43 
after the removal of supers in autumn, they should be fed 
rapidly with autumn syrup (179), replenishing the feeder with 
warm syrup as often as it is emptied: this feeding should be 
given rapidly, as all the food store must ripen in the cells before 
it can be capped, and it is therefore necessary to supply it before 
the period passes away in which capping can be completed (126). 
A cheap pattern quick feeder holding about one quart (40) 
or the round tin feeder (88), holding one quart, would, be 
very suitable for autumn rapid feeding. 
The beekeeper should seize the first favourable opportunity on 
a mild day in February to examine his 
105. Supplemental hives in order to ascertain if the food 
rise of supply is sufficient. The bees will not 
2 empty the upper portions of the back 
frames until all their other food supply has been exhausted : if, 
therefore, the cells in the upper portion of the back frame are 
empty, it is a clear indication that food is required. At this 
examination the bees should be disturbed as little as possible ; 
therefore, neither smoke nor the subduing cloth should be used 
to subdue the bees. The coverings should be removed to permit 
the back of the quilt being gently turned forward until the three 
back frames can be seen; a subduing feather (64) may if neces- 
sary, be used to brush down the bees which rise ; if the cells in 
these frames are capped, as far as can be seen without removing 
the frames, no food need be given; but if they are empty, and 
a frame of honey is not available, a cake of about five pounds 
weight of soft candy (174) should be placed on the frames over 
the brood nest under the quilt. This should support the bees 
until spring stimulative feeding is necessary. 
The stocks should again be examined on a suitable day about 
the middle of March; if it is then noticed 
106. Spring that the food supply is short, they should in 
Stimulative Feeding. late districts receive candy, preferably flour 
candy, given as above described (105). If, 
however, there is a sufficient food supply, stimulative feeding 
may be commenced when the time for it has arrived. In those 
districts in which in ordinary seasons there is a good flow of 
honey in May and June from tree blossoms, clover, &c., it is 
very desirable to stimulate early breeding; in such districts 
stimulative feeding may be commenced about the middle of 
March: if the bees are flying freely and carrying pollen to the 
hive it is a sign that stimulative feeding may be given. If 
pollen-bearing flowers do not abound in the district at this 
period, about a teaspoonful of pea flour per hive should be placed 
in some sheltered spot to which the bees have ready access ; 
if no such suitable spot exists, an artificial shelter can be erected 
for the purpose near the hives; or a little pea flour may be 
dredged over flowers. If the district is one in which little 
honey is gathered before July, stimulative feeding should not 
