John Taylor's book says to feed swarms a sugar solution made up of 20 pounds
of sugar to 1 gallon of water?   That's a 2.5 to 1 strength- fall feeding
stuff.   Not what I want to feed a fresh package.
 
I was  taught (and have had success with) feeding packages and weak colonies
1 to 1 sugar syrup to simulate a nectar flow.  The lesser concentration
simulates a natural nectar flow, and encourages the workers to draw comb and
the queen to lay eggs.  Both of these are desirable in a package.
 
How long to feed?  Maryland is funny in that respect, for no nectar comes in
during the summer.  I (in Maryland) would feed a package at least until the
fall nectar flow starts, but I will be the first to say that is because of
our local condidtions.
 
W. G. Miller
Gaithersburg, MD