ISO 
MANAGEMENT IN SPRING. 
launching forth into the air, though with a low timid 
flight, and roaming from bush to hush in search of 
some plant that may yield a modicum of farina — for 
the Queen has already begun to lay the eggs of 
workers ; and although there is always a certain 
quantity of this kind of food in the hive, (the pro- 
duct of the preceding year’s gathering) for the coming 
brood, the provident insects are aware that an addi- 
tional supply will be required, and rouse themselves 
accordingly from the winter’s inactivity. The col- 
lection of farina, however, is, at this early period, 
very scanty. The few bees that are seen, during the 
month of February, entering their domiciles with 
their yellow loads, derive them almost solely from 
the snow-drop, the crocus, and the furze-blossom. 
Some other early flowering plants are sometimes to 
be met with — such as laurustinus, hellebore, and 
spring flowering heath, hut these are not common, 
and in fact are found only or chiefly in spots where 
they have been planted for the special benefit of the 
apiary. At this early period, therefore, the owner 
cannot help them, however anxious to do so, as far 
as farina is concerned. In other respects, however, 
equally important, he has it in his power to minister 
essentially to their welfare, namely, by supplying 
them plentifully with honey or syrup of sugar. In 
the article of honey, none of the insect families of a 
judicious bee-master will be deficient ; he has, it is 
to be presumed, kept none as stock- hives which did 
not possess stores sufficient, and more than sufficient, 
