SOURCES OF HONEY. 59 
succession, the supply is protracted beyond the duration 
of one set of flowers. Mustard (Sinapis nigra), is also a 
great favorite. Its cultivation is remunerative for its 
seed alone, and when we add its value to the bees, there 
seems to be a sufficient inducement to raise it. 
I have now mentioned most of the honey-producing 
plants which bloom before the middle of July. In sec- 
tions where Buckwheat is not raised, these furnish the 
principal supply. 
Other flowers continue to bloom until cold weather. 
Where White Clover is abundant, and the fields are used 
for pasture, it will continue to throw out fresh flowers, 
sometimes, throughout the entire summer, yet the kees 
consume about all they collect, in rearing their brood, 
etc. Thus, it appears, that in some sections, the bees 
have only about six or eight weeks in which to provide 
for winter. 
LATER HONEY PLANTS. 
I will now notice the flowers that appear after the mid- 
dle of July. The Button-bush (Cephalanthus occiden- 
talis) is much frequented for honey; also the Melons, 
Cucumbers, Squashes, and Pumpkins. The latter are 
visited only in the morning, and honey is the only thing 
obtained. Notwithstanding the bee is covered with pol- 
len, it is not kneaded into pellets on its legs. It has 
been stated that bees get pollen early in the morning, 
instead of honey. It is not best to always take our word 
about such matters, but examine for yourselves. Take a 
look some warm morning, when the Pumpkins are in 
bloom, and see whether it is honey or pollen of which 
they are in quest. 
Many people seem to think that the vicinity of large 
flower gardens is of great advantage to their bees, but 
these are usually of very little value. Mignonette seems 
to possess some importance when largely cultivated. 
