274 AMERICAN HONEY PLANTS 



Some honey years are poor because of excessive rain. In June, 1902, 

 there was 11.64 inches of rainfall. June, 1911 represents the opposite ex- 

 treme, with .76 inch, and was also poor. Abundant rain in advance of the 

 honeyflow is of great importance, particularly in the month of May. When 

 there is 5 inches or more of rain in May an abundant honey harvest sel- 

 dom fails. 



It is also shown that a heavy fall of snow during the previous winter 

 tends to favor a good yield of honey. The abundance of snow provides 

 both available moisture and protection to the clover plants during the cold 

 months. 



A rainy day is, of course, unequal to a clear one for honey production, 

 and the fact is shown that best yields are gathered on the days just pre- 

 ceding and following the rains. A gradual increase in honey stored is ap- 

 parent each day following a rain, until the fourth day, when it begins 

 gradually to decline. 



Wind. 



An average of results for 200 days shows that south winds are slightly 

 more favorable, probably due to the warmer and clearer weather. East 

 winds are shown to be somewhat unfavorable, probably due to the clouds 

 and rains which frequently accompany them. (This does not apply every- 

 v.-here.) 



Temperature. 



It is generally recognized among beekeepers that hot weather is most 

 favorable for nectar secretion. The above records show that the hot 

 months do yield better than the cooler ones, this being especially notice- 

 able in the months of May and September, which are often too cool in 

 Iowa for best production. It was found that little honey was stored at a 

 temperature below 70 degrees and that 90 per cent of the entire amount 

 gathered was at temperatures between 80 and 100 degrees. Days attaining 

 a maximum between 80 and 90 degrees are the best yielding days, being 

 slightly better than those with higher temperaturees. A variation in the 

 temperature seems to favor nectar secretion. Mr. Kenoyer was able to 

 show experimentally that low temperatures favor the accumulation of 

 nectar. Days, then, with a wide range of temperature favored the bees. 



A cold winter previous to the honeyflow cannot be said to be benefi- 

 cial, yet it is shown that it is not detrimental. A warm March, however, 

 often favors a good season. This is explained as due to the favorable 

 conditions for building up the colonies of bees in spring as well as to the 

 increased vigor of the clover plants through lack of severe weather at the 

 start of the growing season. 



Kenoyer's Conclusions. 



"Mr. Kenoyer concludes that, 1, June yiekls 56 per cent of the an- 

 nual hive increase in honey, with about half the remainder gathered 

 in July. 2. A large June increase indicates a good year. 3. There is 

 an evident alternation between good and poor years. 4. A good year 

 has a rainfall slightly above the average, the honey season being pre- 



