36 A Modern Bee-Farm 



morning, they then carry in much water to help in pre- 

 paring the food for the young, a mixture of pollen and 

 honey, first digested by the nurse bees, or those not yet 

 old enough for outside work, and given to the unsealed 

 larvae as a milky fluid. During the warm part of the day, 

 not a bee will be found at the water fountain if there 

 happen to be a heavy flow of honey ; but should there be 

 a scarcity, many will be carrying water the whole day ; 

 even if it be raining they continue their flights to the same 

 spot by force of habit. It is, of course, understood that 

 bees must have honey (or syrup), but, do not at any time 

 lose sight of the fact that in building up in Spring, it is 

 absolutely necessary that they have both pollen and water 

 as well. 



Substitute for Pollen ; Water Supply, &c. 



If there is any sign of scarcity, nitrogenous food can be 

 given in the shape of a thick paste, formed by mixing pea- 

 flour with good honey (syrup will not answer, as it 

 simply cakes into a hard lump). With a thin broad stick 

 press this into the cells of a tough comb to the extent of 

 half of one side and place the same next the cluster. 

 The pea-flour may also be dusted into the comb in a dry 

 state, or in that form shaken upon shavings, placed in an 

 old skep or box. Water can be given in large milk pans, 

 either with sawdust at the bottom ; moss ; or wood to 

 float as a resting place ; taking care that the vessel shall 

 stand in a warm, sheltered spot. 



Young Bees take their Share ol Work. 



The honey gatherer will generally give up its load to 

 the younger bees, returning at once to the fields, and it 

 will be found that during the day the hives contain, 

 almost exclusively, the younger bees not yet able to 



