50 BEE PASTJRAGE AND PRODUCTS. 



greater extent, though chiefly from the smaller blossoms, and the 

 second growth or aftermath. Mustard is one of the most profit- 

 able crops to cultivate, as well for its seed as a pasture for bees. It 

 should be thinly sown, and lightly brushed in during April or May,. 

 upon good soil, and cut rather green to avoid waste by shelling. 

 It yields from ten to fifteen bushels per acre, and sells readily to 

 manufacturers in large cities at a high price. Even an acre or 

 two of mustard is of great advantage to an apiary, as it keeps 

 branching and blossoming nearly all summer. In most parts of 

 the country there is a dearth of flowers from the fall of the ap- 

 ple-tree blossoms till white clover comes in. To fill this vacancy 

 a plat of turnips may be sown each year. Gather the largest 

 for market or to feed to the stock, and enough small ones will re- 

 main in the ground to run to seed the next year, to make a rich 

 pasture for the bees in the most critical part of the season, greatly 

 favoring the advent of early swarms. The value of a field of 

 buckwheat for both bread and honey is well known. In speak- 

 ing of it as a honey crop, Mr. Harbison says: ""When the 

 weather is favorable the bees store honey from it very rapidly, 

 faster at times than they can build combs to receive it. I have 

 seen them fill pieces of old comb, laid close to the entrance of 

 the hive, with honey, and have known colonies to fill four boxes 

 of honey, or about fifty pounds during the continuance of buck- 

 wheat. This is by no means an uncommon occurrence, and goef* 

 to show that this honey harvest is one of great importance to the 

 bee-keeper. Buckwheat may be sown about a month earlier 

 than usual, to furnish pasturage, to come in about the close A 

 clover to great advantage." 



