THE APIARY. 
133 
; 
is important, for the purpose of creating animal heat 
to rear the brood, if for nothing else. One bee is of 
more consequence now than a half dozen in midsum- 
mer. When the hive stands in a bleak place, the bees 
returning with heavy loads, in a high wind, are fre- 
quently unable to strike the hive, and are blown to the 
ground ; become chilled, and die. A chilly south wind 
is equally fatal, but not so frequent. When protected 
from winds, the hives may front any point you choose ; 
cast or south is generally preferred. A location near 
ponds, lakes, large rivers, &c., will be attended with 
some loss. Hard winds will fatigue the bees when on 
the wing, often causing them to alight in the water; 
where it is impossible to rise again until wafted ashore, 
and then, unless in very warm weather, they are 
so chilled as to be past the effort. I do not mention 
this to discourage any one from keeping them, when 
so situated, because some few must keep them thus or 
not at all. I am so situated myself. There is a pond 
of four acres, some twelve rods off. In spring, during 
high winds, a great many maybe found drowned, and 
driven on shore. Although we cannot miss so few 
from a stock, it is nevertheless a loss as far as it goes. 
DECIDE EARLY. 
Whatever location is chosen, it should be decided 
upon as early in the spring as possible ; because, when 
the chilling winds of winter have ceased for a day, and 
the sun, unobstructed, is sending his first warm rays 
to a frozen earth, the bees that have been inactive for 
months, feel the cheering influence, and come forth 
