160 fHE BEE-Hivrs. 
be given to any amount by raising the hive, as in fig. 65, or 
even more. By furnishing ventilation independent of the 
entrance, above the brood-chamber, or between the differ- 
ent surplus apartments, if necessary, we improve upon the 
method which bees, in a state of nature, are compelled to 
adopt, when the openings in their hollow trees are so small, 
that they must employ, in hot weather, a larger force in ven- 
tilation, than would otherwise be necessary. 
335. The bees, finding their home more pleasant, will 
cease to cluster on the outside, as long as there will be 
honey to gather, and room to store it in. 
336. On the other hand, by the use of movable blocks, 
the entrance may be kept so small, in cool weather, that 
only a single bee can go in at once, or it may be entirely 
closed. 
While sufficient airing must be given, the supply 
should be controlled, so as not to injure the brood by ad- 
mitting too strong a current of chilly air. In the chapter 
on wintering bees, directions are given for ventilating the 
hives in cold weather, so as to carry off all superfluous 
moisture. (636.) 
337. For the benefit of beginners, it may be necessary 
to add, that the bees will glue up with propolis (236), and 
sooner or later entirely close any ventilating holes through 
which they cannot pass. Hence air holes, covered with wire 
cloth, miss their purpose altogether. In the same manner, 
and with a great deal of labor, bees will try to close 
any upper entrances, such as that of figs. 65 and 54d, if 
these remain open, when not needed for the welfare of the 
colony. 
338. The portico of the Langstroth hive has advantages, 
and disadvantages, which about balance one another. Its 
advantages are, that it shelters the bees from rain in Sum- 
mer, and from cold and snow in Winter. Its disadvantages 
are, that it sometimes harbors enemies of bees, moths, spi- 
