§xx.] WINTER PRECAUTIONS. 283 



The task of bringing a hive safely through the winter 

 will undoubtedly dismay some of the inexperienced, and 

 perhaps incline them to a preference for the fire-and- 

 brimstone quieters. But a little attention to directions 

 at the first will soon make the process tolerably simple ; 

 while as to the relative profits of the two methods, it 

 must be recollected that the honey left in the stock hive 

 for winter sustenance is not much of it of a saleable 

 quality, and the value of it and of any extra syrup supplied 

 will be far more than made up when in May a swarm 

 comes off, and two colonies are possessed where on the 

 old system there would have been none at all. 



§ XX. WINTER PRECAUTIONS. 



The most important of these is the one discussed in 

 the preceding section. There are, however, several other 

 points which it is of consequence for the apiarian to 

 observe. 



First of all the hive itself must be suitably protected 

 against climate, aiid if it be not of a description adapted 

 to preserve warmtTi, a transfer must be made to one that 

 is. Matting or other fencework may be erected to keep 

 off piercing winds, and hay bands may be wound around 

 the hives. Sonie hives constructed Of glass are un- 

 suited for winter occupation — even when kept within 

 doors success is difficult and doubtful. They must be 

 well wrapped up and covered in, and yet ventilation be 

 allowed, for unless the moisture can pass off it will con- 



