BEE-KEEPER’S CALENDAR. $11 
and in some locations they gather pollen (263). The 
bottom-board should be cleaned of the dead bees and other 
rubbish (663) that sometimes obstruct the entrance, and 
prevent the bees from flying out; as their worry in finding 
themselves imprisoned does them much harm. If any hives 
are suspiciously light, food (607) should be given them; 
this only in mild climates. 
Strong colonies will now begin to breed slightly, but 
nothing should be done to excite them to premature activity. 
881. Marcu.—In our Northern States, the inhospitable 
reign of Winter still continues, and the directions given for 
the two previous months are applicable to this. If there 
should be a pleasant day, when bees are able to fly briskly, 
seize the opportunity to remove the covers (636); care- 
fully clean ‘out the hives (663), and learn the exact condi- 
tion of every colony. See that your bees have water 
(271), and are well supplied with rye-flour (265). In 
this month, weak colonies commonly begin to breed, while 
strong ones increase quite rapidly. 
If the Winter has been very severe, this month is the 
most destructive to unhealthy bees. The hives of dead colo- 
nies should be throroughly cleaned, and closed tightly to 
keep robbers (664) out, or they would carry off what 
honey may remain in them. Spring dwindling (659) should 
be guarded against by shutting off all upward ventilation 
(352), and reducing the space in the brood-chamber (349) 
to the number of combs actually occupied by the bees. The 
entrance of the hives, especially of the weak colonies, should 
also be narrowed (348). 
If the weather is favorable, colonies which have been 
kept in a special Winter depository, may now be put upon 
their proper stands. 
The time of removal from cellars (646) must depend 
altogether on the locality. Dr. C. C. Miller removes his 
bees when the first maple tree blooms. In Canada, they are 
