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Calendar. 



The arrangement of a calendar is necessarily somewliat empirical. The 

 work of one season glides imperceptibly into that of another, while in a 

 climate such as onrs due allowance must be made for seasonal fluctuations. 

 It is, therefore, recommended that when a reference is made, the months 

 before and after the current one should receive some attention. 



JANUAET. 



This is the season of rest in the apiary. Do not needlessly disturb any 

 stock. 



Food. — If you suspect any hive to be deficient in store, give barley sugar, 

 placing it in a bottle over the feed-hole (after turning the feeding-stage ont 

 of the way), and covering warmly, or under the quilt if one be used, or 

 In skeps, passing it up between the combs : (see page 94.) 



Protection. — If an insufficient top covering has been provided, add to it 

 now : (see page 100.) 



Snow having fallen, take care that the hives are saved from glare, or 

 many bees will fly, deceived by the brightness, and fall to the ground and 

 perish. Be careful also that snow does not so choke the hive mouth as to 

 smother the stock : (see page 102.) 



Entrances should be examined on the flrst warm day, to see that dead 

 bees are not clogging the entrance ; and, if needed, clean the bottom 

 board : (see page 101.) Many dead bees would either indicate an error 

 in management or disease. 



Ventilation. — Stocks in frame hives need upward ventilation : (see 

 page 93.) If the crown boards of these have not been removed since 

 autumn, the first time the weather is warm enough to enable the bees to 

 fly they must be lifted, and arrangements made as already explained : 

 (see page 100.) Carpets which have remained on give no ventilation at 

 nil, as every pore win have been stopped by propolis. 



Insectivorous hirds. — The blue tit (Parus cffintZeus) and the great tit 

 (Parvs major), driven to extremities by frost, are likely to play havoc 

 amongst our favourites. Adopt the precaution given at page 92. 



Mice must be kept at bay by making the openings so narrow that they 

 cannot enter, or the combs may be bitten from their foundations : (see 

 page 91.) 



