282 MONEY IN BEES IJST AUSTRALASIA 



and silvery foliage. The timber — which is very orna- 

 mental — somewhat resembles the colour of the flowers, 

 and has a pretty mottled grain which is sure to become 

 popular for cabinet making. The author has often 

 plucked sprays and received a shower of nectar from 

 the flowers. Trees introduced to Victoria secrete honey 

 plentifully during November and December, attracting 

 the honey-eaters. The fine bills of these birds quickly 

 rifle the flowers. This valuable and beautiful tree is a 

 native of Queensland. 



Tree-Violet, {Hymenanthera Banksii). This shrub 

 frequents the banks of watercourses and has tiny, sweet- 

 scented white flowers. It helps colonies along in Spring 

 with white pollen. The plant bears blue-black berries. 



Tree Lucerne, (Medicago arbor ea). Similar to the 

 following in many respects. The flowers, however, are 

 yellow. 



Tree Lucerne, {Cytisus proliferus alba). This rapid- 

 growing hedge plant is now widely known as a grand 

 honey-yielder. As a wind-break for the apiary it is un- 

 rivalled. The white blossoms burst the sheaths very early 

 in the spring, almost before the winter has departed. 

 Bees work on it during a shower as the drooping habit of 

 the flowers prevents the nectar washing out with the rain. 

 The pollen is cadmium in colour and the honey very pale 

 and clear, rather thin, and of mild flavour. To make 

 a close hedge it should be severely cut back. Unfor- 

 tunately, the sheep and cattle, also the kangaroos are 

 very fond of it and keep it eaten down. 



Thistle, (Carduus arvensis L.). Erroneously called 

 Canadian and Calif ornian thistle. It hails from Europe, 

 Asia, and Africa. Introduced to Australia (it is the only 

 perennial thistle), it has rapidly spread and become a 

 ' ' proclaimed weed ' ' in many places. The honey is water- 

 white in colour, candies quickly with fine white grain and 

 is usually associated with clover honey. 



Almost all thistles are ' ' proclaimed ' ' weeds ; they yield 

 honey finely, and when in bloom during a dry, early 

 summer, the pollen is especially valuable. Some thistles 



