352 FEEDING. 



an equal division is made among them, there will be enough 

 for all. This may ordinarily be effected, and yet the num- 

 ber of the colonies be trebled in one season ; and in situa- 

 tions where buckwheat is extensively cultivated, a large 

 quantity of surplus honey, may even then be frequently 

 obtained from the bees. Early in the month of October, or 

 better still, by the middle of September, if the season of 

 forage is over, and the colonies are sufficiently strong in 

 npmbers, I advise that if feeding is necessary to winter the 

 bees, it should be thoroughly attended to. If delayed later 

 than this, in the latitude of our Northern States, the bees 

 may not have sufficient time to seal over the honey fed to 

 them, and will be liable to suffer from dysentery, during the 

 ensuing Winter. Unsealed honey, almost always, in cool 

 weather, attracts some moisture, and sours in the combs, and if 

 the bees are compelled to feed upon it, they are very liable 

 to become diseased. 



An interesting fact on this subject, has come under my 

 notice. A colony of bees being fed for some time with 

 suitable food, appeared to be in perfect health, flying in and 

 out with great animation Their owner, on one occasion, 

 before leaving for the day, gave them some molasses which 

 was BO sour, that it could not be used in the family. On re- 

 turning, at evening, he was informed that the bees had been 

 dropping their filth over every thing in the vicinity of the 

 hive. On examining them, next day, they were all found 

 dead on the bottom-board, and among the combs ! The 

 acid food had acted upon them as a violent cathartic, and 

 brought on a complaint of which tbey all died in less than 

 twenty-four hours ; the hive was found to contain an ample 

 allowance of honey and bee-bread. 



If the Apiarian finds that some of his colonies have more 

 than they need, and others not enough, his most prudent 



