WINTERING BEES. 277 



properly adjusted, cover the entire space from figure 3 to figure 4, thus in- 

 olosing the whole oolony with these mats. 



The combs which are thus removed, together with tho glass and honey- 

 board, should be carefully preserved, to bo returned to their appropriate 

 places on tbo opening of spring. Tho door and lid of the hive should now be 

 closed, leaving tho hole near tho top of the door open for the vapor and foul 

 air to pass off, thus forming a current of air (constantly during winter), pass- 

 ing in at the entrance and from the graduated air chamber and up through 

 the hive, carrying off all moisture which is absorbed by the mats as fast as 

 generated by the bees, and entirely removing the difiiculty that has hith- 

 erto existed in wintering boos in the open air. 



used, as in our hive, remove it and put a mat in its 

 place. Remove the honey-board and place a mat on 

 top of the frames, immediately over the bees, thus 

 surrounding them with winter mats on three sides 

 and over the top. If the hive is provided with about 

 two "mch holes above this top mat, all the moisture 

 generated by the bees will be taken up by the mats 

 and passed off in the form of vapor, keeping the hive 

 and bees perfectly dry, as well as affording much 

 greater warmth to the. bees. 



Combs thus removed to give place to the mats, 

 should be placed carefully in a honey-room or in a 

 suitable box ; and in the spring remove the mats and 

 return the combs to the hives. In spring the mats 

 should be strung on twine, and hung up in some dry, 

 clean room, where they will be kept free from dust 

 and filth. With proper care they will last for many 

 years. 



A short time ago I wrote to Mr. Quinby, to ascer- 

 tain his views respecting the efficiency and value of 

 these winter mats. I give his reply verbatim : 

 24 



