154 TREATISE ON THE 
It may be observed asan axiom, that in both 
animal and vegetable life from the highest to 
the lowest grade, we gain nothing by with- 
holding a due portion of nutriment, aud it 
may, perhaps, be affirmed, asa demonstrated 
truth, that Bees which have been amply sus- 
tained during winter and spring are earlier 
in hatching their young brood, and more in- 
dustrious in providing a store of honey, than 
those which have been stinted. According 
to my judgment, the principal requisite for 
the preservation of Bees in winter, are, that 
the hive contain a sufficient number of Bees 
to maintain a certain degree of warmth, that 
they have a plentiful store of honey, and that 
they be secluded from the inclemency of 
snow and rain, and out of the influence of 
the sun, to be kept still, and undisturbed. 
It is a philosophical truth, that the vital prin- 
ciple is cherished and promoted by heat, and 
that allanimals and insects flourish and pros- 
per most when under its influence, analogy, 
therefore, would seem to dictate, that Bees be 
kept moderately, and as far as possible, uni- 
formly warm. 
