. British bee journal & bee-keepers adviser. Bees. Jan. 24, 1918. THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. 25. SEASONABLE HINTS. From the present time until the bees are a'ble to gather nectar from the early flowers is the most critical period', so far as stores are concerned. The great (majority of the losses from starvation oc- cur during the first three months of the year, February and- March being the worst of the three. The bees have, for the past three months, been living on the food stored in the combs for winter use, and unless there was a good quantity at the beginning of the winter the supply wi
. British bee journal & bee-keepers adviser. Bees. Jan. 24, 1918. THE BRITISH BEE JOURNAL. 25. SEASONABLE HINTS. From the present time until the bees are a'ble to gather nectar from the early flowers is the most critical period', so far as stores are concerned. The great (majority of the losses from starvation oc- cur during the first three months of the year, February and- March being the worst of the three. The bees have, for the past three months, been living on the food stored in the combs for winter use, and unless there was a good quantity at the beginning of the winter the supply will be running dangerously low, just at the time when it is most needed. If breed- ing has not already commenced, it will do so' very shortly, especially if the mild weather prevailing as these notes are be- ing written continues for a short time, and as the quantity of brood increases the demands on the stores will become heavier. Do not allow the bees to starve. It is bad policy even to let them have only just enough to scrape through until the spring, as the result will be to check breeding, and thus keep the colony weak. Bear in mind that it may be the strongest colonies that are on the border of starvation, this condition being actu- ally due to their strength. A strong- colony may consume less stores, compara- tively, than a weak one, the latter having to use food to keep up the temperature, which is done by the number of bees in the former. A strong lot will also have more brood to feed than a weak one. If there is the slightest doubt as to the amount of food—and there should be ample for all needs—keep a supply of candy over the frames, when one cake is consumed give another. There is still a supply of candy, but it is not unlimited. The expense may be reduced if several bee-keepers who only need small quanti- ties " club " together, and get it all in one lot, thus reducing the expense both in the price of candy and the carriage. On mild days the bees will
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