THE APIARY. 99 



In locating an apiary, it is important to select a situ- 

 ation near the dwelling or place of business, that the 

 bees may be easily seen, and with but little trouble, or 

 the swarms be heard when they rise, else they are 

 liable to be neglected, and permitted to fly off to the 

 woods, if allowed to swarm in the natural way. It 

 is very important that they be well sheltered from 

 winds and storms, which are a serious disadvantage 

 in the spring and summer, as well as in winter. 

 When returning home heavy laden, and the air is 

 cold and chilly, the bees frequently drop down near 

 their hives, unable to reach it unless sheltered from 

 the wind. When no natural break-wind exists, I 

 would advise the construction of a high, broad fence, 

 made tight and close, so as to effectually screen them 

 from high winds; it will repay the cost of construc- 

 tion, in the economizing of animal heat in winter, and 

 in the number of bees saved in spring and summer. 

 The greatest and most serious loss, however, is m 

 the spring time, when cool winds and dark clouds 

 rapidly succeed warm sunny mornings; the return- 

 ing bees get chilled, and drop down in great num- 

 bers, when they make a descent to their hives, but 

 if protected from winds, the majority will be able to 

 reach home in safety. At this season, it is of the 

 utmost importance that every bee should be saved, as 

 one in the spring is worth ten in midsummer. 



If the apiary is properly protected from driving 

 winds, the hive may be set to face an}' desired direc- 

 tion, though I would prefer them fronting the south, 

 varied to the east or west, as would best suit the 



