322 THE BEE KEEPER'S MANUAL. 



the colonies in the Apiaries of all except the skillful, ought 

 to be both strong in numbers and in stores ; at least the 

 aggregate resources of the colonies should be such that 

 when an equal division is made among them, there will be 

 enough for them all. This may ordinarily be effected, and 

 yet the number of the colonies be tripled in one season ; 

 and in situations where buckwheat is extensively cultivated, 

 a considerable quantity of surplus honey may even then be 

 frequently obtained from the bees. Early in the month of 

 September, or better still, by the middle of August, if the 

 colonies are sufficiently strong in numbers, I advise that if 

 feeding is necessary to winter the bees, it should be thorough- 

 ly attended to. If delayed later than this, in the latitude of 

 our Northern States, the bees may not have sufficient time 

 to seal over the honey fed to them, and will be almost sure 

 to suffer- from dysentery, during the ensuing Winter. Un- 

 sealed honey, almost always, in cool weather, attracts mois- 

 ture, and sours in the combs, and if the bees are compelled 

 to feed upon it, they are very liable to become diseased. This 

 is the reason why bees when fed with liquid honey, late in 

 the Fall, or during the Winter, are almost sure to suffer from 

 disease. A very interesting fact confirming these views as 

 to the danger resulting from the use of sour food, has come 

 under my notice this Spring. A colony of bees were fed 

 for some time with suitable food, and appeared to be in per- 

 fect health, flying in and out with great animation. Their 

 owner, on one occasion, before leaving for the day, gave them 

 some molasses which was so sour, that it could not be used 

 in the family. On returning, at evening, he was informed 

 that the bees had been dropping their filth over every thing 

 in the vicinity of the hive. On examining them, next day, 

 they were all found dead on the bottom-board and among 

 the combs ! The acid food had acted upon them as a vio. 



