CHAPTER XXII. 



WINTERING BEES. 



False and True Hybernation— Temperature of Hive in Winter — Neces- 

 sity for Quiet during Winter — Structure and Winter-packing of 

 Bar-frame Hives — Prevention of Draught and Condensation of 

 Vapour — Supply of Water. 



The honey-bee differs from nearly all the wild 

 varieties, as well as from hornets and wasps, in being 

 adapted to live always in societies. Most other 

 insects of the hymenopterous order become torpid 

 in winter, or perish, with the exception of some 

 queens, who survive to continue the race. Those 

 which really hybernate are able to endure a con- 

 siderable degree of cold ; and, thawing under the 

 influence of warmth, they can resume the functions 

 of life. It is not so, however, with bees. Queens 

 alone would be quite unable to continue the race, as 

 they could neither build comb, nor supply food to 

 the larvae, nor keep up the heat required for the 

 development of the young. For all these purposes, 

 workers in considerable numbers are necessary. But 

 this very concourse implies the production of heat 

 by respiration ; and, as a matter of fact, we find that 

 all through the coldest weather of winter a tempera- 

 ture of over 60° Fahr. is maintained in the hive. As 



