88 BEE PASTURAGE. 



hive, that had entered, and not finding his way out 

 readily, was speedily shorn of his beautiful "looks," 

 and consequently his strength — that is, every par 

 tide of hair, down, feathers, bristles, or whatever he 

 had been covered with, was completely removed by 

 the bees, who had no regard -for his beautiful alter- 

 nating stripes of yellow and brown ; which left him 

 the very picture of darkness. 



CHAPTBK IV. 



BEE PASTUEAGE. 



In some seasons the earth is covered with snow 

 much later than others. When this occurs, a greater 

 number of \varm days are necessary to melt it, and 

 start the flowers, than otherwise. 



SUBSTITUTE FOB POLLEN. 



During these warm days, while waiting for the 

 flowers, the bees-are anxious to do something. It is 

 then interesting to watch them, and see what will be 

 used as substitutes for pollen and honey. At such 

 times, I have seen hundreds engaged on a heap of 

 sawdust, gathering the minute particles into little pel- 

 lets on their legs, seeming quite pleased with the ac- 

 quisition. Eotten wood, when crumbled into powder, 

 and dry, is also collected. Flour, when scattered near 

 the hive, I have known to be taken up in considerable 

 quantities. Some apiarians have fed it to their bees 

 at this season, and consider it a great advantage ; I 



