CHAPTER XXVI, 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



In consequence of having extended this work much 

 beyond its originally contemplated limits, I find myself 

 compelled to place the following subjects under one 

 head, instead of discussing each in separate chapters, as 

 I would wish to do, had I the space to spare. 



VENTILATION OP HIVES. 



The only ventilation that should, in any case, be af- 

 forded to bees, should come from the bottom of the hive ; 

 and in warm weather, too much air cannot be admitted. 

 Here lies one of the principal advantages of raising the 

 hives to allow egress and ingress, on every side of them. 

 It keeps the bees healthy, and in health they are active, 

 and in activity they prosp^er, and their owner is bene- 

 fitted by their labors. The passages to the chambers or 

 supers being open, also have a tendency to benefit the 

 bees in the winter season, as before stated ; yet I do not 

 consider these as legitimate sources of ventilation. No 

 outside tubes or air-holes should ever be made in a hive 

 above the bottom. 



P0HCHASE OF BEES. 



The months of iVTarch and April is the best season to 



