Norwich bulletin., 1917-10-11
THE BUSY LITTLE BEE.
Economic Asset as a Sugar Saver
 Proper Winter Care.

In view of the need for a greatly in creased honey crop in 1918, .beekeepers should at once complete preparations for winter so that every colony will be strong in bees next spring. It can not be urged too strongly that these preparations be made immediately. Do not be misled into believing that no special care is needed in winter. Be- cause of neglect at this time, honey crops of the following year are often reduced one-half and the ill effects of neglect are too we'll proved to be de- batable. Scarcely a winter passes that their colonies and usually 75 per cent. of the remaining colonies are reduced so that they cannot do their best the following summer.
 For proper development in the spring a normal colony of bees needs plenty of good stores, plenty of room for breeding and plenty of protection from cold and wind. In winter they need only the stores and protection, but, if abundant protection is then given, the room for spring breeding may also be provided at this time. If bees are properly prepared for winter there is nothing a beekeeper can do which will benefit normal colony from Oct. to Swarming time.
 It is suggested that each colony be given two hive bodies, preferably 10- frame, the top body well supplied with stores in addition to what honey may
 
 ment will provide abundant Breeding room and stores. Beekeepers hesitate to leave so much honey when they feel that they might sell ir, but this honey is not wasted. In almost every locality strong colonies can gather enough extra honey in the spring more than to replace what is consumed in winter and by spring breeding. It often costs more to winter weak col onies than strong ones becaust weak colonies cannot take advantage of the earliest honey flows.
 Explicit directions for making win ter packing cases are not necessary, for any beekeeper can devise a suit able box. It is suggested that colonies be packed in groups of four with the Lives touching each other, two facing east and two west, to reduce expense and labor. Packing should be provided on all sides, top and bottom. Four inches below six inches on the sides and a foot on top will not be excessive. If the bottom or front of the hive is left unprotected, the bees will not re- ceive the full benefit of the other pack ing. Any packing material, such as sawdust, planer shavings, finely cut straw or packed forest leaves may be used, and the case should be water is desirable. Some sort of tunnel through the packing is necessary for ventilation and to permit flights in good weather. With abundant packing a email flight opening is best. Do not make an alighting board on the out side of the case, for 1t only serves to catch snow Ventilation through an absorbent cover will do no harm but is not essential if abundant packing is provided. Wind protection is neces- sary, and unless this is provided heavy packing is of little value.
 The principles cS outdoor wintering are discussed in farmers bulletin 695, Q copy of which may be had on re- quest. Every beekeeper should pay special attention to wintering this year for the nation needs large honey crop next year. It will always pay to give attention to this part of beekeeping. which is too often neglected. Remeun- Der that proper wintering is simple and inexpensive in time and money, since stores are saved and spring ma nipulation are eliminated. The win ter cases pay for themselves every ytar. You can carry no better insur- ance for a crop next year.