108 FORTY YEARS AMONG THE BEES. 



bees will not take feed readily from a Miller feeder, yet 

 would take it from a division-board feeder, because closer 

 to the brood-nest. But most times I should prefer the 

 Miller, so that has the preference. 



CROCK-AND-PLATE FEEDER. 



I have used the crock-and-plate feeder (Figf. 43), and 

 it answers a very good purpose. It has the advantage 

 that any one can make a feeder at a minute's notice with 

 materials always ready to hand. Take a gallon crock, 

 fill it half full of granulated sugar; then fill nearly full 

 with water, all the better if stirred till dissolved ; cover over 

 the crock a thickness of flannel or other woolen cloth, or 

 else four or five thicknesses of cheese-cloth ; over this lay 

 a dinner-plate upside down ; then with one hand under 

 the crock and the other over the plate, quickly turn the 

 whole thing upside down. Of course a smaller quantity 

 of feed may be used if desired. 



The feeder is then set over the frames of a colony, 

 an empty hive-body placed over, and all covered up so no 

 bee can get to it except through the regular hive-entrance. 



WATERING-CROCK. 



This crock-and-plate feeder is a good one for those 

 who like out-door feeding, if only a small quantity is to be 

 fed. It also makes a good watering-place for bees, if one 

 does not mind the trouble. Generally, however. I prefer 

 a six-gallon crock standing upright with a few sticks of 

 firewood in it for a watering-crock (Fig. 44). A little 

 salt thrown into the water helps to keep it sweet, and 

 prevents it from being a breeding-place for mosquitoes. 

 Perhaps the bees like it better with the salt. 



LACK OF SYSTEM. 



I would like to say that I am very methodical about 

 overhauling and seeing to the building up of colonies, 



