Work from January to March, 435 



CHAPTER XXI. 

 Calendar and Axioms. 



WORK FOR DIFFERENT MONTHS. 



Though every apiarist will take one, at least, of the sev- 

 eral excellent journals relating to this art, printed in our 

 country, in which the necessary work of each month will 

 be detailed, yet it may be well to give some brief hints in 

 this place. 



These dates are arranged for the Northern States, where 

 the fruit trees blossom about the middle of May. By noting 

 these flowers, the dates can be easily changed to suit any 

 locality. 



JANUARY. 



During this month the bees will need little attention. 

 Should the bees in the cellar or depository become uneasy, 

 which will not happen if the requisite precautions are taken, 

 and there comes a warm day, it were well to set them on 

 their summer stands, that they may enjoy a purifying flight. 

 At night when all are again quiet return them to the cel- 

 lar. While out I would clean the "bottom boards, especially 

 if there are many dead bees. This is the time to read, visit, 

 study, and plan for the ensuing season's work. 



FEBRUARY. 



No advice is necessary further than that given for Jan- 

 uary, though if the bees have a good fly in January, they 

 will scarcely need attention in this month. The presence 

 of snow on the ground need not deter the apiarist from 

 giving his bees a flight, providing the day is warm and 

 still. It is better to let them alone if they are quiet, as 

 they should and will be if all is right. 



MARCH. 



Bees should still be kept housed, and those outside still 

 retain about them the packing of straw, shavings, etc. 

 Frequent flights do no good, and wear out the bees. Col- 



