CALENDAR. 
633 
April. 
The bee-keeper’s season is now open ; his favourites 
are increasing in numbers and activity. Some of the 
orchard trees, at the close of last month, and early part 
of this, in forward seasons, are in full spring attire, 
and, in favourable weather, the stocks are gaining 
weight. Yet at this time, perhaps, more colonies are 
ruined through want of food than any other. The 
winter has disposed of the honey of the previous year, 
and brood-raising now requires a good income to 
meet necessary expenditure ; 
Feeding is, therefore, essential in prolonged un- 
favourable weather ; if this should be forgotten, the 
bee-keeper will probably meet with 
Signs of Starvation^ in the form of the bodies of 
immature bees (white bees), on the alighting-board. 
Food failing, ovipositing has been stopped, the eggs 
and younger larvae eaten (page 248), and the chrysa- 
lides (especially of drones) torn from the cells and 
thrown out of the hive. Feeding immediately will 
save the stock, but not until it has been so checked 
that it is unlikely to yield much surplus. 
Artificial Pollen may be given (page 399). 
Spread Brood with caution (page 414). 
Water must not now be overlooked (page 404). 
Transferring may be undertaken (page 242). 
Queenlessness may be suspected if, while colonies 
generally are carrying high-standing pellets of pollen, 
the one under examination takes but a small number 
of half-sized ones. Should no queen exist, the best 
policy is to unite to a weak stock having a queen 
(see “ Uniting ”). 
