OF MANAGING BEES. 61 



CHAPTEE XI. 



ON FEEDING BEES 



If it is found that a swarm need feeding, hitch on the 

 feeder, well stored with good honey, while the weather is 

 warm in October ; or place comb filled with strained honey- 

 in the chamber of the hive, or on the bottom board, or both 

 at the same time, without dripping, and the bees will store 

 the honey in the lower apartment of the hive, if done while 

 the weather is warm. 



The apiarian should use the same precaution in feeding as 

 directed to prevent robberies. 



REMARKS. 



The best time to feed is in the fall, before cold weather 

 commences. All hives should be weighed, and the weight 

 marked on the hive before bees are hived in them. Then, 

 by weighing a stack as soon as frost has killed the blossoms 

 in the fall, the apiarian will be able to form a just estimate 

 of their necessities. When bees are fed in the fall, they 

 win carry up and deposit their food in such a manner as 

 ■will be convenient for them in the winter. 



If feeding is neglected until cold weather, the bees must 

 be removed to a warm room, or dry cellar, and then they 

 will carry up their food generally no faster than they con- 

 sume it. Even then the honey must be warmed a little, 

 otherwise the bees are unable to swallow it. 



A feeder should be made like a box with five sides closed, 

 6 



