BEE MANUAL. 181 
The best time to feed syrup is just before dusk. Feeding is 
sure to cause some excitement amongst the bees, and if it is 
given in the daytime numbers of them will fly out in an 
excited manner and so attract the attention of other bees, 
which may cause robbing. Candy may be placed in the hive 
at any time. The food for stimulative purposes should be 
given every evening. 
HOW TO FEED SYRUP. 
Food should always be given to a colony in such a manner 
as to be out of the reach of strange bees. A number of dif- 
ferent kinds of feeders are made for holding syrup ; some for 
placing on top of the frames, others for hanging on the hive, but 
only one that I know for placing outside. Undoubtedly the 
safest plan is to place all food within the hive, where it can 
best be protected by the inmates. Perhaps the most simple 
and handiest feeder is the “ Simplicity ” (Fig. 91), for standing 
Fig. 91._—‘‘ SIMPLICITY ” FEEDER, 
on top of the frame under the mat. As usually made, it is 
cut out of a solid piece of wood lft. long, 3in. wide, by 2in. 
deep. The grooves are cut with a circular saw. I have made 
them by cutting the grooves with a plough and nailing ends on 
afterwards. The partitions afford a foothold for the bees and 
prevent them getting drowned in the syrup. In wide feeders 
a thin float should be used. In top feeding the mats must be 
so arranged as to leave no part of the frames uncovered. 
Empty combs can be utilised as feeders, and I am very much 
in favour of these, as they can be hung in the centre of the 
cluster of bees. They can be filled by laying them on an 
