CHAPTER XII. 



Feeding Bees. 



605. Few things in practical bee-keeping are more im- 

 portant than the feeding of bees; yet none have been more 

 grossly mismanaged or neglected. 



In the Spring, the prudent bee-keeper will no more neglect 

 to feed his destitute colonies, than to provide for his otvn 

 table. At this seasouj being stimulated by the returning 

 warmth, and being largely engaged in breeding, bees require 

 a liberal supply of food, and many populous colonies perish, 

 which might have been saved with but trifling trouble or ex- 

 pense. 



"If e'er dark Autumn, with untimely storm. 

 The honey 'd harvest of the year deform; 

 Or the chill blast from Eurua' mildew wing, 

 Blight the fair promise of returning Spring; 

 Full many a hive, but late alert and gay, 

 Droops in the lap of all-inspiring May. ' ' 



— Evans. 



"If the Spring is not favorable to bees, they should be fed, 

 because that is the season of their greatest expense in honey, 

 for feeding their young. Having plenty at that time, enables 

 them to yield early and strong swarms. ' ' — (Wildman.) 



A bee-keeper, whose colonies are allowed to perish after 

 the Spring has opened, is on a level with a farmer whose 

 cattle are allowed to starve in their stalls; while those who 

 withhold from them the needed aid, in seasons when they 

 cannot gather a supply, resemble the merchant who bums 

 up his ships, if they have made an unfavorable voyage. 



Columella gives minute instructions for feeding needy 

 colonies, and notes approvingly the directions of Hyginus— 



320 



