306 AUSTRALIAN BEE LORE AND BEE CULTURE. 



ous parts of the Colony. During the warmer portions of the days, 

 especially if the sun is bright, the bees will still venture out; 

 but they will not wander far from home if last month's advice 

 has been attended to, i.e., if they are supplied with honey sufficient 

 to carry them on till spring or the coming breeding season. If 

 bees are forced to go foraging on bright winter days, the sudden 

 atmospheric changes prevent the return of many. A good supply 

 of food in the hive is the only remedy. It also forms one of the 

 best methods to keep up the warmth of the hive. On every occa- 

 sion when the weather is bright and drying remove the wraps, etc., 

 from the hives, and spread them out to dry. External dampness 

 produces internal dampness which is one of the most prolific 

 causes of disease. Just before sundown return the protectors to 

 the hives. 



The evenings are long now and outdoor work among the bees 

 is little needed ; there is, therefore, plenty of time in which hives, 

 frames, &c., can be put together and foundation fixed ready for 

 the coming spring. 



May. 



In our coldest districts both bees and bee-keejDers should have 

 retired into winter quarters. The latter will now have plenty of 

 time for thought and preparation for the coining spring. The end 

 of this month will be an excellent time for planting evergreen 

 shrubs for the protection against the cold winds, or, if necessary, 

 as shades against the excessive sun rays for summer time. The 

 long leaf privet {LeguKtrom longifolia), which is used for ornamental 

 hedges will be found the best for the purpose. A trench about 8 

 inches wide and a foot deep should be opened and the soil made 

 light with the addition of a little sand and manure. In the coming 

 month cuttings from 6 to 12 inches long should be planted at an 

 angle of about 45 degrees, or even more, 6 inches apart, and ar- 

 ranged so that they may overlap one and the other. When suffi- 

 ciently high they should be kept trimmed to a. uniform width of 

 about 8 inches and the length required. If properly managed they 

 will form a green wall almost impenetrable. Such hedges will be 

 found to be both useful and ornamental. Examine all empty 

 combs that are stored, and fumigate for moth and their larvae. 

 Attend to ventilation to prevent dampness. Do not let the stored 

 combs become mildewed. Make up hives, supers, and frames for 

 the coming season. It is a wise motto to have your cage ready for 

 the bird, and so always have your hives ready for your bees. 



