BEE-FJRMER'S CALENDAR. 197 



sooner the hive is removed to a new stand the better. 

 Sometimes it is well to remove the hive to a new locality, 

 unknown to the robbers ; it is only by this means that the 

 stock can be saved. If it has only just commenced, 

 enable the bees to defend their own by narrowing the en- 

 trance, so that only two bees can pass in and out at one 

 time. I have always found this the best remedy ; and in 

 several instances I have known those stocks which have 

 been sadly weakened by robbers increase and become most 

 valuable, simply by narrowing the entrance and feeding 

 liberally. 



Work for May. 



If any month calls for attention in the apiary it is the 

 present one ; the practised bee-farmer will keep a constant 

 watch for drones, and if they appear early you may natu- 

 rally expect early swarms. 



A Bwarm of bees in May- 

 Is worth a load of hay. 



If the month should unfortunately be wet, or easterly 

 winds prevail, swarming will be kept back. 



yueen wasps should be looked for the early part of 

 this month ; they are on the wing abundantly in some parts 

 of the country. The late Rev. W. C. Cotton, author of 

 My Bee-Book, offered one season to the boys in his large parish 

 school sixpence each for all the queen wasps that were 

 brought to the vicarage during this month ; the result was 

 much larger than he expected, and the cost proportionately 

 great, so that he never offered the reward again. 



We see with much satisfaction our stocks carrying in 

 a large supply of pollen during this month ; this is a good 

 sign of their being in a vigorous condition, and that the 

 hives are filled with brood. If no pollen is brought in, 

 the sooner they are inspected for the cause the better. 



