102 BEGINNER'S BEE BOOK 



The author usually plans to leave at least 

 forty pounds of honey for wintering. If the 

 following spring is mild and favorable, it will 

 not all be used, but if the weather in March and 

 April is cold and backward they will often need 

 to be given an additional supply to keep up 

 brood rearing until the honey flow begins (see 

 Winter Preparation). 



The usual advice to allow twenty-five 

 pounds does not make a sufficient allowance for 

 an unfavorable spring following the winter, 

 and it is easier and safer to give a plentiful 

 supply in the fall to insure safety until after 

 fruit bloom. 



In seasons of scarcity the beekeeper 

 should always examine his colonies to make 

 sure that they have sufficient stores. If the 

 weather is cold and wet in early spring so that 

 the bees have little opportunity to fly, there is 

 danger that all stores will be consumed in brood 

 rearing and the colony will perish, as already 



