SOURCES OF HOKET. 59 



succession, the supply is protracted beyond the duration 

 of one set of flowers. Mustard (Sinapis nigra), is also a 

 great favorite. Its cultivation is remunerative for its 

 seed alone, and when we add its value to the bees, there 

 seems to be a sufficient inducement to raise it. 



I have now mentioned most of the honey-producing 

 plants which bloom before the middle of July. In sec- 

 tions where Buckwheat is not raised, these furnish the 

 principal supply. 



Other flowers continue to bloom until cold weather. 

 Where White Clover is abundant, and the fields are used 

 for pasture, it will continue to throw out fresh flowers, 

 sometimes, throughout the entire summer, yet the bees 

 consume about all they collect, in rearing their brood, 

 etc. Thus, it appears, that in some sections, the bees 

 have only about six or eight' weeks in which to provide 

 for winter. 



LATER HOKET PLANTS. 



I will now notice the flowers that appear after the mid- 

 dle of July. The Button-bush {Cephalanthus occiden- 

 ialis) is much frequented for honey ; also the Melons, 

 Cucumbers, Squashes, and Pumpkins. The latter are 

 visited only in the morning, and honey is the only thing 

 obtained. Notwithstanding the bee is covered with pol- 

 len, it is not kneaded into pellets on its legs. It has 

 been stated that bees get pollen early in the mornings 

 instead of honey. It is not best to always take our word 

 about such matters, but examine for yourselves. Take a 

 look some warm morning, when the Pumpkins are in 

 bloom, and see whether it is honey or pollen of which 

 they are in quest. 



Many people seem to think that the vicinity of large 

 flower gardens is of great advantage to their bees, but 

 these are usually of very little value. Mignonette seems 

 \o possess some importance when largely cultivated. 



