PA3TUKA»E. 301 



out a liberal allowance of auch kinds as are not only beau- 

 tiful to the sight, but attractive to the bees, in process of time 

 the honey-resources of the country might be very greatly 

 increased. 



The fact that buckwheat, in some seasons, produces 

 scarcely any honey, has already been noticed. It is not, 

 however, peculiar in this respect. The yield of honey de- 

 pends upon a very great variety of causes, many of which 

 often elude our closest scrutiny. It is well known to sugar- 

 makers that the flow of sap from the maple is uncertain, and 

 that often it suddenly ceases, and as suddenly begins again, 

 when they are able to assign no reason for auch variations. 

 So in some seasons blossoms will superabound in honey, 

 while in others, the supply is extremely deficient. I have 

 known bees to neglect the white clover, and suffer for want 

 of food, when the fields have been almost white with its 

 blossoms ! 



Sometimes a change in the supply of honey in the nec- 

 taries of the blossoms will take place so suddenly, that in a 

 few hours, hives will pass from idleness to great activity. 

 The bee-keeper should be thoroughly acquainted with the 

 honey-resources of his district, and should know at what 

 time the various supplies may be duly expected ; for if ig- 

 norant in such matters, he can never manage his bees to the 

 best advantage. 



The Golden Rod, (Solidago,) affords a late and valuable 

 bee-pasturage. There are many varieties of this plant, so 

 closely resembling each other that they are distinguished 

 with difficulty ; some of the earlier flowering kinds, are of no 

 value for bees, but those which blossom in September, yield 

 a large supply of honey. In some regions and seasons it 

 forms an important part of the honey stored for winter use. 



The numerous species of wild Asters, lining, in many 



