510 bee-keeper's CAtENDAK. 



CHAPTEE XXIII. 



Bee-Keeper's Calendar. 



This chapter gives to the inexperienced bee-keeper brief 

 directions for each month in the year,* and, by means of 

 the full Alphabetical index, all that is said on any topic can 

 easily be referred to. 



879. January. — In cold climates, bees are now usually 

 in a state of repose. If the colonies have had proper 

 attention in the Fall, nothing will ordinarily need to be 

 done that will excite them to an injurious activity. 



In January there are occasionally, even in very cold lati- 

 tudes, days so pleasant that bees can fly out to discharge 

 their fseces ; do not confine them, even if some are lost in 

 the snow. 



It is advisable to arouse them early so as to cause them 

 to fly (639) if the day is sufficiently warm. Otherwise, 

 disturb them as little as possible. In very cold climates, 

 where cellar wintering (646) is resorted to, all that is 

 required is to keep the temperature as even and as near 42" 

 to 45** as possible (648), with quietude and darkness 

 (650). The Winter months are those, in which the bee- 

 keeper should prepare his hives, sections, foundation, &c. 

 for the coming busy season. 



880. February. — This month is sometimes colder than 

 January, and then the directions given for the previous 

 month must be followed. In mild seasons, however, and in 

 warm regions, bees begin to fly quite lively in February, 



*PaUadius, who 'WTOte on bees nearly 2,000 years ago, arranges his remarks 

 In the form of a monthly calendar. 



