156 THE BEE-KEEPER IN SUMMER. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 



THE BUSY BEE-KEEPER. 



The swarming season over the bees settle down to 

 summer work, and right merrily does it go on when 

 the weather is favourable, when the warm winds 

 blow, and the sun shines, and the flowers are full 

 of honey. 



' Here their delicious task the fervent bees 

 In swarming millions tend ; around, athwart, 

 Through the soft air the busy nations fly, 

 Cling to the bud, and, with inserted tube. 

 Suck its pure essence, its ethereal soul. 

 And oft, with bold wing, they soaring dare 

 The purple heath, or where the wild thyme grows. 

 And yellow load them with the luscious spoil.' 



Thomson's Seasons. 



And now there is plenty of work for the bee- 

 keeper as well as the bees. Now is his harvest-time, 

 and he must not neglect his busy workers. Now, 

 more than ever, he must do what is wanted without a 

 day's delay. Success very greatly depends upon 

 everything being done at the proper time. The 

 bee-keeper must 'make hay while the sun shines;' 

 and if he is wise he has prepared things before- 

 hand, and now is ready, as fast as supers are filled, 

 to remove them and to supply others in their place. 

 He will not let his bees remain idle for want of 

 room. 



