THE ARTIFICIAL FEEDING OF BEES 6i 



The napthol beta solution is added to the syrup as 

 a preventive of "foul brood" (see sec. iv. chap, i., 

 " Diseases of Bees "), and is prepared as follows : — 



^ Napthol beta crystals . . .1 oz. 

 Rectified spirit . . . . 7 ozs. 



Shake well until dissolved. Good methylated spirit may 

 be substituted for the rectified spirit. Half a fluid ounce 

 of this solution is sufficient to medicate the syrup pro- 

 duced from ten pounds of sugar. 



The syrup is given to the bees by means of the bottle 

 feeder, described on page 46. Give the syrup shghtly 

 warm, about a quarter of a pint each night, turning the 

 indicator so that only two or three holes are exposed. 

 Feeding should be carried on during the night only, as 

 considerable excitement is set up otherwise, and the bees 

 are tempted to fly abroad. 



Before commencing to feed in the early spring, remove 

 the outside combs not covered with bees, placing them 

 behind the division boards, which latter should be 

 closed up, but do not unnecessarily expose the bees. 

 Simply unroll the quilts from either end, removing 

 the empty frames, until the first seam of bees is 

 seen. Immediately over the calico quilts place one made 

 of American cloth (with feed-hole corresponding to those 

 in the quilts beneath), glazed side downwards, for at 

 this season humidity is a distinct advantage, as tending 

 to conserve the natural heat of the brood nest to the 

 utmost. Moisture may even at times be seen to trickle 

 out at the entrance. This is a good sign, showing 

 that the bees are active and that breeding is progressing 

 apace. 



The feeder, when in use, should be wrapped up snugly, 



^ Napthol beta may be obtained from almost all appliance dealers, or 

 from the British Btt Journal, 17 King William Street, Strand, London, 

 W, C, at one shilling per packet post free, together with directions for 

 use. 



