442 NOVEMBER. 



It is absolutely necessary to leave a sufficient quantity for 

 the support of the bees during the winter, and the pro- 

 portion must be regulated as to the quantity by the apparent 

 population of the hive; for although in proportion to the 

 severity of the winter, the smaller is the quantity of pro- 

 visions which are used, yet there is always a greater or less 

 consumption, the bees not being in that state of torpor, 

 which is represented by many naturalists. 



NOVEMBER. 



In this month, the hives must be again visited, in order 

 to ascertain their internal health and weight, and the stools 

 must be cleaned as before. The gradual consumption of 

 the honey of every hive will now be evident, and the dif- 

 ference between the weight of the hive as it stood in 

 October, will enable the proprietor to form a clear esti- 

 mate, whether the quantity in the hive be sufficient to main- 

 tain the bees during the winter. If any late swarms have 

 been preserved, particular attention should now be paid to 

 them, and in open weather it would be advisable to give 

 them a little food. 



The entrance of the hive must now be so contracted 

 as to admit of only one bee to come out at a time. This 

 is the season when the field-mouse attempts to lodge itself 

 in the hives, and the covering must be again examined 

 to discover if none have taken shelter under it. As in this 

 month some tempestuous weather may be expected, the 

 precaution must be taken that the hives are firm on their 

 pedestals, and that the straw coverings cannot be deranged 

 by the winds. Should there be a fall of snow during the 

 month, let it be regularly brushed off every morning, or 

 it will penetrate into the hive, and perhaps cause its de- 

 struction. 



