160 fHB BEE— HIVBS. 



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 oft 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- 



