368 MONTHLY MANAGEMENT. 



In the absence of a natural brook or marsh, troughs, 

 such as are recommended for promiscuous feeding, 

 may be filled with water, at all times of spring and 

 summer. 



MARCH. 



On the first, fine day (that succeeds each period 

 of cold) when bees can fly out and return to their 

 hives without being lost, the front slide H (see 

 plate xin) should be taken out, and all dead bees 

 removed.* The slide is immediately returned to its 

 place, but elevated three-eighths of an inch to afford 

 a free passage of the bees out and in. The aperture 

 J is to be opened and kept so for the same purpose. 

 Common hives are to be turned up and cleaned as 

 above, and the apertures opened for the egress and 

 ingress of the bees. The hives are to remain open 

 as now arranged, as long as the weather remains 

 warm ; but if cold returns, or severe winds prevail,, 

 the entrances should be again closed or contracted, 

 observing that the ventilating passages are open to 

 admit sufficient air. 



' Thus by timely attention the bees are preserved 

 in a state of health, and the lives of many saved, at 

 a time of year when they are particularly valuable. 

 Less food is also consumed when kept in repose with 

 the light excluded. 



The hives are all to be examined at the time that 



* These directions are also applicable at all seasons. 



