512 XHK bbe-kseper'S guide ; 



CHAPTER XXL 



CALENDAR AND AXIOMS. 

 WORK FOR DIFFKRKNT MONTHS. 



Though every apiarist will take one, at least, of the sev- 

 eral excellent journals relating to this art, printed in our coun- 

 try, in which the necessary work of each month will be detailed, 

 yet it may be well to give some brief hints in this place. 



These dates are arranged for the Northern States, where 

 the fruit-trees blossom about the middle of May. By noting 

 these flowers, the dates can be easily changed to suit any 

 locality. 



JANUARY. 



During this month the bees will need little attention. 

 Should the bees in the cellar or depository become uneasy, 

 which will not happen if the requisite precautions are taken, 

 and there comes a warm day, it were well to set them on their 

 summer stands, that they may enjoy a purifying flight. At 

 night, when all are again quiet, return them to the cellar. 

 While out I would clean the bottom-boards, especially if there 

 are many dead bees. This is the time to read, visit, study, 

 and plan for the ensuing season's work. 



FEBRUARY. 



No advice is necessary further than that given for Jan- 

 uary, though if the bees have a good flight in January, they 

 will scarcely need attention in this month. The presence of 

 snow on the ground need not deter the apiarist from giving 

 his bees a flight, providing the day is warm and still. It is 

 better to let them alone if they are quiet, as they should and 

 will be if all is right. In California we must be sure the stores 

 are sufficient. 



MARCH. 



Bees should be kept housed, and those outside still retain 

 about them the packing of straw, shavings, etc. Frequent 



