MONTHLY DUTIES. 135 
honey will render them safe until you begin to feed in 
the spring. From the middle to the last of November is 
usually the time to prepare the hives for winter, by pack- 
ing with hay or straw as directed in another place. This 
should not be done until a few days before steady cold 
weather sets in. Care should be exercised not to put it 
off until it is too cold; neither should it be done too 
early. Be sure to pack thoroughly. Success in winter- 
ing depends in a great degree upon thorough work in 
packing the hives. 
DECEMBER. 
In this month procure your lumber and all material 
for making hives, boxes, etc., to be worked up during 
the winter. Ifthere are small villages or large cities 
near by, you will find this month a good time to market 
your honey, if you have any on hand. With a little 
effort you can have ready customers for your goods, or 
at least a portion of it. Honey in glass boxes is in such ’ 
nice shape, that any one who likes a fine article, will pay 
a liberal price for it, after they have once tested its 
quality. In a few years you will have established a 
trade with ready customers, near home, at remuncrative 
prices. 
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