2o8 THE HONEY-BEE. 



Again, it must be well boiled and properly prepared, 

 or what happens to be deposited in the cells will 

 crystallise, and become worse than useless, as the 

 bees can only with great difficulty consume or re- 

 move it in that state. The following is the proper 

 method of preparation : Take of loaf sugar 3! Ibs., 

 and boil in a quart of water. While boiling, add 

 a table-spoonful of vinegar, and continue the boiling 

 for ten minutes more. Strain the liquid, and it is 

 ready for use. It may, with advantage, be supplied 

 to the bees while it is lukewarm. The addition of 

 the vinegar is an important point, as it converts the 

 cane-sugar into glucose, or grape-sugar, which is 

 much less liable to crystallisation. 



In bad weather throughout the spring, the watchful 

 apiarian will give his bees some artificial food, unless 

 they have abundant stores in their hives. 



Nor must it be forgotten that, if the production of 

 brood is to be stimulated, some nitrogenous food will 

 be necessary. When crocuses and willow-blossom 

 are plentiful in the early spring, the bees will collect 

 sufficient pollen from these sources, to provide for 

 their wants in the above respect. But, failing a 

 natural supply of such azotised material, pea-meal 

 forms a good substitute, and is readily made use 

 of by the workers. 



In summer, it is only swarms or casts, as a rule, 

 that ought to be in any need of this kind of help ; 

 but, as autumn comes on, especially if the bees have 

 been seriously deprived of their hardly-earned sup- 

 plies, it will be necessary to make up to them some 

 of that of which they have been denuded. With 

 skeps, the only guide as to the condition of food 



