Dennis M Murrell wrote:
 The importance of water balance to the winter cluster was also
 demonstrated by a Canadian beekeeper during the 1970's.  I have lost
the references.

I will be looking thru a few of those years over the holidays and will
see if i can post the high points and references.

   During the spring the factors that provide an optimum hive
environment  are drastically different that those during the winter.
Wrapping,  ventilating or insulating a hive during one season could
provide the  optimum environment for the bees. During a different season
the same  treatment could kill or weaken the hive.

Exactly the reason many do not wrap in the midwest.  Many beekeepers
underestimate the value of even a simple windbreak in the Midwest.  With
at times windchill of -10 to -60F below and with a hive body R factor of
1 you can quickly see the value of proper wind protection if hives are
not wrapped.  My bees made cleansing flights on Wednesday for the first
time in a month.  Unlike the last two years this November has been one
of the coldest Novembers on record.  Many beekeepers in our area report
not having their fall feeding and meds done before the cold weather hit.
I was ready this year but would have been cought unprepaired if the cold
weather had hit early last year.

Best Wishes
Bob Harrison
Odessa,Missouri