183 MAY. 



Be careful in Spring, and then keep strong stocks, and the danger from 

 worm is very small, especially if Italian or hybrid bees are kept. 

 April and May are, perhaps, the best months for transferring. April in 

 the South, and May farther North, when the first great brood rearing is 

 over. If any queenless stocks still remain, unite them as recommend- 

 ed in March . Feeble colonies should be reinforced by a frame of hatch- 

 ing brood, placed in the centre, during this month. Do not cut away 

 comb because it is dark or even mouldy. Mouldy or soiled comb can 

 be easily renovated by water and the extractor, or with a strong syringe. 

 Combs in which bees have died should be cleared of dead bees, even if 

 it be necessary to scrape away a part of the cells on one or both sides 

 of the comb. 



MAY. 



If care has been given as recommended, all stocks in mild latitudes 

 should be crowded with brood in all stages of development. In the far 

 North the stimulating of April is now in progress and in the Southern 

 States the honey harvest is well begun. There the June management 

 best applies to this month. 



It seems to be the instinct of bees at this season to rear as much brood 

 as possible. If any honey is to be gathered they bring it in rapidly. 

 The more honey they get and the more they are fed the more rapidly 

 they increase, provided the broodnestis not filled with it. If cold, windy, 

 or rainy weather continue for several days, hives are verjr much checked 

 in development and injured. Hence, under such circumstances, they 

 should always be fed. Let the sun shine on the hives as much as pos- 

 sible during this month. Different management should be followed 

 this month, if rapid increase of stocks is desired, instead of surplus 

 honey; 



