THE ARTIFICIAL FEEDING OF BEES 6^ 



This syrup is given by means of the rapid feeder, 

 several forms of which have been devised. The Canadian 

 rapid feeder works admirably. This consists of a tin- 

 lined wood tank enclosed in an outer wood case, with 

 an interspace of about three-quarters of an inch between 

 the tank and the outer case. This is placed over the 

 brood nest in the same way as a super or section crate. 

 The syrup is placed in the tank (which will hold at 

 least 20 lbs.). On the syrup floats a grating made of 

 narrow laths of wood. A lid covers the whole, and 



RAPID FEEDER 



means are provided for pouring in the syrup without 

 affording an exit for the bees. 



The bees crowd up the interspace between the tank 

 and the outer body, and, alighting upon the raft, com- 

 mence to transfer the syrup to the combs in the brood 

 nest below. The rapid manner in which the bees succeed 

 in taking down this syrup is almost incredible. 



Feeding should be continued (at night only, for 

 reasons before described) until all stocks contain about 

 20 lbs. to 30 lbs. of sealed stores. All unsealed stores 

 should be extracted before wintering. Thirty pounds 

 of sealed stores represents roughly eight standard 

 frames, each three parts filled. 



