CHAPTER VI 



THE ARTIFICIAL FEEDING OF BEES 



Bees may be artificially fed with sugar syrup with the 

 object either of encouraging brood-rearing, or supplying 

 a deficiency of natural stores at the end of the season. 



Feeding with the first-named object in view is generally 

 termed " stimulative or slow feeding," for the reason 

 that bees will not raise brood on a diminishing capital ; 

 but when capital is supplemented by income, then 

 breeding recommences. This explanation must not be 

 taken too literally. We could not keep bees breeding 

 all the year round by means of slow feeding. 



Feeding should be commenced when crocuses and 

 other early spring flowers begin to bloom, and the bees 

 are carrying in pollen in quantity. No definite rule can 

 be laid down as to the precise date to commence, but 

 the best time is about six weeks before the first honey 

 flow may be expected, as it takes about that length of 

 time to build up a colony to full strength. 



Syrup for stimulative feeding is made as follows : — 



Pure cane sugar . . . lo lbs. 



Water 



Vinegar 



Salt .... 



Naptho] beta solution. 



First boil the water, then add the sugar, salt, and 

 vinegar. Boil for one or two minutes, with constant 

 stirring to prevent burning. The syrup having cooled 

 somewhat, add the napthol beta solution with stirring. 



60 



pmts 



oz. 



oz. 



h oz 



i oz. 



