144 A MANUAL OF BEE-KEEPING. 



although not nearly emptied of their honey, were receiv- 

 ing no attention. The chaff appeared to answer the 

 purpose of supplying the Bees with a resting-place, much 

 more satisfactorily than bran or any other material yet 

 tried, and it is clear that in the mixture the chaff should 

 considerably preponderate. It was observed that where 

 only a small quantity of flour remained the Bees appeared 

 to work most comfortably. Diving in their heads, and 

 getting a dusting on the under side of the thorax, they 

 just rose upon their wings in order to gather up, and 

 duly stow away the supply, when .they made a second 

 plunge, adding what was thus secured to the small pellets 

 already noticeable upon their legs. Another dive or two, 

 and the little rascals, fully loaded, flew away right merrily 

 to their hives. Pea-flour was now supplied, and was com- 

 menced upon immediately ; but did not, so far as could 

 be traced, attract the Bees more than that first given. 

 The most economical, probably the most useful, plan is, 

 to cover the bottom of the tray with the pollen substi- 

 tute to the depth of from half an inch to an inch, put 

 sufficient chaff over it to nearly cover it from view, then 

 slightly stir the surface. The chaff will continue to sink 

 as the food is removed, and afford thus during several 

 hours a convenient stage for the little foragers. 



Mr. F. Sontag, a German Apiarian, says that he fed 

 one of his colonies with rye-meal placed in a hive in an 

 old comb, continuing the supply till they could obtain 

 fresh pollen abroad. This colony produced four strong 

 swarms that spring, and an adjoining stock not supplied 

 with the meal only one weak swarm. 



