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ADVANCED BEE CULTURE. 



exhalations of the bees. If the exhalations are not taken up readily, 

 the "sewage of tjie system is dammed up." But little moisture is 

 required to saturate cold air; that is, it will absorb but little moisture, 

 the point where it will receive no more being soon reached. As the 

 temperature rises, the absorbing capacity of the air increases. 

 "When air of a high temperature, at that of our bodies, or nearly that, 

 is saturated, or nearly so, with moisture, the exhalations from the 

 lungs and skin are taken up but slowly; we are oppressed, and say 

 the weather is "muggy." This explains why we feel better on 

 bright, clear days. Heating air increases its power of absorption, 

 hence we enjoy afire on a damp day. If the air of a cellar is dry, it 



will be readily seen that the tem- 

 perature may be allowed to go 

 much lower. In other words, a 

 cold, dry atmosphere or a damp, 

 warm one, may be about equal, 

 so far as effects are concerned. 

 This is a point that bee-keepers 

 have not sufficiently considered. 

 We have many reports of the 

 successful wintering of bees at 

 such a degree of temperature, 

 but nothing is ever said as to the 

 degree of saturation. Bee-keep- 

 ers ought to use a wet-bulb ther- 

 mometer in their cellars; then let 

 the degree of saturation be given 

 with that of the temperature, and 

 we would have something ap- 

 proaching accuracy. I say "approaching accuracy," because the 

 strength of the colonies, and the manner in which they are protected, 

 have a bearing. A populous, well-protected colony can warm up the 

 inside of the hive, expelling the moisture, and increasing the absorb- 

 ing capacity of the air. Building a fire in a room on a damp day is 

 the same thing in principle. 



As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the way to decide in 

 regard to the amount of moisture in the air, is by the use of a wet- 

 bulk thermometer. The arrangement is very simple, and any of 

 my readers could make one. Attach two ordinary thermometers, 

 side by side, to a piece of board. Just below them, fasten a tin cup 

 for holding water. Make a light covering of candle wicking for one 

 of the bulbs at the bottom of the thermometer, allowing the wicking 

 to extend down into the water in the cup. The water will ascend 



