Spring Management 
257 
chilly day, this is generally avoided. The entrances may 
also be reduced or, if necessary, may be closed with wet 
cloths. 
Spring protection. 
If the colonies have been wintered in the cellar, breeding 
will normally not begin so soon as in colonies that were left 
outside! When the hives are carried to their summer stands, 
the bees are subjected to sudden changes in temperature and 
to low temperatures and, unless the wintering has been 
exceptionally good, they may be able to withstand adverse 
conditions less well than colonies that were wintered in the 
open. It is therefore preferable to provide packing for 
these colonies, even if it is only a wrapping of waterproof 
paper over the hive. After colonics are removed, the bees 
need a cleansing flight to rid themselves of the accumulated 
feces and they should be put out at a time when this will 
probably soon be possible. 
First examinations. 
During early breeding, the beekeeper ought to have no 
occasion to open a hive, but, if he finds that certain colonies 
are not up to standard, he may choose a warm day to open 
them to do whatever conditions' may demand. After a 
winter away from the bees, the beekeeper is usually anxious 
to look at them. On a fine warm day when the bees are 
flying freely, he should make his first general examination 
of the apiary but, if he has previously supplied the colonies 
with abundant stores and has them protected from changes 
of temperature, he may well put off a general examination 
of the apiary. If he desires to learn whether the bees have 
sufficient stores he can determine this by lifting the hive, 
or the size of the cluster may be determined, without break¬ 
ing the propolis which seals the cover, by looking at the 
combs from below. 
On the first examination, the beekeeper should look 
especially for queenless colonies. If any are found, it is 
B 
