112 
T1IK APIARY. 
uncover one or two holes in the top of the frames, and trail a 
little sweet from the pan to the edge of the holes, to get the 
bees started. After commencing, it is important to feed regu- 
larly every evening, and as fast as possible, or much sweet will 
be consumed in rearing brood, which feeding in this way always 
induces, hence the advantage of supplying it in combs in the 
body of the hive. Robbers must not be attracted by carelessly 
dropping the sweet upon the outside of the hive, and it is best 
either to remove the pan every morning, or feed no more at 
once than will be carried down through the night. Nearly dost 
the entrance, and stop the holes in the ends of the cap, to pre- 
vent other bees scenting the feed. In winter, or early spring, 
light stocks in common hives, may be inverted, taken into a 
warm room, and fed by laying combs of honey or syrup upon 
the combs near the cluster of bees, or a feed pan or saucer may 
be fitted into the combs. Tie a cloth over the mouth of the 
hive to confine the bees. Half a pound or more of sweet will 
usually be taken down through the night, and the swarm may 
be carried to the stand in the morning. The feeding should be 
repeated once or twice a week. 
Candy is excellent for feeding bees in winter and early spring. 
They would probably not subsist upon candy alone, for any 
great length of time, but if given before the honey is quite 
exhausted, it will greatly lengthen out their failing stores. As a 
pound will last a stock from four to six weeks, it is probably the 
cheapest feed known, and has the advantages of neither stimu- 
lating breeding nor robbery. Plain white candy is best, and may 
be laid across the tops of the frames, or pushed down among the 
