FEEDING. 169 



An interval occurs in many places between the 

 clover season, which with us ends about the tenth of 

 July, until the buckwheat comes in bloom, a period 

 of about a month, during wliich there is a very lim- 

 ited supply of honey-producing flowers, consequently 

 the bees make but little progress, although it is 

 the best month in the year for gathering honey or 

 filling up young swarms. They should be fed during 

 this period, either with sugar or by artificial pas- 

 turage. 



KIND OF FEED USED. 



"When Cuba or Southern honey can be obtained 

 at moderate prices, without being adulterated, it 

 serves a very good purpose for feeding ; but we pre- 

 fer white sugar, or refined yellow coffee sugar, either 

 of which is to a considerable extent free from acid ; 

 therefore no danger need be apprehended of it sour- 

 ing or fermenting, even if considerable quantities 

 should be stored. "Where large quantities are wanted, 

 it can be bought at prices ranging from eight to 

 twelve cents per pound. Dissolve this sugar in soft 

 water; there is no necessity for boiling it, if the 

 sugar has been properly refined ; make it about the 

 consistency of thin honey, so that by dipping the 

 finger in, it will drop clear without roping. This 

 should be prepared in quantities to correspond with 

 the number of stocks to be fed. In a large apiary, 

 it should be prepared by the barrel for convenience, 

 and kept closely covered to prevent the bees from 

 getting in and being drowned, which they will do if 

 access can be had to it. In preparing this syrup, it 

 15 



