May Fhnta. 



265 



In the South, as I learn from that able apiarist, Dr. J. H. 

 P. Brown, they are no less favored. The Japan Privet, the 

 varnish tree, the acacia, the black gum and the persimmon, 

 stir the bees up to their best endeavor in May. The banana 

 blooms not only in May, but, as Mr. W. S. Hart, of Florida, 

 writes me, it is in blossom the year around. So rich are 

 the flower tubes in nectar that Mr. Hart says he could soon 

 gather a tea-cupful by hand of clear beautiful nectar of good 

 flavor. 



Fig. 133. 



Horse Mint. 



The horse-mint (Fig. 133), Mcmarda aiistata, is sending 

 the bees loaded to then; hives with its peculiar aromatic nectar. 

 This with the buckthorn yields honey into June. 



