CHAPTER XIII. 



SURPLUS HONEY. 



SPRING MANAGEMENT. 



In the latitude of Auckland, and for some distance 

 South, the breeding season starts about the last week 

 in July, and the hives should be overhauled in suitable 

 weather early in August. Colonies with good queens 

 will have patches of sealed brood in the centre combs 

 by the second week in that month. Any that are brood- 

 less, or nearly broodless, at this time should be marked, 

 to be examined again a little later, and be united with 

 others if there is no improvement. 



TOP BOXES. 



All top boxes that have been left on through the 

 winter should now be removed, and the bees be con- 

 fined to the brood chambers. In the event of the bees 

 having taken to the top box, remove the lower one, 

 and set the former down in its place, after scraping 

 the bottom board. See that there is sufficient food in 

 the hive, and cover the frames snugly with two or three 

 well-fitting mats. 



CONTRACTING 

 HIVE SPACE. 



It is necessary 

 to conserve the 

 natural warmth 

 of the bees at this 

 time in order that 

 breeding m a y 

 proceed uninter- 

 ruptedly, there- 



Fig. 67. DIVISION BOARD. 



