CHAPTER XXIII. 



Bee-Kj;eper's Calendae. 



This chapter gives to the inexperienced bee-keeper brief 

 directions for each month in the year,* and, by means of the 

 full alphabetical index, all that is said on any topic can 

 easily be referred to. 



879. January.— In cold climates, bees are now usually 

 in a state of repose. If the colonies have had proper atten- 

 tion in the Fall, nothing will ordinarily need to be done that 

 will excite them to an injurious activity. 



In January there are occasionally, even in very cold lati- 

 tudes, days so pleasant that bees can fly out to discharge 

 their fseces; do not confine them, even if some are lost in the 

 snow. 



It is advisable to arouse them early so as to cause them to 

 fly (639) if the day is sufficiently warm. Otherwise, disturb 

 them as little as possible. In very cold climates, where cellar 

 wintering (646) is resorted to, all that is required is to keep 

 the temperature as even and as near 42° to 45° as possible 

 (648), with quietude and darkness (650). The Winter 

 months are those, in which the bee-keeper should prepare his 

 hives, sections, foundation, &c., for the coming busy season. 



880. February.— This month is sometimes colder than 

 January, and then the directions given for the previous month 

 must be followed. In mild seasons, however, and m warm 

 regions, bees begin to fly quite lively in February, and in some 

 locations they gather pollen (263). The bottom-board should 

 be cleaned of the dead bees and other rubbish (663) that 

 sometimes obstruct the entrance, and prevent the bees from 



* Palladius, who wrote on bees nearly 2,000 years ago, arranges his 

 remarks ;n the form of a monthly calendar. 



545 



