will also be stored from fruit 
bloom and other early sources as a smaller number of bees will 
be required to maintain the required heat for brood rearing in 
the hive. Taken altogether, there are many advantages from its 
use to offset the greater weight and bulk. 
