Ch. XLV.] ON BEES. 565 



finished. If all are got in before the end of this month, they will do well. Draw 

 earth to peas and beans, and begin to prepare ground for the reception of 

 kidney-beans, and the seeds of cabbage, savoys, cauliflower, and brocoli, in 

 small beds ; together with a small patch of Dutch turnip. 



Bees. — Provide hives for expected swarms, as they should always be at 

 hand when wanted. This is considered a good time to purchase stock 

 hives: their having survived the winter is a guarantee that they will con- 

 tinue to thrive. 



May. — The performance of what has been"; suggested in the two pre- 

 ceding months, will probably occupy part of this also. Towards the end, 

 get in both sorts of kidney beans — that is, both dwarfs and runners ; of the 

 former, the Canterbury and speckled are tlie best. Transplant lettuce, and 

 destroy weeds wherever they appear. 



Bees. — The drones — that is, the male bees — begin to appear in this 

 month, which, if they do, it is a good sign, as " early drones denote early 

 swarms." 



June. — The care of the growing crops forms the principal part of the 

 garden business in this and the next month. Hoeing among, earthing-up, 

 and thinning such as stand too thickly, is necessary. Stick peas, and sow 

 again kidney - beans and runners to succeed those sown last month 

 Cucumbers, pumpkins, and vegetable marrow may be sown or planted 

 towards the end. 



This is a busy month with the bees ; many drones will now be visible — 

 a proof of a thriving hive. When they begin to remain out all night round 

 the entrance of the liive, it is a sign they are near swarming ; and therefore, 

 on warm forenoons, require looking to. 



July. — Before hay-time begins, get every vacant spot of ground digged 

 and ready for planting out cabbage, savoys, brocoli, cauliflower, and all 

 sorts of winter greens : these may be dibbed-in between other crops, or 

 any vacant spots; and wet mornings or evenings are the only times 

 which, at this season, off"er for doing this necessary work. If any celery 

 is to be grown, now is the time for preparing the trenches 



Bees. — The second swarms from the bees are thrown off" in this month, 

 and soon after virgin swarms may be expected. Should the bees of any hive 

 lie out at this time, it shows they want more room : this is given by addino" 

 what is called an eke to the bottom, by which the capacity of the hive is 

 enlarged, and tlie bees again set to work to fill it. This is the best time 

 for beginners to purchase and remove first swarms. The first swarms 

 always begin their combs in the middle of the hive, while second swarms 

 begin at one of the sides. 



August. — The business of a garden in this month is similar to that of the 

 last. Towards the end, the principal crop of onions may be pulled, and the 

 space obtained for some other winter or spring crop. Ground must be got 

 ready for sowing spinach, cabbage, onions, radish, and lettuce of sorts ; and 

 cauliflower, about the 22nd of this month. 



Bees. — Swarming ceases in this month ; and the chief care of the hive 

 is to see that no robbers, wasps, or strange bees assail, and pilfer from the 

 rightful owners. The drones are often turned out or killed ; and most 

 value is set on those hives which are the first to get rid of their drones, 

 because it is a sign that their stock of honey is nearlv complete. 



September. — Notwithstanding the hurry and pressure of field business in 

 the last month, the labourer must steal an liour, if it be even by moonlight, 

 to sow his winter onions, and byall^means his spring cabbage: these cannot 



