168 THE BEE-KEEPEk IN SPRING. 



wrong time to do it. If he does it too soon, and cold 

 weather sets in, the larvae and young bees vvill cer- 

 tainly be chilled and die. 



And then in spring-time there is another operation, 

 called ' spreading the brood ' — gradually enlarging the 

 space of the brood-nest — which is sometimes, when 

 done by experienced bee-keepers, of very great use, 

 and is the means of strengthening the hive with great 

 rapidity ; but it is an operation of such difficulty, and 

 requiring such knowledge and care, that I only just 

 mention it. You must not attempt it before you have 

 had long experience. 



And now might be mentioned many other things 

 which belong to the spring work of the bee-keeper, 

 but I must leave you to learn of them elsewhere. You 

 M'ill see, however, from what I have said, that it is an 

 interesting and busy season. It is, indeed, quite a 

 time when you must use your head as well as your 

 hands. 



A great painter was once asked by a student, who 

 wanted to be saved all trouble in learning his art, 

 ' Pray, sir, with what do you mix your colours, to get 

 these beautiful tints ? ' To which question there came 

 the gruff answer from the painter, ' Brains, sir. This 

 is what I mix with my colours: brains, sir!' And it 

 was a good answer, full of meaning and good advice. 

 And it is quite one that will do for the bee-keeper. 

 You must help your bees with your brains. 



