332 WINTERING BEES. 



" The temperature of such a room will vary according to 

 the number and strength of the stocks put in ; 100 or more 

 would be very sure to keep it above the freezing point at all 

 times. Putting a very few into such a room, and depending 

 on the bees to make it warm enough, would be of doubtful 

 utility. If these means will not keep the proper temperature, 

 probably some other method would be better. All full 

 stocks would do well enough, as they would almost any way. 

 Yet I shall recommend housing them whenever practicable. 

 If the number of stocks is few, let the room be proportion- 

 ably small. It is the smallest families that are most trouble : 

 if they are too cold, it may be known by the bees leaving 

 the hive in cold weather, and spots of excrement on the 

 combs; they should then have some additional protection; 

 close part or all the holes in the top, cover the opisn bottom 

 partially or wholly, and confine to the hive as much as 

 possible the animal heat ; when these means. fail, it may be 

 necessary to take them to a warm room, during the coldest 

 weather." 



" A few warm days will often occur, towards spring, be- 

 fore we can get our bees out. In these cases, a bushel or 

 two of snow or ice pounded up should be spread on the floor ; 

 it will absorb and carry off as it melts much of the heal, that 

 is now unnecessary, and will keep them quiet much longer 

 than without it ; (provision for getting rid of this water 

 should be made when putting down the floor.)" 



"The time for carrying out bees is generally in March, 

 but some seasons later. A warm pleasant day is the best, 

 and one quite cold, better than one only moderately warm. 

 After their long confinement, the light attracts them out at 

 once, (unless very cold air prevents,) and if the rays of a 

 warm sun do not keep them active, they will soon be chilled 



