234 QUANTITY OF FOOD TO BE GIVEN. 



population of his hives, some being weaker and some stronger, 

 and by which a comparatively accurate estimate may be 

 formed of the quantity of food, which they will require to 

 support them through the winter. To a strongly peopled 

 hive, we would advise not less than four pounds to be given 

 at one time, and never less than two to the weakest. This 

 quantity will suffice them at least for a month or six weeks, 

 according to the severity of the weather. The greater the 

 cold, the less desire have the bees to eat, and it is on that 

 principle, that we ground our objection to the hives being 

 kept warm in winter. The grandmothers, who put on an extra 

 flannel petticoat in the winter, judge by analogy that their 

 bees should also have an extra clothing given to them, and 

 consequently all the old blankets, carpets, and matting are 

 gathered together, wherewith the hives are to be covered, 

 that " the poor creatures" may not be frost-bitten ; whereas 

 had the hives been placed in an icehouse, neither their health 

 nor their lives would have been endangered. 



At the time of feeding the hives, a pretty correct judg- 

 ment may be formed of the state of the health of the bees. 

 If they exhibit their usual signs of irascibility ; if they evince 

 an extreme greediness in the consumption of the food, and 

 if some of the bees are seen fluttering with their wings and 

 making the usual sound, indicative of delight, it is a certain 

 criterion of the good health of the bees, and with the excep- 

 tion of a want of food, which in a certain degree depends 

 upon the vigilance and management of the proprietor, no 

 fear need be entertained for the safety of the hive. If, on 

 the other hand, the food remains in the hive without being 

 touched, although it is evident that there is a scarcity in the 

 hive, the proprietor should then be on his guard and examine 

 the state of the hive very narrowly. Some radical defect 

 will soon display itself, and he may, unless it be discovered, 

 anticipate the loss of his hive before the return of the spring. 

 There is nothing more discouraging to the apiarian, than the 



