154 HOW TO KEEP BEES 



wait until there is a prevalent temperature of 70, and 

 the willow, the alder, and the soft maples are in 

 blossom, so that the bees may gather pollen as soon 

 as they are put out. The glowing banners of the red 

 maple blossoms give signal to most of the bee- 

 keepers in the northern climate that it is time that 

 the bees were on the wing. 



SPRING DWINDLING 



The cause of this is attributed to various conditions 

 by various bee-keepers. The evidence of it is shown 

 by the listlessness of the swarm, and by the dying of 

 the bees. Whatever the reason, all apiarists agree 

 it is more common during cold, backward springs, 

 and that it is less prevalent when the bees are put out 

 in warm, sunny locations. The only remedies sug- 

 gested are that the brood-chambers be contracted so 

 that the bees can easily keep the comb warm, and 

 that plenty of good syrup and rye flour and water 

 be given to the bees if they are unable to get food 

 from the flowers. Many apiarists have tried the 

 joining of two colonies when this dwindling appears, 

 hoping thus to get enough bees in a hive to keep it 

 warm, but they all agree that this does not help the 

 matter. 



MAXIMS FOR WINTERING 



Keep the colonies strong. Be sure that a good- 

 sized swarm has at least thirty pounds of sealed 

 stores. 



Pollen should not be left in the comb for winter use. 



