To winter in Controllable Hives, prepare as follows: At the commencement of steady cold weather, which, in the New England States, is usually near the close of November, put the bees in condition to winter by entirely closing the upper entrance to the hive, and the lower one shut up about one-half.[11] Take out the box frames at the sides of the brood section, and put the movable partitions in place. Remove the boxes and feeder, or honey board, (whichever is in place) from over the brood section. Place the ventilator (described elsewhere) over the brood section, so the lower edge of the ventilator, at the sides, will rest on the upper edges of the movable partitions, on each side of the brood section. Pack the sides of the hive (that part occupied by the side boxes in summer,) closely with very line hay or straw. Pack the cap as full of the same matter as it can be crowded. Then put the thickness of one or two inches over the ventilator, filling up evenly, so when the cap is placed ever the upper part, the cap and sides will be compactly filled. There must be no spaces left unfilled, the object being to secure an even temperature in the brood section, and absorb all moisture thrown off by the bees; and to do this successfully, the cap and sides must be closely packed throughout. When you have the cap and sides well packed, replace the cap, and the work is done. Shade the front of the hives during the winter months. No matter if the snow drifts over the hive so as to completely bury it from sight, let it remain;--your bees are safe. [Footnote 11: To secure a slight upward draught of air, to carry off the moisture arising from the bees, make a hole a half-inch in diameter in front and rear of the cap, in the center, close to the top or roof boards. (And here let me say, the roof boards, or boards covering the cap, should project about an inch, as they can be more firmly nailed, and make better joints; for driving rains must not be allowed to penetrate to the inside of the hive.) The inside of each hole should be covered with wire cloth, to keep out insects, etc.] A neighbor of mine had fifteen stocks in Controllable Hives completely buried in snow over six feet deep, and the crust formed over them so it would bear a horse. They remained under the snow from January until April, when they thawed out, and every stock was found to be in first-class order.