270 BEES AND BEE-KEEPING. 



fresh air is constantly passing from the graduating air 

 chamber below, to supply the bees. The wind can 

 be entirely excluded from penetrating in front when 

 desired. Thus much for protection afforded by the 

 hive itself. 



In addition to this, we surround our apiary with a 

 close board fence about seven feet high, making a 

 very effectual breakwind, shielding the bees very 

 much from the fierce blasts and driving storms of 

 winter. Whilst the cold winds are roaring around 

 and above the apiary, the air is comparatively calm 

 down near the bees, and consequently the effects of 

 the cold are very materially lessened. This break- 

 wind is of great value in the spring and early part of 

 the summer, as well as winter. In cool, windy days 

 bees will return home heavy laden, being somewhat 

 chilled by the cold, and in their descent to the hive 

 drop down on the ground, where they would prob- 

 ably perish if the cold wind continued to reach 

 them ; but when protected from it, especially when 

 the sun is shining, they will recover and take wing 

 again, if too far to crawl, and still reach home in 

 safety. 



Where but few bees are kept, they should be thus 

 protected by an inclosure of proportionate size ; but 

 where it cannot be done conveniently, take long 

 straw, inclose the top end tightly in a band, forming 

 a cap or hudder, and set it over the hive. It should 

 be two or three inches thick, and project below the 

 bench or stool, and be firmly bound to the hive by 

 passing one or more bands around, enveloping the 



