When there is only a small quantity of snow about the hive, say only enough to cover the lower entrance, and there should come a very warm spell of weather, which would bring the bees out, be sure to clear away the snow so they need not be kept back by it. But it will take an exceedingly warm day in winter to rouse the bees from their dormant state in the Controllable Hive, and bring them out for a turn in the open air. If the air is warm enough to induce them to come out, it is always warm enough for them to fly briskly. In this respect there is a great contrast between my hive and others. With other hives, an hour's warm sun will bring out the bees in winter, when the air is cold, and the consequence is, they fall into the snow and perish by hundreds. In this way stocks are often reduced in numbers until all are lost. The dysentery generally attacks such stocks (brought on by the sudden changes in temperature in the hive.) and hastens their destruction, by causing them to leave the hive, when they would not do so if in a healthy condition. Bees, when wintered in Controllable Hives as directed, will come out in the spring, strong in numbers, and in a healthy condition--in great contrast to the weak and diseased stocks which have been wintered in the ordinary manner. I have perfect confidence in the method of wintering here recommended, for I have had it in practical use for many years, and have never lost a stock, notwithstanding some winters have been very destructive to bees in this section, some, who practice the old methods, losing their entire stocks. I learn from my correspondents in all parts of the United States that there is great loss of bees in winter; so great in fact as to discourage many from attempting to engage in apiculture. My plan of wintering is very simple, and commends itself to every intelligent person. In a few words it may be expressed thus: The brood section is secured against the effects of sudden changes in the weather, (this keeps the bees dormant throughout the winter season, which is as nature designed,) and provides for the absorption of all moisture and perspiration arising from the bees, white in a dormant slate. These two points are the foundation of successful wintering. [Illustration] CHAPTER XVI. TRANSFERRING BEES. AS some of my readers may have bees in ordinary hives, which they would like to transfer to the Controllable Hive, I will devote a chapter to Transferring.