66 



An Excellent Method for the Large Beekeeper. 



Perhaps the best method of feeding a large number of stocks is 

 as follows : It is simple, and has the advantage that when once the 

 food is supplied no more attention need be given, as in other cases, 

 concerning the refilling of feeders or their removal. The syrup is mixed 

 and is poured into a small tank, which is placed at a considerable eleva- 

 tion. From the bottom of this tank a pipe, rubber for preference, is 

 fixed, and a rose is fitted with a cut-off tap attached. This arrangement 

 is for the purpose of squirting the syrup into the empty combs ; but 

 considerable pressure must be employed to force the air from the ceUs, 

 hence the height of the tank. In this way several pounds of syrup 

 can be supplied in each comb, which does away with the expense of 

 feeders. A great amount of work can be got through under this system 

 in a very short time, which is particularly advantageous to large 

 apiarists. 



Sugar-candy. 



During the winter months bees lie dormant, and it is not until the 

 approach of warmer weather that they become very active. Frequently, 

 however, the amount of stores left the previous autumn is consumed 

 before the spring, and then to save the colony it is essential to feed. 

 When bees are in this semi-torpor in cold weather they are unable to 

 move very far from the cluster, hence they would be unable to go after 

 the syrup. To supply their needs at this critical period the best thing 

 to do is to place a cake of candy on the frames immediately above the 

 cluster. This they readily eat, and is most accessible. 



How to make Candy. 



In candy-making " practice makes perfect." The proportion of 

 sugar and water cannot be definitely stated, as much depends on the 

 state of the fire which regulates the evaporation. About i pint of 

 water to 41b. or 5 lb. of sugar is as near the amount as possible. 

 Place the required amount in a saucepan, the best cane or lump sugar 

 to be used, and pour sufficient boiling water over the sugar ; stir care- 

 fuUj', and boil for a few minutes. To test if it is tough enough, cool 

 a. few drops on a piece of paper, and in a few seconds it should draw 

 out into threads. When thoroughly set it should be brittle. If your 

 judgment calculates it sufficiently boiled, lift the saucepan into a pan 

 of cold water, stirring continuously all the while until cooled enough to 

 be in a pasty state, when it should be poured into moulds — saucers, &c. 

 Grease the moulds inside or place thin paper in them to prevent 

 the candy sticking, and enable the blocks to be turned out readily. 

 On no account feed burnt candy, as this would probably kill some of 

 the bees. 



' Cautions. 



(i.) Do not feed bees with liquid food during excessive cold weather. 

 Candy is preferable. 



(2.) Contract all entrances if bees are inchned to rob, and do not 

 spill syrup on the ground. 



(3.) It is advisable to place small sticks under the mats during 

 wmter to enable the bees to move readily from comb to comb. 



