334 Calendar. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

 CALENDAR AND AXIOMS. 



WORK FOE DIFFERENT MONTHS. 



Though every apiarist will take one, at least, of the several 

 excellent journals relating to this art, printed in oui 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 first of May. By noting 

 these flowers, th3 dates can be easily changed to suit any local- 

 ity. 



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 cellar. 

 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 January, 

 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. 



MARCH. 



Bees should still be kept housed, and those outside still re- 

 tain about them the packing of straw, shavings, "etc. Fre- 

 quent flights do no good, and wear out the bees. Colonies 

 that are uneasy and besmear their hives should be set out and 

 allowed a good flight and then returned. 



