316 miner's AMERICAN 



off, which will aid in keeping the hives free from impu- 

 rities. 



SPRING MANAGEMENT. 



This is the season to close the rear opening, or pas- 

 sage-way, perfectly tight, and stop the current of air 

 that passes under the bees during the winter months. 

 All the heat that can be produced from the rays of the 

 sun, will be beneficial during April and May, at least, 

 and if March be a mild, pleasant month, then also. If 

 it be a raw, cold, snowy month, let the rear entrance be 

 open, when it is not necessary to confine the bees, as 

 little or no breeding will take place, if the weather be 

 very chilly and cold, and the cooler the bees are kept 

 the better. 



It is supposed by many persons, that the honey-bee 

 passes the winter in a state of hybernation or torpidity. 

 This is a great mistake. I have often seen my bees in 

 populous families, quite lively on turning up the hives, 

 vsfhen the thermometer stood at zero. There is a natural 

 animal heat existing all winter, in strong families, even 

 in the coldest weather. 



When warm weather approaches, in May, the hives 

 may be raised to afford an opening all round. These 

 directions are given, on the supposition, that the hives 

 rest on pins, and in the fall these pins are lowered into 

 holes in the floor-board made to receive them. Other 

 kinds of hives should be managed as nearly on the same 

 principle as possible. 



If the hives are light, the bees should be fed freely in 



