108 
THE APIARY 
When there are cross-pieces, as in the improved comb-frame, 
the bees seldom fail to leave openings directly above the cross- 
pieces, which serve for winter passages. Upward ventilation 
should be provided for strong stocks, by covering the holes 
in the top of the frames with a piece of wire-cloth, and fill- 
ing the basin or cavity above it with cut straw or fine shav- 
ings. This will absorb the moisture generated by the bees, thus 
keeping the combs dry and free from frost, while it permits the 
foul air to pass off so gradually that cold currents within the 
hive are avoided. Stocks standing in exposed situations, may 
be greatly benefited by enclosing the hives (except the entrances) 
with caps made of flags or rye straw, being careful to exclude 
the mice. Set up a broad board to shade the hive, and especially 
the entrance, during the middle part of the day. If this be 
done, the bees will seldom leave the hive when the air is cool 
enough to chill them. When a judicious method of swarming 
lias been pursued, and the colonies properly cared for, they 
should be populous and well provisioned for winter, requiring 
little trouble in preparing, or risk in keeping them safely through 
till spring. Such stocks, if shielded from the piercing wintry 
winds, and properly ventilated, will pass a Siberian winter unin- 
jured. Bees should not be disturbed during winter, except at 
the close of every long spell of cold weather ; when, if the air 
be warm enough for them to fly without being chilled, open all 
the entrances to their full capacity, allowing the rays of the sun 
to strike the alighting board, when the bees will fly out, void 
their feces and return, without loss, to the hive. 
