MONTHLY DUTIES. 137 



They will last longer, and as they are to remain out 

 of doors the year aiound, it is very essential that 

 they be preserved against the weather. A good, 

 heavy coat of paint, spread over good lumber, will 

 prevent cracking and warping. Employ the time, 

 in this month of comparative leisure, in getting 

 everything in readiness for the approaching honey 

 season. 



FEBRUARY. 



Febi-uary like January is not a busy month with 

 bees in the Northern States, neither do they require 

 much care. If not finished last month, continue 

 the work of January by making hives, glass honey 

 boxes, and all fixtures required in the management 

 of the bees in the coming season. In some sections 

 bees will fly briskly the last of the month. Clear 

 away the snow from the front of the hives at that 

 time. Set out meal feed for the bees, provided 

 they fly briskly. 



. MARCH. 



At the commencement of this month, clear the 

 snow away from the front of the hives ; raise the 

 hives up on blocks at the corners, remove the bot- 

 tom board under the brood section, and brush out 

 all accumulations, which might invite the bee moth 

 to deposit her eggs, if suffered to remain through 

 the summer. This accomplished, set the hive 

 back in its place. The first day that the bees fly, 

 set out the meal as heretofore directed. Commence 

 to feed liquid feed as early as the bees will take it. 

 Feed regularly every day, or every other day, at 



