852 
WINTERING BEES. 
have known a great many starved, merely because 
the sun was not allowed to melt the frost on the combs, 
and give them a chance to get at their stores. 
DO THE BEES EAT MORE WHEN ALLOWED TO COME OUT OCCASION- 
ALLY IN WINTER ? 
Besides the loss of bees on the snow when standing 
in the sun, and taking an airing occasionally, there 
are some economical bee-keepers who urge this disad- 
vantage, “ that every time bees come out in winter 
they discharge their excrement, and eat more honey 
in consequence of the vacant room.” What a ridicu- 
lous absurdity it would be to apply this principle to the 
horse, whose health, strength, and vital heat is sustain- 
ed by the assimilation of food ! and the farmer is not 
to be found who would think of saving his provender 
by the same means. That bees are supported in cold 
weather on the same principle is indicated strongly, if 
not conclusively. 
Is it not better (if what has been said on the subject 
of wintering bees is correct) to keep our bees warm 
and comfortable when practicable, as a means of saving 
honey ? 
To winter bees in the best manner, considerable 
care is required. Whenever you are disposed to neg- 
lect them, you should bear in mind that one early 
swarm is worth two late ones ; their condition in 
spring will often decide this point. Like a team of 
cattle or horses when well wintered, they are ready 
for a good season’s work, but when poorly wintered 
have to recruit a long time before they are worth 
much. 
