WINTERING. 253 
of snow. This is taken as evidence of the approach of 
winter, and the bees are at once put away, with the hives 
damp and in bad condition. Here let me mention an 
item in favor of the Quinby hive. The frames only being 
removed to the cellar or bee-room, upon a separate bottom- 
board, are perfectly dry, even in a stormy time.- There- 
fore I deem it wise to put bees into their winter quarters 
much earlier than is customary with many apiarians. 
After a warm, dry day, when all have had an opportunity 
to fly, is the most suitable time. In our locality the date 
varies from November the Ist to the 15th, according to 
the severity of the weather. 
FLIGHT DURING WINTER. 
Many apiarians have the idea that it is very beneficial 
to bees to allow them to fly out, at intervals during the 
winter, many recommending it to be done as often as the 
weather will permit. Bees may be wintered in such a 
damp and unsuitable place that this may be absolutely 
necessary, but it is hardly worth while for me to say to 
any one who has followed me thus far, that I consider it 
not only unnecessary, but injurious, when proper pro- 
vision has been made for their well-being within. If bees 
are found to leave their hives and fall upon the cellar 
bottom, they should be brushed up and carried out, as 
they will give the room a disagreeable odor, and render it 
unhealthful. 
SETTING OUT BEES TOO EARLY IN SPRING. 
We are frequently told to remove our bees from winter 
quarters on the first warm days in spring ; even as early 
as March 1st. I-am constrained to say that, as a rule, I 
consider this a serious mistake. The reason given for so 
doing is, that the bees are leaving their hives and wasting 
upon the floor in such numbers, that if not coon set out 
