FEEDING. 181 



But when they are fed in the spring, I think it 



preferable to give them about a table-spoonful a 



day. This has generally been accomplished, by 



introducing into the mouth of the hive a long 



boat, formed by scooping out the pith from an 



elder stem, and filling it with the composition. 



Upon this plan, no more is introduced than the 



case requires, and frequent opportunities are 



afforded of learning the condition of the bees, 



from the manner in which they receive the boon. 



If a little irascibility be exhibited, it is a symptom 



of health ; and though indifference to the proffered 



bounty may not actually betoken mischief, yet 



it deserves attention, and should induce vigilance 



in the apiarian. Feeding upon the large scale in 



spring, tempts the bees to fill those cells which 



may be wanted for the queen to deposit her eggs 



in, and thus proves a drawback upon the strength 



and prosperity of the hive. It may also cause the 



bees to partake too freely of the syrup, and suffer 



from their intemperance. Whichever mode be 



adopted, the external entrances must be closed, 



during the time of feeding ; and I know of no 



better contrivance for this purpose than Mr. 



Huish's tin guards. Without this precaution, 



unfed stranger bees, attracted by the smell of the 



syrup, will banquet upon it ; and these marauders, 



having once tasted the repast, will not only return 



to it again and again themselves, but bring in 



