352 
Beekeeping 
Hives of various types are made in which insulation is 
provided permanently, and were it not for the difficulty of 
moving such hives they would probably be more in favor 
among commercial beekeepers. Top packing is the most 
beneficial and may profitably be retained throughout the 
summer if practical. 
Insulation for the conservation of heat is of the greatest 
importance, but even a well insulated hive or group of hives 
may not offer adequate protection unless sheltered from 
strong winds. The enormous loss of heat due to wind is 
usually not appreciated. A high fence or a heavy evergreen 
hedge is the means of a great saving of bee vitality. 
The weakest place in the protection of the colony is the 
entrance. It is not safe to contract the entrance too much 
for it may then become entirely closed by dead bees. Neither 
is it safe to close the entrance entirely and provide indirect 
ventilation for the bees become restless when confined. 
The entrance should be closed as much as possible and yet 
provide room for dead bees. An entrance f by 8 inches 
is perhaps the largest ever needed in wintering outside 
and this is often too large, especially for relatively weak 
colonies. 
The wrapping of hives in black tar paper and leaving 
unprotected the fronts of the hives which face south are 
often advocated on the theory that the heat of the sun will 
more rapidly warm up the hive on bright days. Since the 
sun shines on the hive only a small fraction of the time in 
the average apiary in the winter season, the benefits of heat 
from the sun should not be overestimated. Any arrange¬ 
ment for absorbing heat from without is equally effective 
in dissipating heat from within and consequently a heavy 
packing on all sides is advisable. If possible it is best to 
have the packing cases painted white to reduce loss of 
heat. 
To summarize: for outside wintering, leave abundant 
stores, pack early and heavily, protect from wind and un¬ 
pack late. 
