HONEY PLANTS 141 



perhaps be forced to feed them over the 

 hot weather — during which there is 

 nearly always a scarcity of bloom in all 

 sections. 



The varying swamp flora furnishes a 

 tremendous yield of nectar and is eagerly 

 gathered by the bees. 



Buckwheat, cultivated in some northern 

 states for its grain and in some places as 

 a cover crop, produces a dark honey with 

 a very characteristic flavor. It is relished 

 by many who have acquired a taste for it, 

 but to one who was brought up in the Mid- 

 dle West and who has been familiar with 

 white clover honey from the days of his 

 infancy, the product of the buckwheat of- 

 fers small appeal. I remember an old 

 New York farmer who moved "West" 

 many years ago always complained be- 

 cause he could not buy any real honey. 

 "This stuff you have in your stores out 

 here," he said, "is all manufactured 

 honey. Why can't your grocers get me 

 some real honey?" I offered to supply 



