Spring Management 257 



chilly day, this is generally avoided. The entrances may 

 also be reduced or, if necessary, may be closed with wet 

 cloths. 



Spring protection. 



If the colonies have been wintered in the cellar, breeding 

 will normally not begin so soon as in colonies that were left 

 outside. When the hives are carried to their summer stands, 

 the bees are subjected to sudden changes in temperature and 

 to low temperatures and, unless the wintering has been 

 exceptionally good, they may be able to withstand adverse 

 conditions less well than colonies that were wintered in the 

 open. It is therefore preferable to provide packing for 

 these colonies, even if it is only a wrapping of waterproof 

 paper over the hive. After colonies are removed, the bees 

 need a cleansing flight to rid themselves of the accumulated 

 feces and they should be put out at a time when this will 

 probably soon be possible. 



First examinations. 



During early breeding, the beekeeper ought to have no 

 occasion to open a hive, but, if he finds that certain colonies 

 are not up to standard, he may choose a warm day to open 

 them to do whatever conditions may demand. After a 

 winter away from the bees, the beekeeper is usually anxious 

 to look at them. On a fine warm day when the bees are 

 flying freely, he should make his first general examination 

 of the apiary but, if he has previously supplied the colonies 

 with abundant stores and has them protected from changes 

 of temperature, he may well put ofif a general examination 

 of the apiary. If he desires to learn whether the bees have 

 sufficient stores he can determine this by Ufting the hive, 

 or the size of the cluster may be determined, without break- 

 ing the propolis which seals the cover, by looking at the 

 combs from below. 



On the first examination, the beekeeper should look 

 especially for queenless colonies. If any are found, it is 



