A SURVEY OF BEEKEEPING IN NORTH CAROLINA. 11 
sourwood gradually becomes less and clovers, particularly crimson 
clover, become more plentiful. Still continuing eastward, the cotton 
belt is reached, which is perhaps the poorest honey-producing region 
in the State. Although cotton is reported as a honey plant, there is 
no definite information concerning this, and the fact that there are 
less bees in this part of the State than in any other is further indi- 
cation that this region is the least favorable for bees. This condi- 
tion, however, will probably be improved by the more extensive use 
of crimson clover as a cover-crop and the introduction of alsike 
clover. After the cotton belt is passed, the low-lying lands bor- 
dering the coast and rivers are reached, with immense areas of gall- 
berry and black and tupelo gum, producing delicious honey in 
abundance. 
Honeydew is often reported, but data on this are very unsatisfac- 
tory, some reporting it as appearing in February. 
Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum). — Sourwood is a rather 
scraggy tree of varying height, seldom exceeding 30 feet. It blos- 
soms profusely in July, and under favorable circumstances nectar is 
produced in such abundance that it can not possibly all be gathered. 
Nectar may be dashed out by striking a bunch of blossoms in the 
palm of the hand. In addition to the quantity, sourwood has para- 
mount qualities from almost every viewpoint. The honey is light 
in color, dense, of delicious flavor, and slow to granulate. Coming as 
it does about July 1 to 21, ample opportunity is given the beekeeper 
to prepare his colonies for best w T ork on it. Compared with some 
other honey-producing plants, the season is short, but by good man- 
agement there is no difficulty in securing a paying crop in the bloom- 
ing period. 
Linden (Tilia sp.). — The well-known basswood or linn is not 
abundant in the State, but is found in sufficient abundance in the 
north coves of the mountains to be of Value to near-by beekeepers. In 
locations where the Federal authorities control the cutting of timber, 
the danger of the entire removal of the basswood is reduced. The 
honey from this source is light in color, of good body, and has a 
flavor which is generally liked. 
Tulip poplar or poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) . — Tulip poplar 
has a wider distribution than any other source of honey in North 
Carolina, and it is unfortunate that the honey is dark, so that it does 
not command a high price. However, the honey from this source can 
be utilized to increase the output of honey secured from better 
sources. This tree is found in all parts of the State except in the 
lowlands of the east. It blooms from May 10-30, varying somewhat 
with differences in altitude. 
Clovers (Trifolium spp.). — Although a number of honey-produc- 
ing clovers are found in the State, crimson clover (Trifolium in- 
