"Materials absorbing humidity are not insulating.

In the integral, stable-climate hive, the insulated crown board and the insulating vertical walls of the hive must not absorb humidity, neither internally nor externally. The whole thing should be water repellent. The wood is immersed in creosote (carbonyle), then, several months later, dipped a second time in linseed oil. After drying it should be given an exterior water repellent coating. Do not forget to hot impregnate the interior of the hive with wax or propolis with the help of a flatiron. In winter and spring, it is a good idea to add a plastic cover, black or transparent, warming in the sunshine, thick, hermetic, enclosing a 'cushion' of dry air between it and the sides of the hive. It should be sealed at the bottom with a strap or belt. Such a covering has a strong heat retaining capacity superior to one of thick, fragile and inconvenient polystyrene.".