436 AFRTL. 



feeding of it presupposes, an attack upon it by the bees of 

 other hives is generally the consequence. 



This month, the tin sliders may be taken away from the 

 entrance, in order that the bees may have the advantage of 

 its full extent ; providing at the same time against those 

 casualties, from which the apiary, even under the most 

 skilful management, is never exempt ; but in the regulation 

 of which, the prudence and skill of the proprietor must be 

 put to the test accordingly as the circumstances may arise. 



This is a good month for the purchase of stock-hives 

 (see Instructions for the purchase of hives), as they have now 

 weathered all the casualties of the winter, and little fear 

 need now be entertained of famine. 



The warmer the hives are now kept, the better, as it ac- 

 celerates the hatching of the eggs, and promotes the prolific 

 nature of the queen. 



The active department of the apiary increases this month. 

 In warm and favourable situations, the population of the 

 hive will have increased considerably, and towards the latter 

 end of the month some drones may have made their ap- 

 pearance. This ought to be a matter of congratulation to 

 every bee-master; for immediately that a drone is perceived, 

 the most positive conclusion may be drawn, that the time is 

 not far distant when he will be gratified by the acquisition 

 of a swarm *. 



The provident apiarian will now provide himself with the 



* Bonner, the celebrated Scottish apiarian, who, if he had had the advan- 

 tage of the light of education, would have made a most conspicuous figure in 

 the elucidation of the natural history of the bee, always made that day a 

 holiday on which the first drone made its appearance. He immediately col- 

 lected his family and friends around him, and often, in the plenitude of his 

 enthusiasm, the worthy Scot would, in the language of his illustrious country- 

 man, " toddle right fu' " to his bed, from the effects of his generous me- 

 theglin. 



