BEE MANUAL. 321 
dry seasons, but without attaching any very exact value to 
these different terms. To the bee-keeper it may be strongly 
recommended to avail himself constantly of the records of the 
nearest meteorological observatory—to make himself acquainted 
with the normal mean temperature and rainfall of each month 
and each season of the year—that is, with the average results 
of observations continued over a large number of years, and 
then to watch, note, and compare with this normal standard, 
the mean temperature and the rainfall of each passing month. 
He will thus, at least, impress upon his mind some definite 
idea of how far the seasons of the current year correspond with 
or differs from the average of years, and this will considerably 
assist him in anticipating the probable course of events in the 
approaching honey season, and will suggest to him the most 
suitable mode of treatment for getting his bees into a condition 
to make the best use of the harvest season when it arrives. 
The system of recording such observations as those alluded 
to above in a graphic form upon a diagram prepared for the 
purpose is now so universally used in similar cases that it is 
only necessary here to suggest its adoption to any one who 
wishes to keep before his eyes a clear picture of the few simple 
facts bearing upon the character of the months and seasons. 
——_—___—_<&>______—- 
CALENDAR. 
In arranging the apiary work for the different months I have 
chosen the dates of the bee-seasons for the latitude of Auck- 
land, New Zealand, as being nearest to those in the majority 
of places in Australasia. Where they differ much the dates 
can be altered to suit by carefully noting the time when willows 
and early flowering peaches blossom, which in the latitude of 
Auckland is at the latter end of August and beginning of Sep- 
tember. 
JANUARY. 
In average seasons a good quantity of honey is gathered 
during this month, and in late seasons the bulk of the crop 1s 
often secured. Late swarms should be expected, but unless 
Ww 
