278 SELECTING COLONIES FO-K WINTER. 



winter, to an absolute disadvantage. The Italians are 

 quite sure to have an excess, in ordinary seasons. Seventy 

 pounds was quite a common surplus, in the summer of '64. 



There wiU be some late or small swarms, or some that 

 were divided too late to obtain sufficient winter stores. 

 By taking a comb or two from such heavy hives, and ex- 

 changing with the light ones, aU are benefitted. The light 

 hives are made fit to winter, and the others are better off 

 because the bees can have room in the empty cells, to 

 pack themselves closely for mutual warmth in severe 

 weather. 



When a season occurs like the summer of '63 in this 

 section, when but few colonies have enough stores, a great 

 many only half enough, and some, still less, — unless it is 

 decided to feed all — some of the lightest may be taken up, 

 and the heaviest combs appropriated for the use of those 

 to be wintered. By attention through the winter and 

 spring, occasionally giving a comb containing three or four 

 pounds for an empty one, as they need, they can be win- 

 tered without any great deal of trouble. 



I have now given directions to avoid killing any family 

 of bees worth saving. When such as need feeding have 

 been fed, and all weak colonies have been made strong by 

 additions, etc., but little more fall work is needed in the 

 apiary. 



It is only when there are weak stocks unfit for winter in 

 any shape, that it is necessary to be on the look out every 

 warm day to prevent pillage. 



