308 AUSTRALIAN BEE LORE AND BEE CULTURE. 



During the warmest part of the brightest days look into the hives, 

 and see if it be necessary to contract the hives with division boards. 

 Look at the under side of the top of the' hives, and note if 

 there be any dampness ; find its cause, and cure it. Turn the fluffy 

 side of the quilt down, and overlay with a few layers of newspaper. 

 The fluffy side of the quilt will somewhat absorb the moisture 

 caused by condensation within, and the paper will be an additional 

 protection against the cold and wet from without. 



August. , 



Northwards already there are indications of returning spring, 

 if in a climate where everlasting spring abides it does not appear 

 superfluous to make such a statement. Even here, down south, 

 leaf-buds are developing and blossom-buds are bursting. Pollen 

 is coming in from some of the earliest of blossoming fruit-trees 

 and some of the acacias that are in the more sheltered gullies. 

 Flower gardens are aglow with spring flowers. 



On fine days overhaul all hives so as to note what conditions 

 they are in as regards food. If food supply be short, feed as pre- 

 viously advised. Developing brood must be well supplied with 

 both honey and pollen. If there is likely to be a shortage in the 

 latter, supply it artificially; pea meal is a good, perhaps the best, 

 substitute that can be used. If your hives have loose bottom boards, 

 (and they are always the best to use, see that they are free from 

 impurities and foreign matter. If the colony has dwindled 



much, put in a division board. Remove all empty and mouldy 

 combs. See that there are no queenless colonies. If one be found, 

 obtain a queen from a dealer as soon as possible. This paragrapn 

 only applies to our warmer districts. On the north and southern 

 tablelands, continue the advice given for July. 



It is very possible that on the alighting boards and in front 

 of the hives many dead bees will be seen. Most of these have died 

 from old age. Bees, as a rule, live longer during the winter months 

 than summer. If you have any doubt in your mind as to the 

 cause of death, send along some of the dead, accompanied with 

 some of the symptons exhibited prior to death. 



The Department of Agriculture will at -all times gladly give 

 advice as to bee enemies and bee diseases. 



