Looking for the source of Ancient 
Beekeeping text for my Obscure
Bee Trivial file.

In the book 'The Universal Magazine of
Knowledge and Pleasure' -1755

The information below concerning the 
wintering methods of bees is referenced. 

"The ancients mention a very
extraordinary method of preserving the 
bees in their hives, which was by
filling up a considerable part of the
vacancy of every hive with the bodies
of small birds, which had been killed,
gutted, and dried for that purpose.
This was certainly a way of keeping
out some of the cold air, but it is so
odd an one, that, probably, no-body
since that time has tried it."

My bet is that its a quote from Columella,
Palladius or perhaps Pinly (the elder) 
but so far I have been unsuccessful 
locating the originating source.

Best Wishes,
Joe Waggle
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/HistoricalHoneybeeArticles/

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