OR, MANUAI^ OF THB APIARY. 



409 



H. Brown, they are no less favored. The Japan privet, the 

 varnish tree, the acacia, the black-gum or sour-gum (Nvssa 

 aquatica), and the persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) stir the 

 bees up to their best endeavor in May. The banana (Musa 

 sapientum) blooms not only in May, but, as Mr. W. S. Bart, 

 of Florida, writes me, it is in blossom the year around. So 

 rich are the flower-tubes in nectar that Mr. Hart says he co"?<? 



Fig. 209. 



Fig. 210. 



Chinese Wisiaria. — Ori; 



Barberry. — Orijilnah 



soon gather a teacupful, by hand, of clear, beautiful nectar of 

 good flavor. Chinquapin {Castanea pumila) is an excellent 

 honey-plant in the Carolinas. 



The horse-mint (Fig. 213), (Monarda aristata), especially 

 in Texas, is sending the bees loaded to their hives with its 

 peculiar, aromatic nectar. This, with the buckthorns, species 

 of Rhamuus and Ceonothus, yield honey into June. These 

 plants often cover acres in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Mr. 



