SAFE WINTERING 103 
two strips of wood, about two inches apart. These 
strips should be three-eighths of an inch thick, 
and of a sufficient length to go right across the 
centre of the frames. Their use is to give the 
bees a, passage over the frame tops, enabling them 
to travel from comb to comb in search of food 
without leaving the warm atmosphere which pre-. 
vails at the top of the brood-chamber. This 
done, pack all down as warmly. as possible with 
good thick quilts. Finally, secure the roofs from 
high winds, and if necessary place a strip of per- 
forated zinc across all entrances to exclude mice. 
Be sure that the hives are waterproof, as damp is 
fatal to bees. 
If these instructions are thoroughly, carried out, 
winter losses will become a, thing of the past, and 
what was formerly a game of chance will be 
practically a certainty. 
In connection with this chapter a word may be 
given as to the proper care of surplus standard 
and shallow combs during the winter months., 
These combs, which are most valuable stock, must, 
be safely stored away, either in supers or in boxes 
specially made for the purpose. In any, case they, 
must be secured against the attacks of mice, and 
it is necessary, that they be kept dry. The greatest 
enemy, is the wax moth, the larve of which do 
much damage to disused combs. Their depreda- 
tions may be easily seen, and when they are 
present the combs should be well fumigated with 
