Text emphasis denote by _Italics_. Whole and fractional parts of
numbers as 35-5/8.
[Illustration: The Preparation of BEES for OUTDOOR WINTERING]
One of the most vital parts of the beekeeper's work is the preparation
of bees for outdoor wintering. No other phase of beekeeping has so
direct an influence on the honey crop of the following season.
The apiary should be located in a protected place and the colonies
should not be moved at the time of packing. Directions are given in
this bulletin for the proper arrangement of the apiary to prevent
confusion due to the shifting of hives.
The amount and character of the packing materials and the most
economical type of packing cases are discussed.
A schedule of dates for packing and unpacking the hives is presented
for all parts of the United States, and the amount and character of
winter stores are indicated.
It is important that none of the factors of good wintering be omitted,
and several tests are given so that the beekeeper may determine whether
his bees are wintering properly.