17 



will give excellent pasturage and the flavor of the honey is 

 superior. 



Fireweed is the last wild flower of real value to bloom with 

 the exception of goldenrod. In Aroostook, when the county 

 was being cleared of the virgin forest growth, fireweed sprang 

 up everywhere and was one of the main sources of supplies 

 and much appreciated by early pioneer bee-keepers. The 

 honey is very clear, almost transparent, arud of mild flavor, but 

 granulates quite quickly if not carefully kept. 



Goldenrod, of which there are several varieties, is not a 

 dependable plant in the northern part of the State. It blooms 

 too late in the season when the nights are too cold for nectar 

 to secrete freely. About one year in four, the flow will be 

 fairly good and conitributes largely towards the winter stores 

 and the keeping up of the late brood. This is highly desirable 

 in a locality where the winter confinement often continues for 

 five or six months without a flight. In the southern part of 

 the State, goldenrod is often va:lued highly. In localities where 

 buckwheat is grown in any quantity, it is of much value in late 

 summer both as a source for winter store and surplus. In 

 Aroostook, the rough buckwheat, sometimes called India wheat, 

 is almost wholly grown and is of no real value to the bees 

 though producing an excellent flour. 



The Japanese varieties do- not produce nearly as satisfactory 

 yields of grain without the aid of the bees, while the rough 

 buckwheat does not need their assistance. 



Following is an incomplete list of trees, shrubs and plants 

 which are valuable to honey bees, as sources of pollen, honey, 

 or both, listed in iniearly the order of blooming. A detailed list 

 may be found on page 54 under the subject " The Honey Flora 

 of Maine," by John H. Lovell, one of the best known botanists 

 in Maine. 



