48 SOURCES OF NECTAR 
surplus from some of these sources. In seasons when con- 
ditions are favorable for several important honey plants, he 
reaps a great harvest. 
System Adapted to Honey Flow.—lU pon the flora and con- 
ditions of secretion of nectar will depend the system of honey 
production which can be carried on most profitably. If the 
flows are short and very rapid, as is the case in many localities 
in the northeastern States, comb honey production can be carried 
on with very satisfactory results, and with profit to the producer. 
If, on the other hand, the flow lasts through a long season, and 
at no time is the honey coming in rapidly, it is very difficult to 
get a nicely finished article of comb honey. Not only are the 
sections likely to be poorly finished, but they will be travel- 
stained and unattractive in appearance. .\ small hive, while 
hardly to be recommended anywhere except in the hands of a 
comb honey specialist, should never be used in a region where 
the flows are not rapid. Locality then is really the first and most 
important point to be considered by the prospective bee-keeper. 
Not until he has settled upon his locality can he decide as to 
the system of management which he will follow, or the equip- 
ment which he will use. 
Clover Region.—While there is a great diversity of local 
conditions, all the region from the Missouri River to Maine and 
south to the Gulf States, can be classe as the clover region. 
White clover, perhaps, stands at the head of the list of honey- 
producing plants in all this section. Alsike and sweet clover also 
are important. Basswood or linden, raspberry, buckwheat, and 
several other plants are important in various local sections, but 
the clovers are the main source of nectar throughout this vast 
region. Fruit bloom and dandelion are of great value through- 
out these States for spring brood rearing. In many places they 
are sufficiently plentiful to offer an important source of surplus, 
if the bees are ready for it. The bloom from these plants, 
however, comes so early in spring that the bees are usually not vet 
strong enough in numbers to make the best use of the nectar 
