53 
obtained, and should be arranged as follows : place a 
plank on a couple of sticks of timber, a few inches apart, 
in a straight line, to set the hives upon ; then prepare 
a cover or rough of sufficient length and height to 
accommodate the number of hives desired, by using a 
couple of strips of scantling for the bottom and one for 
the centre and top. Then, pieces of boards three or 
four feet in length should be nailed to them, and 
pieces of scantling, five or six feet in length, placed at 
the bottom, every eight or ten feet, to stiffen the rough, 
so it can be handled without injury. When this clamp 
is placed over the hives, then dirt, to the depth of eight 
or ten inches, should be thrown over it. In this case, 
a small entrance should be given the bees, and the pre- 
server should be placed over each hive, fastened on, 
and one side of the cap raised up one inch to let the 
dampness pass out, to prevent mould from accumulating 
in the hive, or carbonic acid gas, which is so detrimental 
to bees while in winter quarters. This system is very 
objectionable where a cellar can be had, where the same 
temperature can be had, and at the same time the bees 
will be accessible, should they need any care during 
the winter. 
Clamps, constructed as above and covered with straw 
instead of dirt, I would recommend, either East or West, 
in the absence of a cellar. Should the snow drift over 
the clamps, the bees will not suffer in the least. When 
bees are thus wintered they should be taken out as 
early in the spring as the weather will permit of their 
flying from their hives with safety. ' 
WINTERING BEES IN THE MIDDLE AND SOUTHERN 
STATES. 
Where my Compound Hives are used, they may be 
left with safety on the stands from year to year, by 
