Page:How to Keep Bees.djvu/194

154 wait until there is a prevalent temperature of 70°, and the willow, the alder, and the soft maples are in blossom, so that the bees may gather pollen as soon as they are put out. The glowing banners of the red maple blossoms give signal to most of the bee-keepers in the northern climate that it is time that the bees were on the wing.

SPRING DWINDLING

The cause of this is attributed to various conditions by various bee-keepers. The evidence of it is shown by the listlessness of the swarm, and by the dying of the bees. Whatever the reason, all apiarists agree it is more common during cold, backward springs, and that it is less prevalent when the bees are put out in warm, sunny locations. The only remedies suggested are that the brood-chambers be contracted so that the bees can easily keep the comb warm, and that plenty of good syrup and rye flour and water be given to the bees if they are unable to get food from the flowers. Many apiarists have tried the joining of two colonies when this dwindling appears, hoping thus to get enough bees in a hive to keep it warm, but they all agree that this does not help the matter.

MAXIMS FOR WINTERING

Keep the colonies strong. Be sure that a good-sized swarm has at least thirty pounds of sealed stores.

Pollen should not be left in the comb for winter use.