WINTERING BEES. 281 



sons of the year, and have found the facts as stated. 

 Hence, I conclude that the fact of bees selecting: and 

 occupying such cavities, is strong evidence that they 

 are better suited to their natural habits and better 

 adapted to the wants peculiar to a cold climate. In 

 short, in this condition and shape they are nearer a 

 state of nature than any other. 



BEST SHAPED HIVES FOR WINTERING BEES IN. 



I have found in managing bees, as in most other 

 things, the closer we adhere to the known rules and 

 laws of nature the better success will attend our ef- 

 forts ; hence, I have striven to keep this in view in 

 practice as well as theory. 



Taking it for granted that bees themselves under- 

 stand best the shape of the cavity adapted to winter 

 in, in a cold climate, and in pursuance of which they 

 make such selections as have been described, it 

 should admonish us to construct all hives intended 

 for wintering in the open air, of an oblong shape, 

 giving the bees a good depth of comb, to enable 

 them to pass safely through the extreme and often 

 long continued inclement weather, without danger 

 of starving amidst plenty. Having a good depth of 

 comb also very much facilitates breeding in the early 

 spring, as the animal heat is better economized than 

 in any other shape. Broad, flat hives are very ob- 

 jectionable, both for wintering bees in and for rearing 

 brood, as the bees frequently consume all the honey 

 immediately above them during a cold spell, and 

 perish, being unable to reach any other part of the 

 24* " 



