>>>  the new comb is much colder than the old.”
Excerpt From: Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth. 

I'd also like to see any data to support this - it's dark inside a hive, comb color wouldn't seem to be a factor, unless the comb is left out in the sun.

E.O. Southwick told me that the 'empty' comb often found on the outside of the brood nest served a purpose.  Under severe cold conditions, the cluster pressed itself against the open end of the inner cells of the empty, outside comb, creating a dead air space between themselves and the bottom of the cells.

I know a lot of beekeepers who 'help' bees by putting a comb full of honey on each side of the brood nest.  Ed said that  was a mistake.  The bees used the empty comb for insulation.

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