BEE KEEPING IN MASSACHUSETTS. 91 
Linden or basswood. — Cutting for lumber has tremendously re- 
duced the number of basswood trees in the State. It was once gen- 
erally distributed in the forests, but at present occurs largely only in 
the northern and western woods. This is doubtless the most val- 
unable tree honey plant in Massachusetts and, together with its value 
for timber, merits cultivation. It makes a fine shade tree. The 
honey has quite a characteristic flavor and aroma, but requires to be 
well ripened before its delicious qualities are appreciable. 
Buckwheat. — This is a famous honey plant in New York State and 
is reported from all counties of Massachusetts. Here, however, it is 
far less extensively grown than across the line. Some bee keepers say 
they plant small fields for the sake of their bees, but there is great 
doubt if the bees benefit materially by it except in cases of extreme 
scarcity of nectar. The honey is dark, with a brownish or purplish 
cast, a heavy body, and a strong, rank flavor to those who are accus- 
tomed to more delicate honeys, such as clover or fruit bloom. Many 
in Xew York State, however, often prefer buckwheat to clover honey. 
Especially if extracted, it usually commands a good price. 
Wild raspberry and blackberry, — In the highland pastures wild 
raspberry and blackberry abound. The nectar flow is of long dura- 
tion, beginning soon after fruit bloom has ceased, and thus is an 
important stimulant for the clover harvest to follow. Cultivated 
varieties are quite as valuable for forage as the wild species. 
Sumac. — There are several species of sumac which are important 
honey sources, but which are greatly underestimated by the majority 
of bee keepers. They are free bloomers and flourish in nearly all 
parts of the State. Apparently, however, the nectar yield is some- 
what erratic. The writer recalls seasons in Worcester County when 
bees paid no attention to the great heads of greenish floAvers. Sumac 
honey, although not light, has a clear and firm body with a pleasant 
flavor. 
Locust. — Like the basswoods, locusts have been largely cut from 
the woodlands. There are several species now found to a limited 
extent by roadsides and in pasture walls, where they are valuable 
forage for bees. In Colrain, Franklin County, one bee keeper at- 
tempted to cultivate locust for his bees, but met with no great returns 
for his efforts. Another bee keeper reports that, locust is sporadic, 
yielding nectar only once in three years. 
Maple. — A considerable number of bee keepers report that maple 
is a honey plant. It is, to be sure, one of the best sources of pollen in 
early spring, which doubtless has confused the bee keepers and caused 
them to report it as a honey plant. Swamp maple is especially val- 
uable in early brood rearing. Maple is probably of less importance 
as a honey source than, for instance, the mints, strawberry, and milk- 
weed, which were reported but a few times. 
