108 WINTERING BEES. 
HOW TO WINTER BEES IN CONTROLLABLE HIVES. 
Bees are wintered in Controllable Hives on their 
summer stands, by my plan, without loss, by maintaining 
an even temperature in the brood section, and disposing 
of all moisture or perspiration thrown off by the bees in 
cold weather. I have never lost a swarm of bees in Con- 
trollable Hives in the winter. I attempt to winter none 
except strong healthy stocks. I have no mouldy combs, 
no sour honey. The combs are kept perfectly dry, and 
the hives ina healthy condition. I do not lose a teacup- 
ful of bees, on the average, from each of my hives during 
the winter. 
To winter in Controllable Hives, prepare as follows: 
At the commencement of steady cold weather, which, in 
the New England States, is usually near the close of 
November, put the bees in condition to winter, by 
entirely closing the upper entrance to the hive, and the 
lower one shut up about one-half.* Take out the box 
frames at the sides of the brood section, and put the 
moveable partitions in place. Remove the boxes and 
feeder, or honey board (whichever is in place,) from over 
the brood section. Place the ventilator over the brood 
section, so the lower edge of the ventilator, at the sides, 
will rest on the upper edge of the moveable partitions, on 
*To secure a slight upward draught of air, to carry of the moisture arising 
from the bees, make a hole a half-inch in diameter in front and rear of the 
cap, in the center, close to the top or roof boards. (And here let me say, the 
roof boards, or boards covering the cap, should project about an inch, as they 
can be more firmly nailed, and make better joints; for driving rains must not 
be allowed to penetrate to the inside of the hive.) ‘The inside of each hole 
should be covered with wire cloth, to keep out insects, etc. 
