40 HANDY BOOK OF BEES. 



number great enough to quicken the attention of all 

 sanitary reformers, and the movements of the Corpora- 

 tion of Manchester. But who can accurately weigh or 

 numher the millions upon millions of pounds of honey 

 that pass away (ungathered) into the atmosphere 1 Who 

 can estimate the millions of pounds' worth of honey thus, 

 wasted on the " desert air " ? 



But is it not possible to overstock a given locality or 

 parish with bees ? Yes ; though we have never known 

 one overstocked. We have seen from fifty to one hun- 

 dred hives standing in one garden, the stronger of which 

 gathered from 2 lb. to 5 lb. each per day in fine weather. 



But are aU localities equally good for bees 1 No ■ 

 there is a great difference. Some are very much more 

 honeyed than others ; and some are rich at one period of 

 the season and poor at another. 



It is perhaps beyond the powers of the most observant 

 and best-informed mind in the realm to name every plant 

 in this country that yields honey. The number of such 

 plants is very great ; but as there are some of greater 

 value to bees than others, we will now mention those 

 which we consider the best for bees. 



Crocuses in early spring receive great attention from 

 bees. Much pollen and some honey are collected from 

 their flowers. 



In some places there are certain kinds of willow (salix), 

 which bear yellow flowers in spring, much visited by bees. 



The border hyacinths of our gardens — the same sort 

 that are forced to decorate and scent our conservatories — 

 furnish bees with many a sweet mouthfuL 



Single wallflowers — grown largely in some localities for 

 cut-flowers and seed — are excellent for bees. 



The flowers of gooseberry and plum trees are super- 

 excellent, yielding honey of the finest quality in great 

 abundance. 



