About twenty or twenty five years ago some work was done in Great Britain
showing that colonies had brood intermittently throughout the winter and
they were apparently using it as a "moisture sink" during periods when,
for what ever reason, ventilation was inadequate.  As I recall, in
effect, they would store excess moisture in brood, which has a high
moisture content, until they could dispose of it by other means.  I think
the papers were included in a booklet put out by either BIBBA or IBRA.  I
know I have a copy here "somewhere", the problem is finding the right
"somewhere".  The one I can find, Pedigree Bee Breeding in Western
Europe, BIBBA 1981, also touches on the subject in an article by Moebus
entitled, Winter Brood and the Winter Cluster.  I'll keep looking for
"somewhere" as time allows.

Rip

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