In the spring, bees need water. If the tree blossoms are late in coming
out, sirup is often fed to the bees to give them a start. Patented
feeding devices are not necessary. A flat tin pan works admirably. The
best sirup for all purposes is plain granulated sugar and water, made
cold. Stir in all the sugar that the water will hold. Fill the feeding
pan with excelsior first, then sirup, and place it in the super. Little
ladders leading up to the top of the pan will help the bees get at the
sirup.
Feeding is also practised in the fall if the amount of stored honey is
short. The feeding of honey is likely to start the bees to robbing.
Under no circumstances should "market" honey be fed to bees. Diseases
are transmitted by this practice.
PLANTS THAT FURNISH HONEY OR POLLEN OR BOTH
gill-over-the-ground }
shadbush }
tulip tree }
willow }
grape }
sorrel } spring.
elm }
maple }
dandelion }
hawthorn }
red bud }
fruit trees }
clovers (cultivated) }
alfalfa }
wild sweet clover }
raspberry }
bee-balm }
blueberry }
chestnut }
corn } summer.
fig-wort }
locust }
basswood }
catnip }
horse mint }
mustard }
sage }
sumach }
buckwheat }
spider flower }
sunflowers }
fireweed }
smartweed } fall.
milk-weed }
golden-rod }
aster }
rape }
THE PRODUCTS OF THE HIVE