254 WINTEEING. 



of snow. This is taken as evidence of the approach of 

 winter, and the bees are at once put away, with the hives 

 damp and in bad condition. Here let me mention an 

 item m favor of the Quinby hive. The frames only being 

 removed to the cellar or bee-room, upon a separate bottom- 

 board, are perfectly dry, even in a stormy time. There- 

 fore I deem it wise to put bees into their winter quarters 

 much earlier than is customary with many apiarians. 

 After a warm, dry day, when all have had an opportunity 

 to fly, is the most suitable time. In our locality the date 

 varies from November the 1st to the 15th, according to 

 the severity of the weather. 



FLIGHT DUEING WINTEE. 



Many apiarians have the idea that it is very beneficial 

 to bees to allow them to fly out, at intervals during the 

 winter, many recommending it to be done as often as the 

 weather will permit. Bees may be wintered in such a 

 damp and unsuitable place that this may be absolutely 

 necessary, but it is hardly worth while for me to say to 

 any one who has followed me thus far, that I consider it 

 not only unnecessary, but injurious, when proper pro- 

 vision has been made for their well-being within. If bees 

 are found to leave their hives and fall upon the cellar 

 bottom, they should be brushed up and carried out, as 

 they will give the room a disagreeable odor, and render it 

 unhealthful. 



SETTIJfG OtTT BEES TOO EAELT IK SPEIKG. 



"We are frequently told to remove our bees from winter 

 quarters on the first warm days in spring ; even as early 

 as March 1st. I am constrained to say that, as a rule, I 

 consider this a serious mistake. The reason given for so 

 doing is, that the bees are leaving their hives and wasting 

 upon the floor in such numbers, that if not soon set out 



