THE INFLUENCE OF BEES ON CROPS. 



263 



frequently can they visit the blossoming fruit-trees. The earlier 

 in the morning the bees visit a fruit-tree when in bloom the more 

 certain will be the act of pollenisation and the resultant fertilisa- 

 tion the more effectual. Bees have been seen on their foraging 

 gi'ound beyond the radius of 3 miles, but these long journeys must 

 be undertaken at the expense of the number of trips made during 

 the day. 



Blossoms open at various hours both in the day-time and in 

 the night — the majority in the early morning just after sunrise. 



some at noon, others in the twilight, and a few species after dark. 

 Some species of flowers are very sensitive to light and darkness, 

 and will only open when the sun shines brightly. Those that open 

 in the earlier portion of the day generally close towards sundown 

 and re-open the following morning, especially if they have not been 

 visited by an insect ; those that open at twilight or after dark close 

 at dawn. The blossoms of fruit-trees generally remain open the 

 whole day. During a heavy flow of honey, bees will work for somt 



