CHAPTER IV 



QUILTS, SMOKER, VEIL, GAUNTLETS AND BOTTLE FEEDER 



Quilts, consisting of squares of unbleached calico, have 

 now, in this country at least, entirely superseded the 

 older crown board. These coverings should be made 

 l6 by l8| inches, and be provided with a feed hole 3 

 inches in diameter. This hole should not be in the 

 centre of the quilt but towards the end, so that when 

 the feeder is not in use the hole may be covered by 

 reversing alternate quilts. 



Never use less than four calico quilts during the 

 summer time. Felt or flannel quilts should be on hand 

 ready for use during spring and autumn. During the 

 winter the chaff cushion should be used (see sec. iii., 

 chap, xvii., Preparation for ivintering). 



In the early spring, when breeding has begun, a 

 square of American cloth laid over the calico and under- 

 neath the felt quilts will materially assist the bees in 

 preserving the necessary temperature for breeding. It 

 is at this season that every means should be taken to 

 conserve to the utmost the internal heat of the hive. 



Folded newspapers make excellent quilts in an emerg- 

 ency, but of course should not be placed in direct contact 

 with the frames. 



The weak point in the use of quilts is the numerous 

 snug, warm retreats afforded for a variety of insect pests ; 

 but if all material used for quilts be cut to the correct 

 size, the various layers laid neatly, and ordinary care and 

 vigilance exercised, no difficulty of this nature should 



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