THE APIARY. 1S3 



is important, for the purpose of creating animal heat 

 to rear the brood, if for nothing else. One bee is of 

 more consequence now than a half dozen in midsum- 

 mer. When the hive stands in a bleak place, the bees 

 returning with heavy loads, in a high wind, are fre- 

 quently unable to strike the hive, and are blown to the 

 ground ; become chilled, and die. A chilly south wind 

 is equally fatal, but not so frequent. When protected 

 from winds, the hives may front any point you choose ; 

 east or south is generally preferred. A location near 

 ponds, lakes, large rivers, &c., will be atten3[gd with 

 some loss. Hard winds will fatigue the bees when on 

 the wing, often causing them to alight in the water; 

 where it is impossible to rise again until wafted ashore, 

 and then, unless in very warm weather, they are 

 so chilled as to be past the effort. I do not mention 

 this to discourage any one from keeping them, when 

 so situated, because some few must keep them thus or 

 not at all. I am so situated myself There is a pond 

 of four acres, some twelve rods off. In spring, during 

 high winds, a great many may be found drowned, and 

 driven on shore. Although we cannot miss so few 

 from a stock, it is nevertheless a loss as far as it goes. 



DECIDE EARLT. 



Whatever location is chosen, it should be decided 

 upon as early in the spring as possible ; because, when 

 the chilling winds of winter have ceased for a day, and 

 the sun, unobstructed, is sending his first W9,rm rays 

 to a frozen earth, the bees that have been inactive for 

 months, feel the cheering influence, and come forth 



