10 



down too far. When raised up the opening is full size for cleaning out dead bees, 

 or for ventilation on hot days in spring or autumn. The vertical entrance is less 

 liable to clog with dead bees or ice than the horizontal one would be. 



The roof is made perfectly flat and large enough to project 4 inches on all 

 sides. That is, it is 49% inches by 551/2 inches, allowing 14 inch for play. It 

 is made of %-iDch lumber, with a 4-inch cross piece of the same material at each 

 end and in the middle. The middle cross piece should be just 40 inches long, to 

 fit inside the box; the end cross pieces fitting outside, and forming a telescope 

 projection ■% iiich deep, to prevent dampness from drawing in underneath. 



The cover should fit closely enough to exclude mice, but should have openings 

 underneath sufiicient for the air to draw through over the packing, and take away 

 moisture arising from the bees. This cover is overlaid with prepared roofing. 



Fig. 3. — Outline of 4-Hive Wintering Box, showing 

 weather-proof joint at corners. 



Packing the Hives. 



When the four hives are in place on the floor of the winter box, with 

 their entrance bridges adjusted, the sides and ends of the box are set up 

 and fastened at each corner with three clamps, hooks or wire nails. The 

 bridges must fit closely to prevent packing material clogging entrances. If 

 the bees can reach this material at all they will dig out quantities of it and perhaps 

 choke their own entrance. The summer cloths or honey-boards are next removed 

 and replaced by feeder-boards (to be described later) with burlapr spread over them 

 and, two or three thicknesses of newspaper over that. The packing is then filled 

 in and crowded down well on all sides until the box is filled to within two inches 

 of the top. At no time must the material touch the roof. The air must circulate 

 freely over it to prevent, dampness collecting. 



