WINTER MANAGEMENT. 63 



The materials with which the hives are covered and surround- 

 ed, should consist of dry leaves pressed closely together, or dry 

 and powdered charcoal or cinders, and may be several feet in 

 thickness, to preserve the bees in a cool and torpid state, and at 

 a regular temperature, in which state they should be kept as dry, 

 dark and quiet as circumstances will permit. 



It is the opinion of many experienced apiarians, that a cold 

 winter is not injurious to bees, provided they are sufficiently pre- 

 pared for withstanding it, in the manner above detailed ; and 

 which, I trust, comprises several facts, hints, and suggestions, 

 which are not generally known, and may be of service to bee- 

 keepers of the present day. 



It is considered that those localities which are suited to the 

 cultivation of good barley and Dutch clover, are also suited to 

 the production of honey, and that where a rose will prosper, a 

 bee will prosper also ; consequently there are but few situations 

 in which the keeping of bees might not be profitably extended. 



In all plans and operations with bees, the laws of nature 

 should be attentively observed and assisted, by which much may 

 be experienced and acquired from attention and perseverance, 

 and the results aimed at obtained at less trouble and expense 

 than if an opposite course were pursued. 



As the spring approaches, the winter coverings should be 

 gradually removed, and those hives which have been buried 

 placed in their summer situations. Small quantities of food 

 should then be supplied as occasion requires, until winter is past. 



It must always be borne in mind that seasons, situations, and 

 the laws of nature, present influences which may be guarded 

 against, or assisted, but cannot be completely controlled. Thus, 

 the aspect for the entrances of the hives may require to be varied 

 a few points between the eastern and western sides of the king- 

 dom ; and there ma} 7 also require to be, on some occasions, an 

 advance or delay of a few weeks in some operations with bees 

 between the northern and the southern parts of any country of 

 some considerable extent. 



Among other obvious mistakes, I may mention the recommen- 

 dation to give the bees an opportunity of leaving the hive, and 

 going abroad every fine day, already detailed. What advantage 

 is expected to be derived from thus permitting the insects to go 

 forth ? They may be supposed to want exercise. This is a mis- 

 take ; for the bees naturally crowd together, and remain in a 



