WINTEBINa BEES. 307 



The hive may be let down on the floop-board, the pas- 

 sage in the side covered with wire-cloth, and made dark ; 

 raising, at night again, as before directed. ■ "'• 



I have known hundreds of colonies wintered success- 

 fully without any such care, the bees being allowed to 

 issue whenever they choose. Their subsequent health 

 and prosperity proved that it was not altogether ruinous. 



It has been recommended to enclose the whole hive 

 by a large box set over it, and made perfectly dark; 

 with means for ventilation, etc. 



For large families it would do well enough, as would 

 also some other methods. But I would rather take the 

 chances of letting them all stand in the sun, and issue 

 at pleasure, than to have the warmth of the sun entirely 

 excluded from the medium sized families. 



I never knew a whole colony to be lost from cold 

 alone, but I have known a great many to starve, merely 

 because the sun was not allowed to melt the frost on the 

 combs, and give them a chance to get at their stores. 



There are some extremely economical bee-keepers who 

 urge the additional objection to allowing bees to stand 

 in the sun, that " every time bees come out in winter, 

 they discharge their excrement, and eat more honey in 

 consequence of the vacant room." What an absurdity 

 it would be to apply this principle to the horse, whose 

 health, strength, and vital heat is sustained by the as- 

 similation of food ! The farmer is not. to be found who 

 would think of saving his provender by -such means. 

 That bees are supported in cold- weather on the same 

 principle, is indicated strongly, if not conclusively. 



Is it not desirable, if what has been said on the subject 

 of wintering bees is correct, to keep our bees warm and 

 comfortable when practicable, as a means of saving honey ? 



To winter bees in the best manner, considerable care is 

 required. Whenever you are disposed to neglect them, 



