Preparation for Winter, 395 



extra frames of comb, giving the bees simply what they 

 will cover, but always a good amount of honey. A frame 

 of pollen taken away the previous autumn may also be 

 added. We close up about the bees with a division board, 

 and cover warmly above by adding a chaff filled super. 



If we give abundant stores, I am not sure but for strong 

 colonies a full set of frames and board above, which, how- 

 ever, must fit very snugly, is as good as a chaff covering 

 or chaff-hive. For the simple Heddon-Langstroth hive, 

 however, I think a warm cloth under the cover is very 

 desirable. I have tried some colonies in this way the past 

 two springs, and was pleased with the results. I am not 

 yet sure but it is always better to cover with chaff, sawdust 

 or leaves; but we must give -plenty of honey ^ and perhaps 

 we must cover warmly and snugly, to win the best suc- 

 cess. I always thought so, but now I am in doubt. Even 

 if better, it may still prove more profitable to give plenty of 

 honey, and let the hives alone, with a full set of combs 

 in each. This saves much time. Geo. Grimm and my 

 brother practice this and succeed. 



Perhaps I ought to say that all colonies should be strong 

 in autumn; but I have said before, never have weak colo- 

 nies. As before stated, a colony need not be very large 

 to winter well ; but they should be strong, in the possession 

 of a good queen, and the proper proportion of young and 

 vigorous bees. Yet for fear some have been negligent, 

 I remark that weak colonies and nuclei should be united 

 in preparing for winter. To do this, approximate the col- 

 onies each day, four or five feet, till they are side by side. 

 Now remove the poorest queen, then smoke thoroughly, 

 sprinkle both colonies with sweetened water scented with 

 essence of peppermint, put a sufficient number of the best 

 frames and all the bees into one of the hives, and then set 

 this midway between the position of the hives at the com- 

 mencement of the uniting. The bees will unite peaceably, 

 and make a strong colony. In case of nuclei I usually 

 unite three for winter. Uniting colonies may pay at other 

 seasons. It may seem rash to some, yet I fully believe 

 that if the above suggestions are carried out in full, I may 

 guarantee successful wintering. But if we do lose our bees. 



