e v
for the bees, the bees will be very liable to be
attacked by robber bees and by the bee moth. 
this bee moth will almost certainly get to the
combs when the number of the bees is too much 
diminished by swarming to cover them. 
the only safe mode of admitting air so as to
be able to control it at all times is by
gauze wire with covering slides. this enables
the apiarian to contract the entrance to his hive
so that the bees may easily defend it, to shut
up the entrance whenever it is desirable, and
to control the ventilation according to circumstances. 
ventilation from if there is a small opening in the top of
above the hive in winter, it will allow the vapor 
to pass off, and keep the bees dry. 
hives buried. the fact that the hives may be buried in the winter shows that
if bees are kept from the frost, and from sudden changes of temperature they can 
live with very little air. thin hives not only admit the cold through their sides, top etc. 
but in order to guard against mold require an unusual amount of air and cold
and thus are doubly injurious to the bees. the fact that bees do exist and flourish
with a very small admission of air, seems to be indisputable, they are it would 
seem almost dormant, this is the state in which we would aim to have them, as
they eat but little and are most healthy. 
February 5 1853 i am doubtful whether ventilation from above is of any advantage they 
do not get it often in a state of nature. try some with others without, have
a hole to keep open in the upper box in cold weather, then keep some or
more holes in the tumbler board open. a priori i believe that a current 
of air will do harm rather than good, that the bees object to it is plain from
their stopping up such ventilators. 
over 



