AXJSTKALIAN HONEY PLANTS 267 



in the supers. Laburnums, Willows, Oaks, Elms, Planes, 

 Chestnuts, Hazels, Filberts, Basswoods, Maples, Mag- 

 nolias, Locust (see False Acacia), Palmetto, Pepper trees 

 (see under that head). Laurels, and many others are 

 excellent for pollen or honey, sometimes both. 



Fireweed, (Stypandra). A small native shrub with 

 linear leaves and bright blue starlike flowers. Valuable 

 for vivid yellow pollen in early Spring. Generally found 

 growing on the confines of the vast Eucalyptus forests. 



Furze or Gorse, (Ulex Europceus). A native of 

 Africa and Europe introduced to Australia. It is a 

 "proclaimed weed," but has spread over a large area, 

 presenting a golden landscape in early Spring. Yields 

 considerable pollen, pale yellow in colour, and a clear 

 bright honey. 



Flatweed, {Hypochceris radicata). This is a plant 

 much resembling the Dandelion. Originally from North 

 America, it has now covered a vast portion of Australasia. 

 The pollen, which is fairly abundant, is somewhat like that 

 of the "Cape "Weed" in colour, viz., bright orange. It 

 is valuable in midsummer when the supply of protein 

 is at a low ebb. As a matter of fact, Flatweed sends up 

 flowers at all times of the year after a shower of rain 

 breaks up a dry spell. Under these circumstances Flat- 

 weed pollen appears to be deficient in certain elements 

 (albuminous nitrogen) as larval bee-food. In some 

 quarters it is considered a contributing cause of a lowered 

 vitality of bees. The honey — sometimes enough to store 

 in the supers — is very yellow-coloured, inclining to red, 

 and has a characteristic taste. Wax built during a flow 

 from Flatweed is bright golden in tint. There is also a 

 smaller variety introduced from Europe. 



Flatweed (annual), {Hypochceris glabra L.). A small 

 annual variety of the plant already described. 



Fruit Trees. The districts devoted to fruit-growing 

 are undoubtedly of some value to the apiarist, for almost 

 all fruit trees yield honey and pollen. The honey is pale 

 in colour and of delicate flavour. The average amount of 



