DANDELION 
265 
A large specimen of dandelion blossom, buds, and leaves—life size. The blossom here shown is larger 
than the average. The usual size is about two inches across. 
little of it is left in the hive at the begin¬ 
ning of winter, which is fortunate, since it 
is too hard to be easily eaten by the bees. 
The flow from dandelion in May lasts 
for about two weeks, and is increased by 
a succession of warm days. The honey 
varies in color from bright yellow to a deep 
amber—a little darker than that of golden- 
rod. Comb built when bees are working 
on dandelion is a beautiful shade of light 
yellow, even the older comb becoming yel¬ 
lowish. When newly gathered the honey 
has the strong odor and flavor of the dan¬ 
delion flower; but when fully ripened it 
has an agreeable taste, altho persons ac¬ 
customed to a mild honey might consider 
it too strong. If the brood-chamber is 
crowded with it, it is likely to be carried 
up into the super, injuring the quality of 
the surplus. It is thick and viscous, and 
crystallizes with a coarse grain in a short 
time. It would seem as tho a variety of 
