The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-01-21

Agricultural.
ass s.a= a4--a4
Wintering Bees.

The tine has again arrived that brings
fears to many bee kecpers--lcsl the colo
MES that have been their care and pride
during their pleasant summer mon ths, per
little care now.
Bee-keepers should examine every stock
carefully and be sure that each bne has
from twenty to thirty pounds of hohey. 1t
is not safe plan TO judge by "heiting," as
some colonies have old, heavy combs, and
often large amounts of bce-bread. Some
have more honey than they need, while
Others have not enough. Changing few
frames of rich stores with the needy is very
beneficial. Feeding may still be done, but
should not be long delayed. Honey boards
should now be removed, and bee quilts used
instead. They are made by cutting two
pieces of any kind of cloth, light woolen
cloth is best) little larger than the inside of
the hive above the frames, and sewing one
thickness of sheen wadding between the
cloth. Contract the entrance so that only two
or three bees can pass. Old carpet or any
coarse material may be used instead ofquilts.
Before putting on the quilts lay small strip
half an inch in thickness across the frames
and pack the quilt tight around the hive.
DO not disturb the bees till near spring, and
don't fret about ventilation, as the quilts
keep them dry and comfortable, and allow
enough of air to pass through, and not too
much.
Wintering in cellars is much recommend
ed. The cellar must be dark, of even
temperature, and perfectly dry, to insure
success.
Adams county bee-keepers would do best
to winter their bees on their summer stands.
The hives should be protected from cold
winds, under shed, weatherboarded in the
rear. The hives placed on stands from six
to ten inches from the ground, and about
eight inches apart. A board placed oblique-
ly against the front of the hive six inches
above the entrance, and Others so placed as
to form box, then fill all space between the
hives in front,r rear and over them with straw,
leaves, or any material that will protect
them from the cold.
We have wintered our bees in this way
the past three yearswth entire success. They
remain quiet and comfortable, and consume
but little honey. They will not 6y.unless
the weather is sufficiently warm that nearly
all can return to the hive; thus only a few
are lost on the snow, while hives unprotected
lose great numbers. In warm days the sun
warns the hive, tho bees become restless
and fly out, get chilled, drop on the snow
and are gone to rise no more.
Bees in box hives should have some ven /!
tilation at the top of the hiye, one or two |
inch holes bored through the top board, and |
covered with heavy woolen cloth and |
an inverted box set on top to prevent
draught through the hive, and then treated as
above will insure success in most cases.
We trust all will take good care Of their
bees..and not. say the bees do no good when
the fault lies in their own carelessness
Correspondents will please give their full
address, as we do not know where all bee
keepers reside. We can sometimes only
reach them through the press, which is not
always convenient.--S. Rice, to the Gettys-
burg Compiler.