Smith Bee-Feeder. 



167 



feed, and then crawl up on the partitions. This feeder works ad- 

 mirably, but it is patented, costs too much, and is improved 

 in the 



SMITH FEEDER. 



This feeder was sent me by my friend, John Smith, of 

 Massachusetts. I have used it two years, and think it^fills 

 every requirement of a perfect feeder. ~ : ' 



This feeder (Fig. 76) is larger than the Shuck, and' is 

 covered all aver with wire gauze (Fig. 76, a), which is raised 

 by the wooden rim, so that the bees can pass readily over the 

 partitions, (Fig. 76"). The central saw-cuts (Fig. 76) do 



Fig 76. 



Smith Feeder. 



not reach the end of the feeder, so there is a platform left 

 (Fig. 76, 6) through which a hole (Fig. 76, c) is made. 

 This rests above a hole in the cloth below, and is the door 

 through which the bees reach the feed. When in position 

 just above the bees, it may be covered by a shingle or piece of 

 paste-board, and all by the chaff cushion. To feed, we have 

 only to raise the cushion and the paste-board, and turn the 

 food through the gauze. No bees can get out, there is no 

 disturbance, no danger from the robbers, and we can feed at 

 any time, and can feed very rapidly if desired. 



Mr. D. A. Jones and many others with tight bottom boards 

 use no feeder, but turn the feed right into the hive. Even 

 had I such hives I think I should still prefer to use such a 

 feeder as that just described. 



The best time to feed is just at night-fall. In this case the 



