62 THE BOOK OF THE HONEY BEE 



so as to prevent the syrup from becoming chilled. Thick 

 felt quilts are very useful, and should be placed over the 

 American cloth. These should have square holes cut in 

 them so as to fit snugly around the stage of the feeder. 



Replace the empty combs, previously removed, at 

 intervals according to the bees' requirements, selecting 

 the middle of a bright, warm day for the purpose. 

 If pollen-yielding plants are scarce, artificial pollen 

 in the form of pea-flour will be readily accepted by the 

 bees. In a sunny corner of the garden place a box or 

 old skep containing shavings or chopped straw ; over this 

 liberally sprinkle the pea-flour, and in a short time the 

 bees will be found availing themselves of this plentiful 

 supply. 



Stimulative feeding should also be practised at the 

 close of the honey season, so as to encourage the breed- 

 ing of young bees. This is an important aid to success- 

 ful wintering. Also, whenever there is a cessation of 

 the honey flow — as, for instance, between the fruit 

 blossom and white clover bloom — feeding should be 

 carried on, so that the stocks receive no check. 



Never feed when supers are on, as there is a great 

 probability that some of the syrup will be stored in the 

 supers. 



Feeding with the object of supplying stores for winter 

 consumption is termed " rapid feeding," the syrup being 

 given to the bees in profusion. The syrup for rapid 

 feeding in the autumn should be more concentrated than 

 that used for stimulative purposes, and is of the following 

 composition : — 



Pure cane sugar . . . . lo lbs. 



Water . 



Vinegar 



Salt . 



Napthol beta solution 

 Prepare as in the manner before described. 



