292 FIFTY YEARS AMONG THE BEES 



of water. When the sugar was about dissolved, an even 

 teaspoonful of tartaric acid for every twenty pounds of 

 sugar, previously dissolved in water, was stirred into the 

 syrup, for without the acid the syrup is likely to turn 

 into sugar in the combs when fed so thick. If I were to 

 feed late in September, or in October, I think I should 

 prefer the same syrup now. 



FEEDING EARLY FOR WINTER. 



But by feeding in August or early in September the 

 work can be made much easier, and at the same time the 

 food will be better for the bees. For they will so manip- 

 ulate the thin feed given theni that no acid will be 

 needed, making their winter stores much more like the 

 stores they obtain from the flowers. There is nothing 

 complicated about the feeding, and there is not the same 

 trouble with robbers as when syrup is made. First, the 

 feeders are all put on, and left standing uncovered. Then 

 the amount of sugar needed in each feeder is put in dry, 

 whether that be two pounds or fifteen pounds. Then 

 I go around to each feeder, and, making a depression in 

 the center of the sugar, put in half a pint or more of 

 water. I do this rather than to put in the full quota of 

 water at first, because in the latter case it is possible that 

 the water would force its way into the reach of the bees 

 without having much sweetness in it, for I forgot to say 

 that I use the Miller feeder. I am not sure that this pre- 

 caution is necessary, but it can do no harm. I now go 

 around and put in each feeder about as much water as 

 will balance the sugar, counting either by pints or pounds. 

 Of course, if twelve pounds or more of sugar should be in 

 the feeder, it will be impossible to balance the sugar with 

 water. In that case I put in all the water I can. Next 

 day or so the liquid will be used out, and I can fill up 

 again. Indeed, in many cases where equal parts of sugar 

 and water are given, the water will be mostly out by the 

 next day, leaving only damp sugar in the feeder, and 

 more water must be added. Practically, this is giving 



