198 HONEY. 



there will not be more than enough to keep the num- 

 bers of the stock whole. When this point is attained, 

 it is certain that the locality is fully stocked, and that 

 an increase over that number can only be made with 

 safety by increasing the pasture in an equal ratio, or 

 by liberal feeding during such portions of the year 

 as do not afford enough food for the stock. 



Such feeding, however, can only be made profita- 

 ble where a certain and sufficiently abundant pastur- 

 age can be depended on at a given time to ensure a 

 large yield of surplus honey. 



Hence it is apparent that a certain number of bees 

 kept in a place will yield a profit to their owner ; but 

 go beyond that and it will require all the gatherings 

 to sustain themselves. However, as there are no two 

 seasons in succession alike in productiveness, it will 

 readily occur to every thinking mind, that where a 

 population of bees exists equal to the resources of 

 the neighborhood for an ordinary season, a more pro- 

 ductive one will increase the number of colonies, 

 while a less productive one will again diminish them, 

 unless special provisions are made for their subsist- 

 ence. 



A knowledge of the above facts will prove valuable 

 to all persons interested in bee culture, showing as it 

 does the impropriety of a rapid multiplication of colo- 

 nies after a neighborhood has become sufficiently 

 populated, but instead thereof to produce merchant- 

 able honey. 



There are usually two short periods in each year, 

 when flowers are so abundant and rich in honey that 



