Bloomfield, Ind., March 15, 1881.
=No Winter Flight Yet.=—I am trying to winter 163 colonies in Mitchell
hives. All are boxed and packed in chaff with 2 thicknesses of burlaps
over the bees; the ends of the hives to the division-boards are filled
with chaff; combs contracted to such numbers as bees would cover. They
were put into winter quarters Nov. 13, and have had no flight yet. I
find many colonies affected with dysentery, and 12 are dead. It is
snowing to-day with prospects of another blizzard. I cannot estimate
the loss at present; will report at a future time. With many others, I
am free to throw in my mite of joy for the weekly visitations of the
JOURNAL.