182 FEBBUAKY. 



shade the entrance, so that the sunshine may not tempt them out, unless 

 it is quite warm. If the alighting board be hinged to the bottom board, 

 by two small staples, driven in opposite directions in each, it may bo 

 turned up when needed for shade, and turned down when they can fly. 

 The board will prevent sun and rain from driving in at the entrance. 

 Hives covered with light snow are protected in the best possible man- 

 ner against cold weather, but when it begins to pack and freeze it should 

 be lemoved from the entrance, or at least from the holes in the caps, 

 when packed with absorbing material, as heretofore recommended. 



Do no feeding in this month, unless the bees are about to run out of 

 stores, and then give a frame of honey, ©r place honey boxes directly 

 over the cluster. If these are wanting feed with plain white candy. If 

 the candy is burnt in making it is not a suitable food for the bees. In 

 warm climates tfcese directions are not so important as where the 

 weather is cooler. 



During this and other winter months, the bee-keeper should prepare 

 his hives, boxes and crates, and whatever is necessary about the apiary, 

 so that he may not be pressed when the bees begin to need his attention 

 and perhaps the farm, orchard, garden, or other business calls for a 

 share of his efforts. 



FEBRUARY. 



Keep the bees still as quiet as possible, where the weather remains 

 cold and wintry. But if a warm day comes, uncover the entrance and 

 let the bees have a good fly. They can then finish the winter, until the 

 weather tempts them out. Any undue excitement by jaring or, in any 

 wise disturbing them in cold weather, is very injurious. The bottom 

 board should be cleared of all obstructions, and the dead bees swept 

 out. If left, they injure the colony. If colonies wintered indoors 



