Beekeeping in the Clover Region. 15 
ADAPTATIONS OF BEEKEEPING PRACTICE FOR THIS 
REGION. 
Because of the peculiarities of the clover region, which have 
already been outlined, it is of the highest importance that every step 
in preparation for the honey-flow be taken in time. This necessi- 
tates especial attention to conditions in the fall, for during this 
period the bees that are to live over winter are reared. It will not 
do to wait until the clover begins to secrete nectar, or even until 
spring opens, and then make the most of what the bees are able 
to do, for this frequently results in a total failure to secure a crop 
of honey. 
OUTLINE OF THE ANNUAL CYCLE FOR THIS REGION. 
To have a good colony of bees at the beginning of the active season 
it is necessary that the beekeeper begin his preparation about Au- 
gust 1 of the previous year. From this time on he should have 
constantly in mind the prosperity of the colony for the coming 
winter period, giving them during the ensuing 6 or 8 weeks condi- 
tions favorable for the rearing of bees for the winter colony. During 
the winter he should in every way assist the bees in conserving their 
energy, so that they will not begin brood-rearing too early, and so 
that they may also be able to do the work of brood-rearing to the 
fullest extent in the spring. During the spring they must be pro- 
vided with abundant stores or brood-rearing will be curtailed at 
this critical time. These things will bring the colonies to full or 
approximately full strength at the time when the clovers begin to 
bloom. The work from this point on will be largely that incident to 
the production of the honey-crop, to be discussed in detail further 
on, but some time previous to the first of August, when another 
beekeeping year is to begin, the beekeeper should see that every 
colony has a vigorous young queen. 
FALL PREPARATION. 
Because of the absence of a late honey-flow in much of this region, 
brood-rearing is uncertain in late summer and the colonies may 
have too few young bees for winter. In much of this region brood- 
rearing normally ceases about the 1st of October, and during 
the period of 6 or 8 weeks previous to this date are reared the bees 
which live through the winter. If brood-rearing is not adequate 
during this time the old bees can not be expected to live until spring. 
Only those bees which are reared in late summer are able to rear 
brood sufficient for a full colony the following spring. Brood-rear- 
ing naturally decreases in late summer and it is necessary that 
favorable conditions for brood-rearing be provided or the bees may 
