308 FEEDING. 



well jointed, and white lead used when putting them 

 together ; they are to be thoroughly nailed, and the 

 inside painted ; when dry, it is fit for use. This size 

 gives eight feet surface, and affords room for the usual 

 number of bees from thirty-two hives to fe*ed at once. 

 Before feed is put in, take slats or pieces of comb and 

 place them in the trough so as to form a floating bridge 

 on which the bees may stand without soiling them- 

 selves while feeding. 



Shallow pans, bridged in like manner, with a sur- 

 face in proportion to the stock to be fed, answer the 

 same purpose. The place for feeding should be a 

 few rods from the hives. During the spring, or when 

 the weather is cool, the sun should shine on and 

 around the place ; but when warm, it should be ex- 

 cluded. 



The advantages gained by feeding promiscuously 

 are, that it can be better done and with less than one- 

 half the labor it requires to feed each hive separately. 



The strong and vigorous hives gather more than 

 the weak ones. This is as it should be, for they are 

 to be drawn upon, from time tb time, for brood and 

 stores to build up the weak ones. When this plan is 

 once commenced, it must be attended to regularly. 



FEEDING APT TO EXCITE ROBBERY. 



"While feeding bees separately, those of other hives 

 are frequently attracted by the smell of the food, and 

 try to rob them. This is best guarded against by 



