We have started 50 new packages this spring, 25 with home made screen bottom boards and 25 with solid bottom boards. The frames are new wood and wax but the boxes are mixed old and new. The covers are home made and insulated. They are all in yards that we have had bees in and have not had a problem with varroa last year when we picked them up.
 We are also picking up 50 nucs from Ontario this year. They also will be on 25 screen and 25 solid bottoms. They will be going out to new yards.
 When we installed the packages the day was great weather wise but turned cold and rainy after that. I have noticed that generally the hives with the screen bottoms have held a titer cluster and had not drawn out the foundation as much as the solid bottoms. They are catching up now that it is getting warmer.
 With all that is going on about to screen or not to screen (the hives are on Cape Cod, MA.) we thought it would be good to try each.
  I have never done or been involved in any kind of study before so any input would be greatly appreciated. This is just something that we are trying on our own because we are starting 100 new hives.
   Ed
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