BEE MANUAL. 323 



Stow all spare combs in the fumigating room, and give the 

 spare hives and boxes a brush over with a solution of carbolic 

 acid before putting them away for the winter. 



JUNE. 



If the instructions given for last month have been attended 

 to, the bees will need but little attention this month, and the 

 less they are meddled with during cold weather the better. 

 The planting of evergreens or other plants for shelter or bee- 

 forage may now be commenced. This is the best time for 

 shifting evergreens. The timber for hives and frames will 

 now be ready to make up as opportunities offer. See that the 

 hives are sufficiently ventilated to prevent dampness. 



JULY. 



Look out for leaky covers, and remove damp mats, re- 

 placing them with dry ones. Contract hives with division 

 boards where necessary, and confine the bees to as few frames 

 as possible. Select a warm day when the sun is shining to 

 examine the hives, and get through the work quickly. 

 Examine the combs in the fumigating room, and if moths or 

 their larvae are seen fumigate with sulphur. 



AUGUST. 



All hives should be Well overhauled on the first fine days 

 this month and the condition of each noted. See to the food 

 supply, and feed where short, as a larger quantity will now be 

 required for feeding the brood. Clean the bottom boards, and 

 put in division boards where required. As breeding will have 

 commenced, care should be taken to keep the interior of the 

 hives warm. Remove any combs that are mouldy. Place 

 the hive on a stand alongside while cleaning the bottom board. 

 Unite weak and queenless colonies, and stimulate those re- 

 quired for queen-rearing purposes. Make up hives, frames, 

 etc., and send orders to the manufacturers for material required 

 for the coming season. Willows and early-flowering peach- 

 trees blossom at the end of the month. Sow seeds of honey 

 plants as soon as frosts are passed. 



