462 The bbe-kkbper's guide ; 



frost can penetrate. Next, it should have a ventilating- tube 

 at the top, of not less than one square inch to each colony of 

 bees. It should have sub-earth ventilation by means of a 

 tube laid below the depth frost will penetrate, and from one to 

 three hundred feet in length, coming in contact with outside 

 atmosphere at the other end ; as air passes through this tube 

 it is tempered by the distance through the earth, and comes 

 into the house at an even temperature. By means of slides at 

 these ventilators, the temperature can be arranged in the bee- 

 house, which should stand from 43 to 46 degrees, and in no 

 case should it fall lower than 42 degrees. There should be 

 tight-fitting, triple doors, which will make two dead-air spaces. 



" When the bee-house is filled, and during warm weather 

 in the spring, the bees should not be set out on the summer 

 stands until the first pollen appears (which is generally from 

 the tag alder or black willow) — it is necessary that the tempera- 

 ture of the room be kept at the wintering standpoint. This 

 may be done by means of an ice-box or refrigerator, filled with 

 ice or snow, and suspended at the top of the room in close 

 proximity to the ceiling. The bottom of the box must be so 

 constructed that while the warm air may be allowed to pass up 

 through the refrigerator, the drippings will not drop to the 

 floor and create moisture. This latter may be prevented by 

 means of a tube running from the box down through the floor." 



The rules for removing and storing in the house are the 

 same as those for cellar. From expense and difficulty in main- 

 taining a uniform temperature, I think the house less desirable 

 than the cellar. 



WINTERING IN A CEI,I,AR. 



North of the latitude of Central (and I think we may say 

 Southern) Ohio, I think a good cellar is not only the safest, 

 but the best place in which to winter bees. I have kept bees 

 for many years in such a cellar with no loss. The great point 

 is to have perfect control of the temperature. This must be 

 kept between 38 degrees F. and 50 degrees F., and should never 

 vary suddenly. It were best if it were always at 45 degrees F. 

 With a cellar all is under ground, and we are thus fortified 

 against the effects of our sudden changes of temperature. The 

 sub-earth ventilator, as described above, though not'necessary. 



