280 WINTERmG BEES. 



bees can pack theTaselves within a circle of six inches, as 

 ill the other case, and in consequence, the same number 

 of bees can secure much more animal heat and endure 

 the cold much better. But a small family, even here, 

 Tvill ofben be found frozen, as well as starring. 



Besides freezing, there are some other facts to be ob- 

 served ia connection with stocks that stand in the cold. 



MOISTDBB. 



Physiologists tell us "that innumerable pores in the 

 cuticle of the human body, are continually throwing off 

 waste or worn-out matter ; that every exhalation of air 

 carries with it a portion of water from the system, unper- 

 ceived in warm weather, but condensed into particles 

 large enough to be seen in a cold atmosphere." Now, if 

 analogy be allowed here, we will say that the bee throws 

 off waste matter and water in the same way. Its food 

 being liquid, nearly all will be exhaled ; this passes off 

 in moderate weather, but in cold it is condensed, and the 

 particles lodge on the comb and sides of the hive in the 

 form of frost, Avhich accumulates as long as the weather is 

 very severe. In the middle of the day, or as soon as the 

 temperature is slightly raised, this begins to melt, first, 

 near the bees, then at the sides of the hive. A succession 

 of cold nights will prevent the evajioration of this mois- 

 ture, and this process of freezing and thawing, will at the 

 end of a week or two, form icicles as large as a man's finger 

 upon the combs and interior of the hive. When the bot- 

 tom is close to the floor, it forms a perfectly air tight 

 sealing arotmd the edges, and the colony is smothered. I 

 have frequently heard bee-keepers say ■ "The snow blew 

 in, and formed ice all round the bottom, and my bees 

 froze to death." Others who have had their bees in a 

 cold room, and found them thus, " oould not see how the 

 water could get there, any way — were quite sure it was 

 not there when carried in, etc." 



