244 WINTERING. 
tain about one half a roll of cotton batting. They 
should be tied at intervals of three or four inches, and 
sewed together at the edges. These quilts are also availa- 
ble for all frame hives. All hives and stands should be 
numbered, so that when set out in spring, each colony 
will occupy its own location. While this is not absolutely 
essential, when they are not to be taken out until spring, 
it is in many respects desirable. 
PERFECT QUIET ESSENTIAL. 
The great necessity for leaving bees undisturbed, as far 
as possible, during the entire time that they cannot gather 
honey or pollen, is not fully appreciated. ‘ As good results 
as have ever been reported, have been attained where bees 
were wintered by burying ; yet, it is quite evident that, 
aside from the one item of perfect quiet, much better 
conditions may be secured than when surrounded with 
damp soil. If it were not that an occasional examination 
is needful, to sce that rats or mice have not affected an 
entrance, or, to ascertain if the room is not unduly damp, 
I would advise locking the door of the wintering apart- 
ment, and not opening it again until spring. But I ad- 
vise making these examinations and any needed changes 
as quietly and seldom as possible. All ventilators 
should be go arranged as to be regulated from the outside, 
and means for ascertaining the temperature, without en- 
tering the room for the purpose, should be provided, as 
hereafter described. 
OUT-OF-DLOOR WINTERING. 
Many practical bee-keepers still advocate out-of-door 
wintering, and in many instances, there is no question 
but bees may be wintered upon their summer stands with 
success. Unless they may be placed in a suitable apart- 
ment, where the nceessary conditions can be maintained, 
