esirable extent, without in the least
perplexing the bees, any quantity of air may be admitted, which the
necessities of the bees, under any possible circumstances, may require.
It may be made full 18 inches in length, but as a general rule, in
Summer, in a large colony, it need not exceed six inches: while in
Spring and Fall, two or three inches will suffice. In Winter, it should
be entirely closed; unless in latitudes so warm, that even with the
Protector, the bees cannot be kept quiet. The bee-keeper should never
forget that it is almost certain destruction to a colony, to confine
them when they wish to fly out. The precautions requisite to prevent
robbing, will be subsequently described. In Northern latitudes, in the
months of April and May, I prefer to keep the ventilators entirely
closed; as the air of the Protector, at such times, like the air of a
cellar in Spring, is uncomfortably cool, and has a tendency to interfere
with breeding.

NOTE.--Since the remarks on the neglect of ventilation were put in
type, my attention has been called by Hon. M. P. Wilder, of
Dorchester, to an article on the same subject, in the Nov. number of
the Horticulturist, for 1850, from the pen of the lamented Downing.
It seems to have been written shortly after his return from Europe,
and when he must have been most deeply impressed by the woful
contrast, in point of physical health between the women of America
and Europe. While he speaks in just and therefore glowing terms of
the virtues of our countrywomen, he says: "But in the _signs of
physical health_ and all that constitutes the outward aspect of the
men and women of the United States, our countrymen and especially
countrywomen, compare most unfavorably with all but the absolutely
starving classes on the other side of the Atlantic." Close stoves he
has most appropriately styled "little demons," and impure air "The
favorite poison of America." His article concludes as follows:

"Pale countrymen and countrywomen rouse yourselves! Consider that
God has given us an atmosphere of pure health-giving air 45 miles
high, and _ventilate your houses_."

FOOTNOTES:

[15] The beautiful open or Franklin stoves, manufactured by Messrs.
Jagger, Treadwell and Perry, of Albany, deserve the highest
commendation: they economize fuel as well as life and health.

CHAPTER X.

NATURAL SWARMING, AND HIVING OF SWARMS.