88 
BEE P'ASTURAGE. 
hive, that had entered, and not finding his way out 
readily, was speedily shorn of his beautiful locks, 
and consequently his strength — that is, every par- 
ticle of hair, down, feathers, bristles, or whatever he 
had been covered with, was completely removed by 
the bees, who had no regard for his beautiful alter- 
nating stripes of yellow and brown ; which left him 
the very picture of darkness. 
CHAPTER IV. 
BEE PASTURAGE. 
In some seasons the earth is covered with snow 
much later than others. When this occurs, a greater 
number of warm days are necessary to melt it, and 
start the flowers, than otherwise. 
» 
SUBSTITUTE FOR POLLEN. 
During these warm days, while waiting for the 
flowers, the bees are anxious to do something. It is 
then interesting to watch them, and see what will be 
used as substitutes for pollen and honey. At such 
times, I have seen hundreds engaged on a heap of 
sawdust, gathering the minute particles into little pel- 
lets on their legs, seeming quite pleased with the ac- 
quisition. Rotten wood, when crumbled into powder, 
and dry, is also collected. Flour, when scattered near 
the hive, I have known to be taken up in considerable 
quantities. Some apiarians have fed it to their bees 
at this season, and consider it a great advantage ; I 
