FEEDING. 
161 
the channels even with the top ; it is now ready to go 
under the hive to be fed. Let the two-inch space pro- 
ject out on the back side of the hive. A narrow board 
should be provided, some more than two inches wide, 
to cover it. Let the hive stand close on this board ; 
the hole in the side is sufficient for the passage of bees 
at work, till very hot weather. Thus you see that the 
hive covers all but the space behind, which the board 
covers, and not a strange bee can get at the honey, 
without entering the hole at the side, and passing 
through among the bees belonging to the hive, which 
they will not often do ; if the family is numerous, it 
makes it as safe as feeding on the top ; with this ad- 
vantage, there are no bees in the way to interfere while 
pouring in the food. When the bees are to be fed, 
raise the board at the back and pour in the honey ; the 
wire-cloth in the bottom prevents all bees from enter- 
ing this space, at the same time will let the honey pass 
through directly under the bees, which will take it 
up quicker than from any other place that I can put 
it; they will work all night even when the weather is 
quite cool. This board and feeder can be taken out 
when done feeding, and put away till wanted again ; 
if left under through the summer, it affords the worms 
a place rather too convenient to spin their cocoons, 
where they are not easily destroyed. 
FEEDING TO INDUCE EARLY SWARMS. 
If the object in feeding is to induce early swarms, of 
course the best stocks should be chosen for the pur- 
pose ; but some care is necessary not to give too much, 
