6 
SPRING MANAGEMENT OF BEES 
answers very well, because there is no necessity of 
opening up the hive and exposing the bees to the air. 
By feeding the bees in the afternoon or evening, the 
dangers of robbing are avoided, for the reason the 
feed is disposed of over night, and the odor of the 
syrup has disappeared by morning. For the bees to 
attempt to rob one another at such a time is bad, and 
disastrous in many cases, because the colonies attacked 
are not able to put up a fight. Frequently the slightest 
reverse makes them feel discouraged, so it is wise to 
reduce the entrance of each hive to very narrow limits. 
Sometimes, also, cool winds annoy the bees, so that 
a windbreak is very acceptable, and a sheltered nook 
is best for an apiary. Bees are very sensitive creatures, 
and appreciate all little kindly efforts in their behalf. 
Some practice what is known as “spreading brood.” 
As the phrase indicates, the brood-nest is divided and 
a frame of empty comb or foundation is put in the 
space made. Sometimes a comb from the center of 
the brood-nest and one just outside and next to it 
are made to exchange places. In either case a sort of 
vacuum is created in the center of the brood sphere 
which vacuum the queen and the bees both proceed at 
once to fill with eggs and brood. Under skillful and 
intelligent management when the weather is not cold 
it pays at times to spread the brood, for by so doing 
more bees will be raised; but in the great majority 
of cases, especially with beginners, the practice checks 
rather than stimulates the progress of the colony. A 
frame of eggs and brood placed just outside of the 
brood sphere is liable to become chilled for the want 
of bees to properly cover it. An empty comb placed 
in the center of this brood sphere in a sense for the 
time being divides the one cluster into two, neither 
of which can carry on the affairs of the colony as well 
as when the two of them are together in one solid 
intregal mass. The old saying “united we stand, 
divided we fall” applies somewhat right here. As a 
general thing a colony of bees unmolested will do 
their own “spreading” as fast as it is feasible and 
safe. Very young brood should be thoroughly protected 
