APPENDIX. 105 



Hives. — Clean, repair, and, if possible, improve all empty hives. These, 

 if soxmd when thoroughly overhauled and repainted, are better than new, 

 since their joints are not likely to open in the sun. Stippling and var- 

 nishing is much better than plain painting. Or clouding may be adopted 

 for variety. This is an American plan, and is thus managed : Paint the 

 hive white, and while the paint is fresh and under cover out of the wind, 

 fix the hive so that the face to be clouded is beneath, then smoke it with 

 a lamp with small wick. A little practice will enable ns to produce a very 

 ornamental mottled appearance, not unlike marble ; when dry give a coat 

 of varnish. 



Bottle covers. — Commission some soft hand to make as many bottle 

 covers as maybe needed : (see page 49.) 



Jackets for supers may be made at the same time : (see page 69.) 



Midribs.- — Prepare some oasts for midribs : (see page 53.) Instead of 

 taking the first oast in plaster, subsequently baking and soaking in paraf- 

 fin, as described at page 65, it may be made in gutta-percha if preferred. 



Wax. — Prepare some cakes of artificial wax ; these will be needed in the 

 spring : (see page 56.) 



Make all possible preparation during this season for the busier time, 

 which will bring more than sufScient employment. 



FEBEUAEY. 



Food.-— The hints for last month need still greater attention for tfris. 

 If the weather be so warm as to induce the bees to fly often, much more 

 food will be consumed than if they remain in cluster. Where honey is 

 known to be running short, barley sugar or strong syrup may be given 

 (see page 58) ; or a frame containing store may be exchanged for an empty 

 one. Eemember also that it is much better to anticipate want than bring 

 a stock to the verge of famine. Poor hives will delay in raising brood, and 

 swarm late. 



Moving. — Hives can be best shifted short distances for the purposes of 

 rearrangement at this season : (see page 102.) Let it be done during a 

 cold spell. Moving in the summer a yard per day is, however, preferable : 

 (see page 62.) 



Artificial Pollen. — If the weather remain open artificial pollen may bo 

 given towards the close of the month. Its advantage lies in its being 

 supplied early : (see page 61.) 



The advice already given respecting " snow," " dead bees," aad 

 " insectivorous birds," will require attention. 



MAECH. 

 Bees, stimulated by their more frequent opportunities of leaving their 

 hives and by the welcome, though small, supplies given by opening snow- 

 drops and crocuses, followed by almond and peach trees, elms, willows, &e. 

 begin now to carry forward the wort of raising brood in earnest. Gentle 



