Round bee-feeders are made of zinc and earthenware; 8 inches across, 3 inches deep. The projection outside is a receptacle for pouring in the food; the bees gain access to the feeder through a round hole, which is placed either at the centre or nearer one side, whichever may best suit the openings on the top of the stock hive. The feeder occupies a similar position to that of the glasses or cap hives in the gathering season. A circular piece of glass, cut so as to fit into a groove, prevents the bees escaping and retains the warmth within the hive, whilst it affords opportunity for inspecting the bees whilst feeding.
The feeders were originally only made of zinc; but some bee-keepers advised the use of earthenware, and a few have been made to meet the wishes of those who give the preference to that material.
When the bees are fed from above in this manner, the feeder is kept at a warm temperature by the heat of the hive. In common hives cottagers feed the bees by pushing under the hive thin slips of wood scooped out, into which the food is poured. This plan of feeding can only be had recourse to at night, and the pieces of wood must be removed in the morning. By feeding at the top of the stock hive any interruption of the bees is avoided. For further instructions on this head see the directions given for using the bottle feeder.
A ZINC FOUNTAIN BEE FEEDER. No. 15.
We invented the fountain bee-feeder so that a larger supply of liquid food might be given to a hive than is practicable with the No. 10 round feeder.
The liquid honey is poured in at the opening, which unscrews; whilst being filled, the inside slide closing the opening through which the food passes into the feeding pan, should be shut down. When the reservoir is filled, the screw is made fast, and the slide being withdrawn, a wooden float pierced with small holes, through which the bees take the food, forms a false bottom, and rises and falls with the liquid. This feeder being on the syphon principle, like a poultry or bird water-fountain, is supplied from the reservoir until that is empty. A piece of glass is fixed in the side of the reservoir, in order that the bee-keeper may see when it is emptied. A flat piece of glass on the top prevents the bees from escaping, and through it they may be inspected whilst feeding. The bees find access to the feeder on to the perforated float through the central round hole, which is placed over a corresponding hole in the stock hive.
NUTT'S DRAWER FEEDER. No. 9.
