154 SPRIXG. 



as most writers assert they will not, when the queen 

 is gone ; because I have known them, do it so many 

 times without, that I can assure the reader again, it ia 

 no test whatever. The test given in chapter III. page 

 73, is always certain. 



CHAPTER IX. . 



FEEDING. 

 SHOULD BE A LAST RESORT. 



Feeding bees in spring is sometimes absolutely 

 necessary ; but in ordinary seasons and circumstances; 

 it is somewhat doubtful if it is the surest road to suc- 

 cess, for the apiarian to attempt wintering any stock 

 so poorly supplied with honey, that he feels satisfied 

 "will need feeding in the spring or before. I will re- 

 commend in another place (in fall management) what 

 I consider a better disposition of such light families. 

 But as some stocks are either robbed, or from some 

 other cause, consume more honey than we expect, a 

 little trouble and care may save a loss. Also beeaare 

 often fed at this season to promote early swarmingj 

 and filling boxes with surplus honey. 



CARE NEEDED. 



Considerable care is requisite, and but few know how 

 to manage it properly. Honey fed to bees, is almost 

 certain to get up quarrels among them. Sometimes 

 strong stocks scent the honey given to weak ones, and 

 carry it off as fast as supplied. 



