244 bee-keeper's manual. 



As a fall source of honey, nothing can equal buck- 

 wheat ; the honey, however, is not of so fine a flavor, 

 as that made from white clover, let who will assert to 

 the contrary. It is much darker than that gathered in 

 June or July, from other sources, and it will not com- 

 mand so high a price, as that obtained from other 

 flowers. Buckwheat affords a supply of honey for 

 about four weeks, and every bee-keeper who is a farmer, 

 should sow plentifully of this article, for the twofold pur- 

 pose of the grain, and its advantage to his bees. 



Some people imagine that the vicinity of extensive 

 flower gardens, is highly beneficial to bees ; such as the 

 gardens of gentlemen residing in the immediate vicinity 

 of large cities, where almost every flowering plant and 

 shrub that adorns both hemispheres may be seen. This 

 is a mistake. Bees do not frequent such places at all, 

 unless it be to visit a few of the common order of 

 flowers. Roses, pinks, tulips, carnations, dahlias, SfC, 

 have no attractions for this insect; but where these 

 things exist, may generally be found, a rich harvest for 

 them. As I have already said, the blossoms of cherry, 

 nectarine, peach, apple, and pear trees, are their first re- 

 source ; then comes the mantle of white clover, from 

 which a speedy harvest is reapt. 



I recommend no especial crop to be sown for bees, as 

 a source of honey, except buckwheat; and this is pro- 

 fitable of itself, to say nothing of the honey that it 

 yields. 



