36 A Modern Bee-Farm 
in the early morning, they then carry in much water to help 
in preparing the food for the young, a mixture of pollen 
and honey,* first digested by the nurse bees, or those not 
yet old enough for outside work, and given to the unsealed 
larve as a milky fluid. During the warm part of the day, 
not a bee will be found at the water fountain if there 
happen to be a heavy flow of honey ; but should there be 
a scarcity, many will be carrying water the whole day ; 
even if it be raining they continue their flights to the same 
spot by force of habit. It is, of course, understood that 
bees must have honey (or syrup), but, do not at any time 
lose sight of the fact that in building up in Spring, it is 
absolutely necessary that they have both follen and water 
as well, 
Substitute for Pollen ; Water Supply, &c. 
If there is any sign of scarcity, nitrogenous food can be 
given in the shape of a thick paste, formed by mixing 
pea-flour with good honey (syrup will not answer, as it 
simply cakes into a hard lump). With a thin broad stick 
press this into the cells of a tough comb to the extent of 
half of one side and place the same next the cluster. 
The pea-flour may also be dusted into the comb in a dry 
state, or in that form shaken upon shavings,f placed in an 
old skep or box, arranged in a sheltered corner. 
Water can be given in large milk pans, either with 
sawdust at the bottom; moss; or wood to float as a 
resting place; taking care that the vessel shall stand in 
a warm spot. It is better, however, to supply water in 
Spring in the form of thin syrup. 
* Large quantities of water are also used, especially when the 
bees have old stores of thick honey. 
| The Author does not himself practice out-door feeding of 
pea-flour, finding it wastes bee-life by constant flights just when 
the mature bees can least be spared. 
