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MINER S AMERICAN 



Here is a feeder, with a cover to float on the surface 

 of the honey, when put into it. The box may be as 

 large as one chooses to make it. For an apiary of from 

 two to twelve hives, it should be about 18 inches long, 

 six inches in diameter, and four in depth. The float is 

 made by slitting it with a fine saw, as many times as 

 possible, to within an inch of the end ; and the board is 

 half an inch thick. The other end is secured by a 

 clamp or bracket nailed across it. Open the interstices 

 with a knife, by trimming off the edges of the channels 

 made by the saw ; then put a couple of little knobs, or 

 nails at each end, in the centre, to serve to raise and 

 lower it ; and the feeder is completed. 



If honey be fed, it should be such as comes from the 

 W. I. Islands, which is sold at about 62 1-2 cents per gal- 

 lon, of 12 pounds ; or by the cask at 50 cents. If it be 

 thick, and candied, it should be heated to the boiling 

 point, with a little water added to thin it. The only 

 thing except honey, that can properly be fed to bees, is 

 syrup made of sugar. This answers every purpose of 

 honey, and may be made to cost from four to five cents 

 per pound, only. Sugar that sells for five cents per 

 pound, mixed with sufficient water to make the syrup 

 of the consistence of honey, will reduce the cost of a 



