> An simple idea of a swiss friend beekeeper is to put four matches (4
> corners) between hive and cover during the winter.  Remove them in Feb
> when the brood is starting again.
 
This is common practice in the British Isles as well.  Beware, if you
put the matchsticks in too early the bees will fill the whole of the
ventilation gap you have created with propolis!
 
--
Malcolm Roe                            Phone  :  +44 442 230000 ext 4104
Crosfield Electronics Ltd              Fax    :  +44 442 232301
Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 7RH, UK    E-mail :  [log in to unmask]
------------------------------------------------------------------------