THE PROTECTIVE BEE-HIVE. aS 
WINTER MANAGEMENT. 
Very little is to be done in reference to the Bees in winter, except 
to see that the rarefied air, or steam, which is generated in the hive, has 
an opportunity to ascend into the vacant chamber. The necessary ar- 
rangement to secure this end has been attended to in autumn. The 
hive is to be allowed to remain in the open air, occupying the same 
position asin summer. The Bees are liable to come out and fall down 
upon the snowand perish. To remedy this, coarse hay or straw should 
be spread upon the snow, in front of the hive. Whenever the weather 
moderates and the Bees are inclined to move, the movable slide or bot- 
tom should be withdrawn, and thoroughly scraped before it is re- 
turned. Nothing will be gained by removing the hive to, the attic, the 
cellar, ora dark room. I have tried all these experiments to my entire 
satisfaction. More Bees will be lost by such a transfer, than by allow- 
ing them to remain in the open air. It is an evil for the Bees to thaw 
out in winter, because in that case they come out and throw off their 
feeces, and must again be filled up with a new supply of honey taken 
from the cells. A moderate degree of cold, steadily continued, is best 
for them. If they come out often, they consume more honey than 
when they remain in a state of repose and do not void their feces. 
SPRING MANAGEMENT. 
In March, as soon as the Bees show a disposition to move, the slide 
or bottom is to be withdrawn and the hive cleared of dead Bees, and 
thoroughly scraped, before it is returned. This will save the Bees much 
time and labor. This operation should be repeated every few days, 
during the months of April and May, partly to assist the Bees in keep- 
ing the hive clean, and partly to accustom them to this kind of officious 
interference, and to prepare them to submit to it quietly when the 
weather becomes warmer, or at any time whenit becomes necessary. It 
is truly surprising to what an extent Bees may be handled, when properly 
domesticated, by a long continued course of cautious and gentle man- 
agement. Before pollen or Bee-bread can be obtained abroad, a sub- 
stitute will be found in unbolted rye meal. A dish of this in pleasant 
weather should be placed in the vicinity of the Bees, and they will 
convey it to the hive for the purpose of feeding the young. A few 
