280 THE SMALL COUNTRY PLACE 



that no robbing is done. If there is any indication of 

 robbing the opening in front of weak hives should be 

 reduced so that but one bee can pass in or out at a time. 

 This will enable weak swarms to protect themselves. 

 If there is any question as to the supply of honey in the 

 hives of any colonies, the hives should be examined, 

 and if the supply is short the bees may be fed sugar and 



water. 



MARCH. 



The Land. As we go north from Florida we shall 

 find the land in various stages of cultivation. At the 

 North only winter's work can be done, except in un- 

 usual seasons, when plowing may sometimes be done and 

 seeds like onions, peas, etc., planted. The work sug- 

 gested for the two previous months should be completed 

 as soon as possible, that undivided attention may be 

 given to planting when warm or suitable weather 

 comes on. 



Buildings. As with all other winter work, all jobs 

 upon or about the buildings should be rushed to the 

 finish and every moment be given to it until it is 

 completed. 



The days are growing longer and warmer and more 

 and more outside work can be done, but unless we have 

 planned wisely we often find that we have "bitten off 

 more than we can chew" and will have to leave some 

 jobs unfinished or get behind with some of our other 

 work. At the North foundations of out-buildings are 

 likely to settle as the frost is working out, and there is 

 no better time to repair this and put the foundation 

 deeper while the ground is soft and before the building 

 is injured. In the care of old buildings and new as 

 well we should go on the theory that "a stitch in time 

 saves nine." 



Roads and Walks. The best time to repair roads or 



