MANUAL OP THE APIARY. 253 



night, as it is better that they have a good flight, and then 

 become quiet. When moved out it is very desirable to brush 

 away all dead bees which is an argument in favor of a movable 

 bottom-board. In moving the hives, great care should be 

 exercised not to jar them. It were better if the bees should 

 not know that they were being moved at all. 



That the moisture may be absorbed, I cover the bees with 

 a quilt, made of coarse factory cloth, enclosing a layer of 

 cotton batting. Above this I fill in with straw which is 

 packed in so closely that the cover may be removed without 

 the straw falling out. If desirable the straw may be cut — 

 or chaff may be used — ^and may be confined in a bag made of 

 factory, so that it resembles a pillow. I now use these and 

 like them. This is not only an excellent absorbent, but 

 preserves the heat, and may well remain, till the following 

 June. 



I have found it advantageous, when preparing my bees for 

 winter, in October, to contract the chamber by use of a divi- 

 sion board. This is very desirable if wintered out doors, and 

 with frames a foot square is very easily accomplished. By 

 use of eight frames the space (one cubic foot) is very compact, 

 and serves to economize the heat, not only in winter, but in 

 spring. By thus using a division board with only three 

 frames, I have been very successful in wintering nuclei. "We 

 have only to guard against low temperature. 



Perhaps I ought to say that all colonies should be strong 

 in autumn ; but I have said before, never have weak colonies. 

 Yet for fear some have been negligent, I remark that weak 

 colonies should be united in preparing for winter. To do this, 

 approximate the colonies each day four or five feet till they 

 are side by side. Now remove the poorest queen, then smoke 

 thoroughly, sprinkle both colonies with sweetened water 

 scented with essence of peppermint, putting a sufficientnumber 

 of the best frames and all the bees into one of the hives, and 

 then set this midway between the position of the hives at the 

 commencement of the uniting. Th<! bees will unite peaceably, 

 and make a strong colony. Uniting colonies may pay at 

 other seasons. It may seem rash to some, yet I fully believe 

 that if the above suggestions are carried out in full, I may 

 guarantee successful wintering. But if we do lose our bees — 



