WINTERING BEES 21 



3 and 8. After two or three days (and, of course, I mean flying days), 

 when these shifted colonies have again become accustomed to their new 

 location, the end hives of each section of five, represented by the figures 

 1, 5, 6, 10, may then be slightly moved toward their respective centers. 

 Under no consideration should these latter be shifted at the same time 

 when the first shift. Fig. 2, is made. That would bring their new stand 

 too near the stands o^ those just moved, so that more or less mixing up 

 would be encouraged. 



The third row shows the ten colonies in position ready for the sheds. 

 If carefully managed, and if the shifting has been done according to the 

 hints here given, they should arrive at these places without the loss of a 

 single bee. 



This form of tenement, however, we do not regard as quite 

 the equal of the Bartlett or the Holtermann. Relatively it 

 has a greater amount of exposed surface to the colony. 

 Then we believe it to be an advantage to place the hives in 

 tight contact in order that the bees may borrow warmth 

 from each other. Mr. Holtermann and Mr. Bartlett, if we 

 are not mistaken, keep their hives running all summer in 

 g^roups of four a few inches apart. This avoids all shifting 

 from one season to another, and yet allows the owner to have 

 one side and one end as a means of approach in handling. 

 When i% comes time to put the bees into winter quarters, 

 there is no lifting nor shifting, except to place the hives in 

 direct contact, when they are ready to pack for winter. 



It is our opinion that the average beginner in the colder 

 climates will succeed better with the tenement plan of win- 

 tering than he would with the most up-to-date bee-cellar. 



THE IMPOBTANCE OF WINDBSEAKS. 



In various places leading up to this, we have mentioned 

 the importance of windbreaks to screen the hives from a 

 strong windsweep. ' For instance, a bad location for winter- 

 ing bees outdoors is on top of a hill with a clear stretch of 

 country for a mile or two in the direction of the prevailing 

 winds. Although the bees may be nicely housed in double- 

 waUed hives, the high winds during cold and chilly weather 

 may and probably will have a disastrous effect on the bees. 

 Many of them, lured out by a bright sunshine on certain 

 days, will be caught by a chilling blast. They will drop on 

 to the ground; and unless there is a change in the tempera- 



