WINTER MANAGEMENT. 75 



to see that they fit close to the sides of the hive, so that no heat 

 escapes at the ends of the fiames. Some persons prefer porous 

 quilts, whilst others advocate impervious ones, made of such 

 materials as American cloth. Many are the articles which 

 the advocates of each have written on the various advantages 

 and disadvantages, the merits and demerits of the two systems. 

 One thing is certain, and that is, that when impervious quilting 

 is used, a wide entrance — say 6 inches — is absolutely necessary 

 to let off the moisture which is formed in the hive, and which, 

 having condensed, falls to the floor. Where porous quilts are 

 used, such as sacking, carpet, etc., the entrance need not be more 

 than 4 inches wide. 



There is really very little to choose between porous and im- 

 pervious quilts after all ; personally, I prefer the porous ones, 

 but I have used impervious ones with perfect success. Where 

 there are not many quilts on hand, newspapers may be made to 

 supply their place, and they can be spread over the one or two 

 thicknesses of quilting with which the hive is provided. They 

 are excellent in every way, keep in the heat well, and have the 

 advantage of being cheap. A good many thicknesses placed 

 over the frames, carefully fitted up close against the sides of the 

 hive, will ensure the bees being warm and comfortable. 



See that all hive roofs are thoroughly water-tight before 

 winter sets in. Any hives requiring a fresh coat of paint 

 should have it, and all chinks and cracks must be filled up 

 with putty. 



Winter Management. 



In winter bees must be left alone entirely. Not even on 

 fine, warm days, when they are flying, should any manipulation 

 be performed, unless under the direst necessity — as, for instance, 

 when they are attacked by dysentery. If it is feared that they 

 are running short of stores, a corner of the quUt might be 

 turned up, which would enable the bee-keeper to see whether 

 or not they were in need of food, without disturbing the frames 

 in the least. Should a stock need any feeding in winter, syrup 

 must on no account be given, as it would be sure to give the 

 bees dysentery. Candy is the only safe food at this time ; 

 it may be made either in the way described on page 67, 

 or else in the following manner: — Take 12 ozs. of lump 

 (cane) sugar, and pound it fine ; mix with 4 ozs. of brown or 

 moist sugar two tablespoonfuls of flour, and two of honey ; 



