In a hollow tree the bees can "chew" ventilation holes where ever they want.
If you have ever tried to trap a hive out of a tree you will notice the bees
inside will chew new holes to get out since they notice that all bees
leaving the main hole do not come back.
 
These holes are easily filled with propolis when the bees don't want the
ventilation.
 
Richard Barnes
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At 02:24 PM 2/23/98 -0500, you wrote:
>We talk alot about providing ventilation for our hives.
>
>How do bees living in their most basic habitat, a hollow tree,
> provide ventilation?  Assuming the hole, oft times small,
>is located in the middle, between the brood area and the honey storage area
>at the top?
>
>billy bee
>
>