294 A Modern Bee-Farm 



top on one side nearest the bees, by which they are 

 allowed to enter a f-inch passage between the outer and 

 inner wall, where a good footing is obtained while taking 

 up the syrup. The sugar is held clear of the bottom by 

 a piece of perforated tin in an arched form, thus admitting 

 of a free circulation of liquids under the dissolving sugar. 

 No cooking therefore is necessary', as the usual quantity 

 of sugar and water (a pound of sugar to half a pint of 

 water) soon amalgamate in the form of syrup. The pro- 

 portions named happen to be correct for this system, as it 

 will be found that a residue of sugar will be given where 

 more than the pound is placed in the half pint of water. 

 Another feeder for the top of the hive is my 



Circular " Amateur," 



which I have arranged upon the same principle, as will be 

 readily understood by the illustration (Fig. 51). This 

 holds about 7 or 8 lbs. at a time, and the inner funnel 

 leading up to the syrup passage around the same is lined 

 with wood, or a lamp-wick can be used leading down into 

 the cluster in cool weather ; though if feeding is necessary 

 at such times it is always more satisfactory if the syrup is 

 warmed. Among 



Bottle-feeders, 



we have the " Raynor " (Fig. 52) arranged to give a 

 graduated supph', with a projecting point attached to the 

 perforated metal cap of the bottle, indicating by the fig- 

 ures to which it points on the stand the number of holes 

 to which the bees have access. The underside of the 

 excavated block is lined with warm material, though 

 generally of a kind that is annoying to the bees, and 

 which they soon tear away. If painted with wax it would 

 be equally as warm, and more appreciated by the bees. 



