154 
SPRING. 
as most writers assert they will not, when the queen 
is gone ; because I have known them do it so many 
times without, that I can assure the reader again, it is 
no test whatever. The test given in chapter III. page 
73, is always certain. 
CHAP TEE IX. 
FEEDING. 
SHOULD BE A LAST RESORT. 
Feeding bees in spring is sometimes absolutely 
necessary ; but in ordinary seasons and circumstances, 
it is somewhat doubtful if it is the surest road to suc- 
cess, for the apiarian to attempt wintering any stock 
so poorly supplied with honey, th^t he feels satisfied 
will need feeding in the spring or before. I will re- 
commend in another place (in fall management) what 
I consider a better disposition of such light families. 
But as some stocks are either robbed, or from some 
other cause, consume more honey than we expect, a 
little trouble and care may save a loss. Also bees are 
often fed at this season to* promote early swarming, 
and filling boxes with surplus honey. 
CARE NEEDED. 
Considerable care is requisite, and but few know how 
to manage it properly. Honey fed to bees, is almost 
certain to get up quarrels among them. Sometimes 
strong stocks scent the honey given to weak ones, and 
carry it off as fast as supplied. i 
