FEEDING. 161 



the channels even with the top ; it is now ready to go 

 under the hive to be fed. Let the two-inch space pro- 

 ject out on the back side of the hive. A narrow board 

 should be provided, some more than two inches wide, 

 to cover it. Let the hive stand close on this board ; 

 the hole in the side is sufficient for the passage of bees 

 at work, till very hot weather. Thus you see that the 

 hive covers all but the space behind, which 'the board 

 covers, and not a strange bee can get at the honey, 

 without entering the hole at the side, and passing 

 through. among the bees belonging to the hive, which 

 they will not often do ; if the family is numerous, it 

 makes it as safe as feeding on . the top ; with this ad- 

 vantage, there are no bees in the wayT;o interfere while 

 pouring in the food. When the bees are to be fed, 

 raise the board at the back and pour in the honey ; the 

 wire-cloth in the bottom prevents all bees from enter- 

 ing this space, at the same time will let the honey pass 

 through directly under the bees, which will take it 

 up quicker than from any other place that I can put 

 it; they will w«rk all night even when the weather is 

 quite cool. This board and feeder can be taken out 

 when done feeding, and put away till wanted again ; 

 if left under through the summer, it affords the worms 

 a place rather too convenient to spin their cocoons, 

 where they are not easily destroyed. 



PEBDING TO INDUCE EARLY gWABMS. 



If the object in feeding is to induce early swarms, of 

 course the best, stocks should be chosen for the pur- 

 Dose ; but some care is necessary not to give too much, 



