256 WINTERING 



for the temperature to rise in spring, from the heat generated 

 in the hives. Crowding in the cellar should be avoided, but when 

 such a condition becomes apparent it can sometimes be relieved 

 by placing a piece of ice over the cluster on each hive. Some 

 bee-keepers use a sprinkling can and sprinkle the fronts of the 

 hives, permitting the vs^ater to run into the hive. While some- 

 thing of this kind may be necessary to quiet the bees, it is much 

 better, if possible, to avoid the conditions that cause them to 

 become restless. 



Removing Covers or Bottoms. — It is a common practice to 

 remove either the cover or bottom board from the hives as they 

 are placed in the cellar. Some bee-keepers remove one, some 

 remove the other, while others leave both in place with entrances 

 wide open. It can hardly be said that there is any definite evi- 

 dence as to which plan is best. A common plan is to remove 

 the bottoms and leave the covers in place, then alternate the 

 hives, placing one on top of the two below with a space between, 

 thus providing ample ventilation to the cluster. 



In general it would seem that where other conditions are 

 right it makes little difference, as the bees seem to come through 

 in good condition anyway. Where other conditions are bad the 

 bees come through in bad shape, no matter whether top or bot- 

 tom, or both, or neither be removed. 



Summary. — Generally speaking, it may be said that the 

 extensive honey producers are agreed on the following as essen- 

 tial to successful wintering by any plan : vigorous young queens 

 with a large cluster of young bees, sufficient stores of good 

 quality, and a dry situation. If the bees are wintered in cellar, 

 an even temperature in addition is desired. 



QUESTIONS 



1. Why are the losses of bees in winter so heavy? 



2. Discuss the essentials of successful wintering. 



3. What stores bring best results and why? 



4. What relation does the queen sustain to the wintering of the colony? 



5. Under what conditions are paper cases suitable for winter protection? 



6. Discuss the advantages of paclting bees on their summer stands? 



7. What are the advantages of double walled hives? 



8. Describe the essential points of a good cellar for wintering purposes. 



