CHAPTER VI 



HINTS ON GENERAL MANAGEMENT 



The Spring. — Paradoxical as it may sound, the best 

 treatment for bees in the early spring is to let them 

 severely alone. Should there be any doubt as to 

 a sufficiency of stores, a cake of candy (previously 

 warmed) should be carefully placed over the cluster 

 as expeditiously as possible, and without unduly dis- 

 turbing the bees. 



Towards the latter end of March, should the season 

 be favourable, examine each colony carefully, making 

 sure of the presence of a queen. Contract the brood- 

 nest by means of the division-boards, confining the bees 

 in as close a space as possible, so as to utilise to the 

 full the natural heat of the cluster. A quilt of American 

 cloth, glazed side downwards, supplemented with plenty 

 of felt or carpet quilts, will still further assist in the 

 conservation of the warmth. 



Provide water and artificial pollen if necessary. 

 Syrup-feeding may be commenced. 



Especially at this period, take every precaution against 

 robbing, by keeping the entrances contracted. Un- 

 timely manipulation, and the spilling of syrup about the 

 apiary, are often instrumental in setting up robbing. 



Stocks found queenless should be united to one 

 possessing a queen. 



In May, the winter coverings may be removed, the 

 brood-chamber lifted bodily, and the floor-board re- 

 placed with a clean one. Or the old one may be swept 



