46 



on it without dysentery results and, consequently, bad winter- 

 ing and spring dwindling if the colony is not lost outright. 



There are many ways in which one might keep the bees 

 through a long Maine winter, but we have only space to con- 

 sider the two real methods applicable to our conditions, namely : 

 Outdoor or indoor wintering. 



If bees are to be wintered outdoors and above ground, the 

 bee-keeper should so decide as early in his career as possible. 

 Hives may be purchased which are fairly safe in which to 

 winter bees on their summer stands, but for our Maine climate, 

 I feel that the single walled hives provided with proper outer 

 case and proper packing, are safer. 



There are several methods of packing. One is to place four 

 colonies together in a group, two facing east and two west. 

 Then pack in a large case as one colony leaving space for eight 

 inches of dry leaves or planer shavings on all sides with foot 

 on top. Chaff is sometimes used but it is not quite as satisfac- 

 tory since it holds moisture and is apt to contain grain which 

 mtices mice. Bees and mice do not winter well together. 



Chaff divisian-board 

 Fig. 27 



An entrance should be provided through the packing to 

 open air three-eighths of an inch in depth to six or eight 

 inches in width. A strong colony would be better ofif with a 

 large opening while a weaker one might be safe with less than 

 six inches. In extreme cold weather the entrance could be nearly 

 closed and opened when weather moderates unless snow covers 

 the hives. Some bottom protection should be given. This 

 could consist of some four inches of the same material as used 

 for sides and top, or it may be several thicknesses of good paper 



