448 GENERAL MAXIMS. 



XIX. 



The cells of the combs are of different dimensions. The 

 cells in which the common bees are bred are a complete 

 hexagon, and the smallest in size. The cells in which the 

 drones are bred are larger, and irregular in their shape. 

 The cells in which the queens are bred are placed perpen- 

 dicularly on the edges of the combs, having the opening 

 at the bottom, and about the size of an acorn. 



xx. 



The bees never to be allowed to leave the hive during the 

 time that snow is upon the ground. 



XXI. 



The cells which contain honey are covered with a small 

 pellicle, and are flat; the cells which contain brood are 

 convex. 



XXII. 



The severer the cold, the less is the consumption of food ; 

 if kept dry, there is not any cold in this climate which can 

 affect the lives of the bees. 



XXIII. 



The hives which are completely closed during the winter 

 become foul and musty, which occasions the death of the 

 bees, independently of their being prevented taking their 

 periodical flight for the purpose of venting their feeces. 



The mortality of bees proceeds almost always from the 

 want of provisions, or the death of the queen. 



xxv. 

 The aspect of an apiary should always be to the south- 

 east. A hive with an aspect towards the north will not 

 swarm so soon by three weeks as one which has an aspect 

 towards the south. 



